What Is A Zoning Permit?

When it comes to new construction projects, one of the first steps is knowing which type of permit to obtain. Understanding the differences between a building permit and a zoning permit is essential. Let’s take a look at everything a zoning permit includes.

What Is A Zoning Permit Used For?

Zoning permits are a type of municipal permit designed to dictate how a specific parcel of land is to be used. Local governments will usually develop a long-term strategy to show how they want the land to be utilized for the betterment of the surrounding area. This is referred to as a comprehensive plan, with a zoning permit in place to ensure the land use complies with the local zoning laws.

This can include regulations on such things as building heights, lot coverage, and the types of activities that can be conducted on the specific property. Zoning laws are also used to determine whether a property can be used specifically for commercial, residential, or industrial purposes.

Obtaining a zoning permit will involve the submission of a detailed site plan and the land use proposal to the local zoning board. The board will then review and either approve or deny the plan. Zoning regulations are often managed by state legislation, meaning they are not always set in stone.

What Do Zoning Permits Include?

Typically, the areas covered under zoning permits will include the following:

• Land usage, including residential, retail, agricultural, etc.
• Public safety considerations.
• City resource usage like water, sewage, and electrical.
• Community needs.

Zoning permits can also cover things like building setbacks from landscaping, parking requirements, and property lines. These regulations have been put in place to maintain the quality of neighborhoods, ensuring new construction is compatible with existing structures.

Differences Between Zoning Permits And Building Permits

Usage is the easiest way to differentiate these two permit types. Zoning permits will dictate exactly how a specific building can be used, including residential and retail. Building permits, meanwhile, dictate how a building should be constructed in order to ensure the building and surrounding community’s longevity and safety.

While zoning permits will focus on the use of the land and the impact on the surrounding community, building permits are more concern with the technical aspects of the construction process. This distinction is essential for both contractors and developers to understand in order to avoid potential costly delays. For instance, a project could receive a zoning permit to operate as a commercial space but still require a building permit to the safety of the structure.

It’s crucial to know zoning and building permits will vary by jurisdiction. Always check to see if your project requires a building permit or zoning permit ahead of time.

Source: “Zoning Permit Vs. Building Permit: What’s The Difference?” Permit Flow https://www.permitflow.com/blog/zoning-permit-vs-building-permit