Your house, your rules, right? Well, that’s only so true. In most cities and counties, there are rules outlining what you can do with your land. These rules, or zoning restrictions, decide what’s permissible to build.
How Do Zoning Restrictions Work?
Zoning restrictions help keep property values high by maintaining a sense of uniformity in a neighborhood. They also consider a number of community issues. Things like the environment, emergency access, water runoff and the impact projects could have on your neighbors will all typically factor in.
Some of the most common examples of residential zoning restrictions include:
- How much you can build: In many areas, there are rules regarding building size. Zoning also often determines how much of your property you can develop.
- Where you can build: Zoning usually covers structure placement. You’ll need to follow setback rules, maintain right-of-way, practice nature conservation and more.
- What you can build: The rules also determine how you can use the property. This generally applies whether you’re putting up a new structure or repurposing an existing one.
Zoning restrictions can pose obstacles to progress, but they are costly to ignore. Moving forward with projects that defy them can lead to fines. You’ll also have to stop construction, and you may have to tear everything down. The good news is, if you want to do something unallowed by your zoning restrictions, you may be able to work around it. There’s something called a variance that gives the permission you need to see your project through.
What Is a Variance?
A variance is a formal request to do something outside the regular zoning requirements. Variances do not change the law. They are waivers that only apply to the specific project. If granted, they provide you with the exception you need to complete the work. If they’re denied, the project (for the most part) stops there.
How to Get a Zoning Variance
A zoning variance is something you have to apply for before you can get a building permit. It usually involves filling out a detailed form about the property and the proposed project, plus paying a filing fee. Whoever is in charge will also get the neighborhood involved. They’ll poll everyone affected by the project to see if they are OK with moving forward or want to challenge the idea. The exact requirements you’ll have to follow will depend on where you live.
In most cases, people looking to obtain a variance will work with a general contractor. General contractors are familiar with the language used by zoning commissions. They understand construction and know the information needed to complete your request. A contractor will walk you through the entire process to ensure your argument has the best chance of success.
Contact a General Contractor for Your Zoning Variance
If you have a project you want to complete, talk to us first to find out if it’s something you need to get permission to build. Shane Dean Company is a licensed general contractor serving Clatsop County. We’ll come out to take a look and provide you with a free consultation.
Message us using our contact form to get started or dial 503-440-0915.