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Zoning Permit vs. Building Permit: What’s the Difference?
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Sep 13, 2024
When it comes to construction, knowing what permits to submit is a necessary first step for a smooth build. Understanding the differences between a zoning permit and a building permit is crucial before starting your project. These two types of permits serve different purposes, and knowing which one applies to your project can save you time and money.
Zoning permits and building permits are two types of permits that are often mistaken for each other, and knowing the nuances of each is important for those in the construction industry. In this article, we break down the intricacies of each type of permit and why they’re important to construction projects.
What is a Zoning Permit?
A zoning permit is a type of municipal permit that dictates how a specific parcel of land can be used. Local governments often implement a long-term strategy that dictates how they want land to be used for the betterment of their population. This is known as a comprehensive plan. A zoning permit ensures that the land use complies with the local zoning laws. This includes regulations on building heights, lot coverage, and the types of activities that can be conducted on the property. Zoning laws also determine whether a property can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
For example, if a residential construction company is looking to build a new subset of residential homes in a currently empty parcel of land, the government will need to consider other important resources necessary for the future residents there. Consider important public services such as a fire station, local libraries, parks, or schools. Obtaining a zoning permit involves submitting a detailed site plan and land use proposal to the local zoning board. The board reviews the proposal to ensure it aligns with the community's comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
Zoning regulations are often managed by state legislation and are not entirely set in stone. Communities are growing and adapting and it is possible to request zoning changes as long as you process the correct information with the right departments.
What’s Included Under Zoning Permits?
The areas covered under zoning permits often include:
- Land usage (agricultural, retail, residential, etc.)
- City resource usage (such as electrical, water, and sewage)
- Public safety considerations
- Community need of specific types of buildings or businesses
In addition to land use, zoning permits also cover aspects like building setbacks from property lines, parking requirements, and landscaping. These regulations help maintain the character of neighborhoods and ensure that new developments are compatible with existing structures.
A common example of a zoning dispute is what kind of businesses are allowed around schools, parks, or anywhere a higher population of kids may be present. Less family-friendly businesses, such as liquor stores or smoke shops, would not be able to open due to zoning regulations.
What is a Building Permit?
A building permit is a government-issued document that assures that the construction of a building is structurally sound. Building permits are critical to ensuring that construction projects meet all safety codes, whether for new constructions or renovations of existing structures. Without a building permit, you might face fines, delays, and even demolition of unauthorized work.
Building permits focus more on the construction of the actual building itself, and less on how the building is used. When someone talks about a building being “up-to-code,” chances are they’re referring to standardized building codes designed to ensure the security and safety of a building
The process of obtaining a building permit typically involves submitting architectural and engineering plans to the building department. These plans are reviewed by your local municipality to ensure they comply with local building codes and standards.
What is Included Under Building Permits?
While the exact specifications of building codes vary between jurisdictions, building permits often include
- Any alterations, renovations, or demolitions of existing structures
- Major changes to plumbing, electrical, or ventilation
- Creation of new buildings
- Modifications to change the intended use of a building
Building permits are also required for any significant changes to the building’s structure, including adding new rooms, changing the roofline, or installing new windows. Electrical and plumbing work often requires separate permits to ensure all installations meet safety standards.
How do Zoning Permits and Building Permits Differ?
The easiest way to remember the difference between zoning and building permits is usage. Zoning permits dictate how a specific building can be used, such as residential or retail. Building permits dictate how a building should be properly constructed to ensure the safety and longevity of a building and the community around it.
While zoning permits focus on the use of the land and its impact on the community, building permits are concerned with the technical aspects of construction. This distinction is crucial for developers and contractors to understand to avoid costly project delays. For example, a project may receive a zoning permit to operate as a commercial space but still need a building permit to ensure the structure itself is safe for occupancy.
It’s important to remember that zoning and building permits vary by jurisdiction. If you’re wondering if a project you need a permit is covered under a zoning permit or a building permit, it’s best to use a permit management tool like PermitFlow that helps detail everything you need to submit a permit correctly.
Why are zoning permits and building permits necessary?
While applying for permits can be a hassle and create additional delays, both zoning and building permits are a necessary part of the construction process. Zoning permits help manage urban growth and development, ensuring that new projects contribute positively to the community. Building permits, on the other hand, are vital for protecting public health and safety by enforcing construction standards. The entire process of receiving approval for a permit can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months, so it is important to follow processes and ensure your project stays within its expected timeline.
Zoning permits and building permits were created to ensure the safety and maintain the lifestyle of the community around them. Zoning helps to ensure that residents have an adequate mix of necessary resources accessible to them. Building permits guarantee that every building has a base-level line of security to every building. Both types of permits are essential for sustainable development. They ensure efficient land use and building safety, which ultimately enhances the quality of life for residents, workers, and the surrounding community.
Managing Permit Submissions
For those in the construction industry managing different projects at the same time, juggling multiple building permits at once can be a nightmare. With permit management software like PermitFlow, your team can check the status of multiple permits at a glance, and respond to needs as soon as they arise.
Permit management software like PermitFlow can also help track deadlines and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted on time. This reduces the risk of penalties and project delays. With PermitFlow, you can also maintain a digital archive of all permits and related documents, making it easy to reference past projects and stay compliant with local regulations.
Interested in learning how PermitFlow can streamline your permit submission process?
Understanding the difference between zoning and building permits is essential for any construction project. Both permits serve critical roles in ensuring that developments are safe, compliant, and beneficial to the community.
PermitFlow offers comprehensive solutions for managing building permits, ensuring efficiency and transparency in your projects.
If you're interested in learning how PermitFlow can streamline your permit submission process and help you navigate these complexities, speak with one of our permitting experts today.
