In many communities around the world, individuals or businesses that want to change a property that they own must get a permit.If you want to build a garden shed on your property, you have to get a permit from the city.Businesses may need permits to change the way they use a property.The general procedure to get a permit for a small project is the same as the big one.
Step 1: If you want to learn more about your community's local ordinances, study it.
In most places, the issue ofzoning is a local issue.To get information, you will want to visit your city hall or town hall.If you live in a city or town, you're probably familiar with a set of rules known as the local zoning ordinances.Speak with someone at town hall and get a copy of the regulations.You can check online for a lot of documents.If you live in a community that is tech savvy, you may be able to search for your community's code online.The City of Detroit has everything you need to fill out an application, including the latest maps.
Step 2: Review with an attorney.
The process of applying for a permit is not very difficult.Any resident of the community should be able to read and follow the local code.Depending on the scale of the project, you may need legal help.A lawyer can help you organize and understand the requirements of your project if it is large or complicated.
Step 3: Talk to the public works director.
Most cities or towns have a department of public works that is in charge of planning and building.It can be used to plan a meeting with the director.The director should be able to help you play your application, review the information that you need, and decide if there are better ways for you to proceed.Key Biscayne, Florida, has a website for the Department of Building, Planning,zoning and Public Works.All the staff of that department are given contact information.The person is identified as the Zoning Plan Reviewer.You may be able to get answers to simple questions with a phone call.The director of public works should be able to meet with you if you need more help or want to review your project.
Step 4: Determine what type of land you need for the project.
You will get an understanding of the way the laws are arranged after you review your town's plan.This will help you figure out what permission you need.Building a tool shed in your own backyard will require a different level of permission than a business in a residential neighborhood.Look at your project and figure out what you need.A long list of different projects is included in the application form for the town of North Brunswick, New Jersey.There is a space for indicating whether the area is residential, non-residential or commercial.
Step 5: Obtain a copy of the application form.
You will need a copy of the application form to get the relief you need.You will need a permit to build in some communities.zoning refers to the use of buildings and land in certain geographical regions, while a building permit applies specifically to construction of various typesYou can request it through your City Hall'szoning office.
Step 6: Ground plans, blueprints, and other documents can be collected.
The impact that your proposal will have on the surrounding area is usually part of your request.This includes showing how the area is already categorized.Copies of maps or ground plans are required.You should have free access to the documents you need because they are in the public record.Depending on what you need, you may have to pay a copying fee.
Step 7: Take the details of the work that you propose.
You have to submit details of the project that you propose in order for the application to be approved.This must be very detailed.You need to read the application instructions very carefully and follow the instructions carefully.An instrument survey of the area, a scale drawing of any building additions, and maps of landscape plans are required for the Town of Pittsford, NY.
Step 8: You should have the owner's permission.
You will need to get the owner's permission if you are not the one who owns the property.This may be easier if the owner is an individual.If you propose a project on a piece of public or commercial land, you may need to investigate the property's ownership.To be sure you have permission, you need to plan ahead and account for some extra time.
Step 9: The paperwork needs to be completed.
The process for a permit will begin with an application form.Make sure you fill out the right form for your project.You should have all the additional paperwork and materials for the application.To make sure you have everything you need for your application, many towns will provide a checklist.
Step 10: The paperwork needs to be submitted.
Gathering your application together is the best way to file it.Pay attention to which office you submit it to.Sometimes you can just submit your application to the main clerk's office at city hall, but other times you will be directed to submit the application directly to an individual or office.Send your application to the correct office to make sure it doesn't get lost.You need to know how many copies to submit.You may need to file one application.Some communities will need more copies.You need to file 12 copies of your application in Pittsfield, NY.
Step 11: If you have a filing fee, include it.
Find out if the community requires a fee for a permit as part of your application process.To find out how you can pay this, check with the clerk or someone in the office.You need to pay the right fee for the proposal you are submitting.Different types of permits have different filing fees.
Step 12: If necessary, attend a hearing.
If you are lucky, your application may be approved without a hearing.You will probably need to attend a public hearing if you want to address your application.You should check with the city clerk to find out the procedure for such hearings when you file your application.It's your responsibility to make sure that your application is scheduled for hearing because the scheduling of a meeting may be automatic.The third Wednesday of each month is when the Little Compton, Rhode Island, Zoning Board meets to consider applications.There is space on the application form for the city's Zoning Board to meet and record its action on any proposal.
Step 13: The hearing should be treated seriously and professionally.
You need to be prepared for the hearing.Extra copies of your application package are required.You may be able to explain your application with enlarged exhibits of the area map.You can't be certain if the meeting is a formality or if members of the board are going to ask detailed questions.You should be prepared for anything.Depending on where you live, you may want to speak with individual members of the board before the meeting.You can get a sense of the level of acceptance when you attend a hearing.Some communities list their board members on their websites.