Issues filing for New Construction project

[Jon H.]

I’m planning out my first deal right now. Not looking to pull the trigger for another year or so but would like to research as much as possible in the meantime. I plan to buy vacant land (10,000-15,000 SF) and install a single family modular home (1,500-2,000 SF). This would be located in either Rockland County or Orange County, New York.

I work in the AEC industry and am familiar with the general structure of zoning regulations and permits. However, I have never personally gone through the filing process for a New Construction project. I’m confident that I can plan out the lot/house to by fully complaint with local codes but is that always sufficient to get approval?

I am worried about the municipality rejecting the New Construction proposal either because they don’t favor modular homes or they don’t want additional homes in that particular area. I’m assuming the municipality can reject proposals at their discretion. Is it a common occurrence for plans to be rejected despite the proposal being fully complaint with all local codes and regulations?

The proposal wouldn’t be made to the municipality until after I’ve already purchased the land and had the sewage system/foundation designed. I suppose I could appeal any rejection but would rather not go through that.

I’d appreciate any insight to this part of the process. I’m sure it varies greatly by municipality but would love to hear overall experiences.

Thank you!

[Eric Teran]

@Jon H. I’m an Architect and as long as you build what is legally by right they can’t deny you a permit. If you asked for a variance or special exception or a change in use, etc. Then they can deny your application. However, it sounds like you will not be doing any of that so you will be fine. Just verify all the site requirements. You do this by going to the zoning or planning office in you jurisdiction and ask them what may be built on that lot. There will be setbacks, height limits, and so on. Just adhere to those code regulations and you are fine.

I’m regards to modular it is not different than stick built. The value of the house will not be affected. No one can tell it is a modular house. Don’t get confused with modular and manufactured. Modular site on a permanent foundation while manufactured is on a chasis and usually in a mobile home park.

If down correctly modular will save you money and it will definitely save you time. I built my own house using Superior Walls for the basement which are prefabricated and a modular system for the two upper floors. PM me and I can give you my website that shows my house and a daily blog that I kept during construction so you can have an idea what you are in for. BP always blocks my comments if I give out my website in the forum since it goes to my architecture site.

In conclusion built what is legally by right and there is no stress and look into modular to save time and money.