Understanding which type of permit to obtain is one of the first steps of any construction project. Let’s take a look at the differences between zoning permits and building permits.
What Is A Zoning Permit?
This is a type of permit used to dictate how a specific parcel of land can be utilized. Local governments typically implement long-term strategies for how they want certain land used, with the betterment of the community the focus. This is referred to as a comprehensive plan.
Oftentimes, it will include regulations on building heights, lot coverage, and the allowed activities that may be conducted on a site. Zoning laws are also in place to help determine whether a particular property can be used for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes.
For instance, if a construction company wishes to build a new subset of residential homes, the local government will first consider other crucial resources necessary for the future residents in that area. Public services, including parks, schools, libraries, and fire stations, will be prioritized.
In order to obtain a zoning permit, a party will need to submit a detailed site plan and land use proposal to the appropriate local zoning board. The board is then responsible for reviewing the proposal, ensuring it does indeed align with the community’s current comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
Zoning regulations are usually managed by state legislation, which means they are not entirely set in stone. As long as you process the right information with the correct departments, it will be possible to request zoning changes.
What Does A Zoning Permit Include?
A zoning permit typically covers the following areas:
- Land usage, whether it is residential, retail, agricultural, etc.
- Public safety considerations.
- City resource usage.
- Community needs.
Additionally, these permits can also cover things like landscaping, property lines, and parking requirements. These regulations are in place to preserve the character of the neighborhoods.
What Is A Building Permit?
A building permit is a formal approval issued by a local governmental agency allowing you or your contractor to progress with a remodeling or construction project on your property. It is designed to guarantee that the project intends to adhere with local regulations for zoning, land use, and construction. These regulations are intended to guarantee the safety of present and future owners and inhabitants and to offer enforcement of zoning and land-use guidelines
Not every home construction and renovation project needs a building permit. In a lot of cases, straightforward repairs and replacements can be carried out by professional contractors or homeowners without applying for one.
Nevertheless, any job that involves additions or significant modifications to your home’s structure or its automated systems typically requires you to apply for the correct permit from the local building division. Should you be hiring a contractor to carry out the work, they usually are going to handle the permit process on your behalf, factoring in the expenses of the permit for their bid.
If you are doing the work on your own, it is your responsibility for applying for the correct permit. Be aware that your building division might require that some types of work be carried out only by licensed contractors. Work on gas lines, for instance, may be restricted to homeowners in some communities.
The requirements for permits differ widely from location to location, though, and the only way you can know for sure if a permit is needed is to get a hold of your local building division and describe the work you wish to accomplish. Some locations might require permits for just about every type of work, even constructing a landscape fence. The decision to require a permit or not, is usually subject to an evaluation of the relative endangerment the work poses to present and future residents of the home.
How Does The Building Permit Process Work?
If you are planning to do the work yourself, the process of getting a building permit usually goes like this:
- Contact your local building division and describe the type of project you are wanting to do. If a permit is required, an application document is going to be provided to you that describes the requirements for applying for a building permit. Some projects may require more than one permit. A significant remodeling project, for instance, might necessitate a carpentry/construction one, an electrical one, and a plumbing one.
- Fill out the permit application, including any additional materials that might be required. Construction projects might require blueprints of the work you are planning.
- Present the building permit application and pay any fees that are required. The licensing office is going to then issue you an official building permit.
- When you start work, post the permit as required. This might mean taping the building permit to a window or door close to where work is going to being done.
- At the approved points throughout the work, get ahold of the inspection office to schedule for an inspector to come to the worksite and review the projects quality. Should the inspector order any changes to the work, finish any changes, and have the inspector come back out to review the work once more.
- After the inspector accepts the work, you are no longer required to display the building permit.
What Happens If A Building Permit Expires?
On average, a building permit is valid for about 6 months. This timeline begins once you have obtained the permit and if you have yet to start working on the project.
In the event you have already started the construction process, the permit is typically good for 1-2 years.
If your building permit ultimately expires, there is no need to panic. However, it is advised to stop working on the project for the time being. Continuing to work following the permit’s expiration could result in penalties and fines.
When the permit expires, you can either apply for a new one, renew the permit, or request an extension. You can expect to pay nearly 50% of the initial permit fee if work has not been paused for more than one year. If work has been paused longer than one year, you’ll likely pay the full permit fee once more.
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