Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2008 · 122 posts · 46 votes
Learning about zoning is arduous, to say the least. Poring through local municipal codes is a painstaking task and I still don't thoroughly understand it. So, does anybody know of any good resources to understand zoning more in depth? Good websites with good explanations of terms? Perhaps a solid book that breaks it down?
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
17y
That doesn't sound very promising. "Those bastards" are the same ones who have to approve your plans. If that's the relationship, you're in trouble from the start.
Are you trying to develop something? Or, just confirm an existing property is in compliance? Or trying to make some modification? If you're just trying to be sure a duplex is legal or add a bedroom to a house, it should be straight forward as to what's allowed. If you're trying to build a large building, you may need to hire an architect.
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
17y
Call the zoning office, or planning commission, or whatever its called. Ask them your questions. If you're considering a property, and think there is a zoning issue, discuss the specific property with them. If you're thinking about building something, tell them what you have in mind and ask if there are any issues. Don't beat around the bush or try to get some specific answer from them. Be up front and specific. Better to find the real road blocks before they're you're problem.
If you're attempting some big project, there are firms in your area that will specialize in working with the planning commission. Drive around and look for construction projects and find out who the builder or architect is and start asking questions.
Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
17y
Department of Planning and Development should be able to guide you and they have reference materials available.
Also, you can consult with an Enginerring company (land development) as they are quite familiar with zoning, impact fees, drainage, utilities, etc.
Then there is soil testing, trench compaction & densities which can be handled by a geo tech firm.
Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2008 · 122 posts · 46 votes
17y
Thanks.... those bastards at the zoning office weren't very helpful. They basically referred me back to the same confusing *** municipal codes on their website. Fortunately for them, I'm just getting general information about zoning at a particular property, no specific questions (yet).
There's a silver lining in all of this: poring through those zoning provisions and whatnot gave me a better understanding of zoning laws in general. Sometimes teaching yourself is the best way to go.
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
17y
That doesn't sound very promising. "Those bastards" are the same ones who have to approve your plans. If that's the relationship, you're in trouble from the start.
Are you trying to develop something? Or, just confirm an existing property is in compliance? Or trying to make some modification? If you're just trying to be sure a duplex is legal or add a bedroom to a house, it should be straight forward as to what's allowed. If you're trying to build a large building, you may need to hire an architect.
Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2008 · 122 posts · 46 votes
17y
We're looking to make some modifications on the current property and I was doing the leg work to see what restrictions we should expect with further development.
We're in the pre-planning stages, so I'm not too worried about developing a rapport with the customer service guy in the Planning department.
Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
17y
I agree with Jon. You ARE developing a relationship with the customer service guy, the receptionist , inspector etc. Trust me, you don't want a rep....
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
17y
You don't think that customer service rep might say to the planner, "this guy want's to schedule a meeting to discuss plans. He's a real jerk." A good relationship with the person at the front desk is ALWAYS a good place to start. Always. These folks often have much more power in an office than you might think.
Zoning office is a good place to start, but it's kind like calling the IRS and asking how to save money on taxes. They will tell you what the zoning means and says, but they won't tell you what the loopholes are. For example, adding bee hives to your property could open it up to Agritourism which may have much more relaxed zoning restrictions. Finding a local firm to help with permitting and zoning is a good option but could be expensive.