Failing to Know Your Community's Zoning Code Can Cost You

Before you begin the process of developing your land, it is important that you understand the process of getting a zoning permit and what you need to you as you progress the steps of the process.

Here are a couple of things that you should be aware of when you want to develop your property.

Become Familiar With Your Municipal Zoning Regulations

Municipal land use regulations are often overlooked by property owners in a municipality. One such widely used regulation is Zoning.

The idea behind Zoning is to segregate land use types that are thought to be incompatible. Zoning regulations are adopted by a local municipality to ensure that new development fits in with existing development. Zoning regulations provide such rules as setbacks on property, height restrictions on structures, and areas of the property to be occupied or left open.

Zoning is also how a municipality decides allowable uses for a parcel of land. It controls the location of different land uses in a community and may be used to restrict the types of uses to which land may be developed and the intensity of development. By controlling the location , use and intensity (density), zoning can play a significant role in protecting features such as farms, fragile environmental areas, historic areas or rural villages.

Zoning regulations typically divide land within the municipality into various zones. Here are examples of common zones and some uses permitted in each one.

• Residential - Single family or Two-family housing
• Commercial - Retail office space, Light business, Multi-family housing
• Industrial - Manufacturing, Food Processing, Chemical plants
• Agricultural - Farming, Livestock
• Open Space - Public lands

The basis of Zoning is the ability of a local municipality to have rules that limit the impact of a commercial building or factory on the homes of people living in the community. Zoning regulations ensure that new development fits in with existing development.

Check With Your Local Municipality Regarding Their Zoning Regulations

Depending on how your local proposed development is listed in the municipal zoning ordinance schedule of uses, zoning permit application might have to be reviewed by the municipal planning commission and local elected officials or zoning hearing board.

Local municipalities (townships, boroughs, cities) that administer zoning regulations will have a zoning officer that can provide you with information. It would be beneficial for you to contact your local zoning officer to find out what zoning regulations are in place and how they will affect any plans you may have to develop your property. If your township, borough or city doesn't have a zoning ordinance, you might want to contact your county planning commission to see if the county has a zoning ordinance.

Having a conversation with the zoning officer and becoming familiar with applicable zoning regulations can save you time and possibly money in your land development projects.