When it comes to construction, knowing what permits to submit is a necessary first step for a smooth build. Understanding the differences between a zoning permit and a building permit is crucial before starting your project. These two types of permits serve different purposes, and knowing which one applies to your project can save you time and money.
Zoning permits and building permits are two types of permits that are often mistaken for each other, and knowing the nuances of each is important for those in the construction industry. In this article, we break down the intricacies of each type of permit and why they’re important to construction projects.
What is a Zoning Permit?
A zoning permit is a type of municipal permit that dictates how a specific parcel of land can be used. Local governments often implement a long-term strategy that dictates how they want land to be used for the betterment of their population. This is known as a comprehensive plan. A zoning permit ensures that the land use complies with the local zoning laws. This includes regulations on building heights, lot coverage, and the types of activities that can be conducted on the property. Zoning laws also determine whether a property can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
For example, if a residential construction company is looking to build a new subset of residential homes in a currently empty parcel of land, the government will need to consider other important resources necessary for the future residents there. Consider important public services such as a fire station, local libraries, parks, or schools. Obtaining a zoning permit involves submitting a detailed site plan and land use proposal to the local zoning board. The board reviews the proposal to ensure it aligns with the community's comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
Zoning regulations are often managed by state legislation and are not entirely set in stone. Communities are growing and adapting and it is possible to request zoning changes as long as you process the correct information with the right departments.
What’s Included Under Zoning Permits?
The areas covered under zoning permits often include:
- Land usage (agricultural, retail, residential, etc.)
- City resource usage (such as electrical, water, and sewage)
- Public safety considerations
- Community need of specific types of buildings or businesses
In addition to land use, zoning permits also cover aspects like building setbacks from property lines, parking requirements, and landscaping. These regulations help maintain the character of neighborhoods and ensure that new developments are compatible with existing structures.
A common example of a zoning dispute is what kind of businesses are allowed around schools, parks, or anywhere a higher population of kids may be present. Less family-friendly businesses, such as liquor stores or smoke shops, would not be able to open due to zoning regulations.
What is a Building Permit?
A building permit is a government-issued document that assures that the construction of a building is structurally sound. Building permits are critical to ensuring that construction projects meet all safety codes, whether for new constructions or renovations of existing structures. Without a building permit, you might face fines, delays, and even demolition of unauthorized work.
Building permits focus more on the construction of the actual building itself, and less on how the building is used. When someone talks about a building being “up-to-code,” chances are they’re referring to standardized building codes designed to ensure the security and safety of a building
The process of obtaining a building permit typically involves submitting architectural and engineering plans to the building department. These plans are reviewed by your local municipality to ensure they comply with local building codes and standards.
What is Included Under Building Permits?
While the exact specifications of building codes vary between jurisdictions, building permits often include
- Any alterations, renovations, or demolitions of existing structures
- Major changes to plumbing, electrical, or ventilation
- Creation of new buildings
- Modifications to change the intended use of a building
Building permits are also required for any significant changes to the building’s structure, including adding new rooms, changing the roofline, or installing new windows. Electrical and plumbing work often requires separate permits to ensure all installations meet safety standards.
How do Zoning Permits and Building Permits Differ?
The easiest way to remember the difference between zoning and building permits is usage. Zoning permits dictate how a specific building can be used, such as residential or retail. Building permits dictate how a building should be properly constructed to ensure the safety and longevity of a building and the community around it.
While zoning permits focus on the use of the land and its impact on the community, building permits are concerned with the technical aspects of construction. This distinction is crucial for developers and contractors to understand to avoid costly project delays. For example, a project may receive a zoning permit to operate as a commercial space but still need a building permit to ensure the structure itself is safe for occupancy.
It’s important to remember that zoning and building permits vary by jurisdiction. If you’re wondering if a project you need a permit is covered under a zoning permit or a building permit, it’s best to use a permit management tool like PermitFlow that helps detail everything you need to submit a permit correctly.
Why are zoning permits and building permits necessary?
While applying for permits can be a hassle and create additional delays, both zoning and building permits are a necessary part of the construction process. Zoning permits help manage urban growth and development, ensuring that new projects contribute positively to the community. Building permits, on the other hand, are vital for protecting public health and safety by enforcing construction standards. The entire process of receiving approval for a permit can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months, so it is important to follow processes and ensure your project stays within its expected timeline.
Zoning permits and building permits were created to ensure the safety and maintain the lifestyle of the community around them. Zoning helps to ensure that residents have an adequate mix of necessary resources accessible to them. Building permits guarantee that every building has a base-level line of security to every building. Both types of permits are essential for sustainable development. They ensure efficient land use and building safety, which ultimately enhances the quality of life for residents, workers, and the surrounding community.
Managing Permit Submissions
For those in the construction industry managing different projects at the same time, juggling multiple building permits at once can be a nightmare. With permit management software like PermitFlow, your team can check the status of multiple permits at a glance, and respond to needs as soon as they arise.
Permit management software like PermitFlow can also help track deadlines and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted on time. This reduces the risk of penalties and project delays. With PermitFlow, you can also maintain a digital archive of all permits and related documents, making it easy to reference past projects and stay compliant with local regulations.
Interested in learning how PermitFlow can streamline your permit submission process?
Understanding the difference between zoning and building permits is essential for any construction project. Both permits serve critical roles in ensuring that developments are safe, compliant, and beneficial to the community.
PermitFlow offers comprehensive solutions for managing building permits, ensuring efficiency and transparency in your projects.
If you're interested in learning how PermitFlow can streamline your permit submission process and help you navigate these complexities, speak with one of our permitting experts today.
