You need to request a zoning permit to start a business in any city in the United States, except in cases where the business is exempt from this requirement.
Exterior and interior jobs that require a zoning permit
Exterior and interior jobs that require you to apply for the zoning permit are as follows:
Exterior work: remodeling in existing buildings including garage and building structures.
Changes in the appearance of the building, the alteration in elevations including the alteration of the cladding or the replacement of windows or other changes that alter the finish and change the exterior appearance.
Changes in use or expansion.
Modifications to lots or site improvements including increased lot coverage, excavation or backfill that relates to improvements, retaining walls, fences, land development.
The removal of trees, either 6 or more, each 10 inches or more, or the removal of 10 trees or more, each 3 inches or more, during a consecutive period of 12 months.
This type of land development will require the advance approval of the DRB under the criteria established in the 2nd part of article 6 before the permit is issued.
Exterior lighting of sheds, garages, new buildings, outbuildings, parking areas whether new, expanded, walkways and driveways.
Porches, decks, patios, satellite dishes over 12 inches in diameter, wireless telecommunications facilities, and other antennas.
Site improvements, exterior utility meter placement, and garbage containers.
The installation and dismantling of swimming pools, the subdivision of the land, the ramps for the disabled when they are installed temporarily for 90 days.
Interior work: The interior works that require the permit application are:
Increasing the living space including the attic, bedrooms, basement, garage and the installation of an additional kitchen.
The change of use and occupation of the property, for example the increase or decrease of the number of units.
How to process the zoning permit
To process the zoning permit Visit or call the planning staff at the planning information center as soon as you have made your project plan.
Depending on the activities you propose, you may need permission from the building department, but remember to check with other city departments to make sure your project meets all the required criteria.
The planning department offers you a practical guide for most types of projects, as each project requires that you have the information about the zoning use of your property.
Entrices you must know to know what is allowed in your area and the limits that apply to your project.
Well, when you want to change a property you must obtain permission to build new structures, then you must find out the current provisions on zoning.
Read the local zoning ordinances for your community, as in most areas, this issue has to do with the local.
In any case, requesting the permit is not very complicated, since the ordinances can be found online and they are written so that any resident of a community can read and understand them.
However, you may need legal advice in the event that your project is very large, complicated and includes several parts, then a lawyer will help you organize and understand all the requirements.
You can also contact the director of public works, as most cities have a public works department that controls planning and construction.
Well, you can solve the simplest questions by calling, but if you need other help or want to review your project in general, the director of public works can meet with you and solve all your doubts.
Once you review your city’s zoning plan, you will know the permit you need for your project.
For example, a permanent construction in the yard of your property requires a different permit than if you establish a business in a residential neighborhood.
Exemptions: Anyway, there are exemptions for the management of the zoning permit and they are:
External modifications of a single family home in a legally existing RL zoning district undesigned review ratio, prior to the adoption of this ordinance on a compliant lot not eligible to be entered in the state or national register of historic places.
But this is an exemption that will not apply to:
Increased lot coverage, increased living space, improvements in a special flood hazard area, tree removal from any single family home lot consisting of no more than three-quarters of an acre.
Tree removal that is included under a proven tree maintenance plan.
The maintenance and repair of any exterior architectural element or the substitution of species that does not imply a change in the location, design, material or exterior appearance.
Temporary ramps for the disabled for a period of no more than 90 days.
The power generation plants of the public transmission companies that are regulated.
Accepted agricultural and forestry practices, including the construction of agricultural structures, as defined by the secretary of agriculture, food and markets or the commissioner of forests, parks and recreation.
However, you must bear in mind that before the construction of agricultural structures, the farmer must notify the administrative officer in writing about the proposed activity.
The notice should contain an outline of the proposed structure including rollbacks.
The temporary stabilization and fixation of any structure, site, or building feature required to address an unsafe or dangerous condition, poses an imminent threat to public safety, according to a written order issued by the authority of the building inspector. from the city.
When temporary stabilization is not reasonably available, emergency demolition of any structure, building, or site required to address an unsafe or dangerous condition that poses an imminent threat to public safety in accordance with an order issued by the written authority of the city by the construction inspector with the written concurrence of the city engineer.
This exemption does not extend beyond required demolition, debris clearance, filling of cellar pits, and related erosion control and stormwater management.