Zoning
and permits have been put in place to define what all owners
can do with their real estate property and in most cases cover
the actual home or facility and related property around the
home. The homeowner needs to understand that zoning and permit
laws follow specific designed procedures that are controlled
by specific regulations and or permits granted by state or
local government.
Zoning
Before doing something on the property an owner needs to determine and/or understand the specific zoning regulations impacting the property. Zoning regulates such aspects as use of the property, density, building height and size, setbacks, and parking and open space requirements. Also development in the local neighborhood is often times regulated to some extent by zoning standards.
If your proposed development is not allowed under existing zoning, you may want to consider amendments for zoning through an application for rezoning. Alternatively if the proposed development is in accordance with the existing zoning, all that owners need to do is to obtain the necessary permits prior to construction.
Character of Neighborhood
The type of development allowed in the neighborhood is determined to some extent by its zoning; i.e. residential or commercial or a designation of historical landmark. If the property in question is in a designated landmark historic district, then a design review process has in most cases been set in place that must be addressed prior to any demolition or additions.
Permits
Permits are needed for any modification, exterior remodeling, or repairs to single and multi-family dwellings. One must keep in mind that all work on the given site must be completed in one year from the permit issue date, or else penalty is charged per day. If the proposed development is in accordance with the existing zoning, the owner will need to obtain the necessary permits prior to construction. This mainly comprises zoning permits and building permits – other necessary permits include permits for transportation (right-of-way), forestry, wastewater, erosion control, fences, property line location, storm water management and water department.