The intent of Zoning Regulations is to ensure the most appropriate use of land.
In general, Zoning regulates location, size, height, number of stores and use of buildings and land.
Therefore, in order to apply for and obtain a Building Permit, a plan review must be conducted to determine compliance to local Zoning Regulations in order for a Zoning Permit to be issued.
To verify the zone of a particular property, the zoning office has land use maps available to the public between the hours of 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.
The plan review for zoning compliance and the issuance of zoning permits are conducted between the hours of 8:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M., Monday through Friday.
First obtain necessary forms and Sign-off sheet from the Building Department.
The Building Department will indicate all necessary Departmental sign-offs for a Building Permit at this time.
Zoning requires a sign-off from the Environmental Protection Board as a pre-requisite for a Zoning Permit. However, Zoning staff will conduct preliminary plan reviews of any project prior to EPB sign-off to determine Zoning compliance.
Generally, for most projects which consist of any expansion of height, footprint, floor area or use, a survey of the property will be required. Said survey must reflect existing site conditions showing the size and exact location of all improvements. Also required are the proposed improvement Building Plans in scaleable form reflecting floor plans, elevations and cross section (Example: New addition, dormers).
For projects which consist of modifications to existing legal non-conforming structures in terms of use or size, copies of the 1950's thru present Tax Assessor's Field Card will be required for review to validate legal non-conforming status. Also, required are copies of prior Building Department Permits and corresponding Certificates of Occupancy relevant to the project (Example: interior renovations to a multi-family structure located in a single-family zone).
For projects which increase uses of a property or changes one use to another use, a survey is necessary. Said survey is to show existing and proposed structures, as well as available parking which must be provided for review to determine zoning compliance.
Zoning Permits are required for all accessory structures, temporary or permanent, including but not limited to: signs, walls, fences, pools, certain playground equipment, garage structures, tents, decks virtually all structures constructed above grade.
Excavations and removal of excavated materials of more than 100 cubic yards requires zoning approval and a zoning permit. Contact the zoning office for additional information.
Zoning Permits are also required for all new uses of a particular building or land even if no changes to the existing building or premise is proposed. Before committing your proposed business venture to a specific location, contact the zoning office for a determination of compliance to current zoning regulations.
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