If you are in the process of building a new custom home, it’s never too early to start thinking about building codes and the role your lot location will have in the process.
Local zoning laws and building codes will almost certainly affect the building process of your home floor plan, as well as future renovations to your home. Knowing the difference between the two can help you be better prepared to overcome any obstacles during the home building process.
Zoning Regulations
Zoning codes regulate how a given section of land can be used and what type of structures can be built on it. Zoning is used to govern how a building will function in its potential location within a zoning district. Simply put, zoning separates municipalities into different zones that can be developed for either commercial, residential or industrial uses, as well as where garages, fences, swimming pools, and driveways can be placed. Most areas follow a form of functional zoning, regulating the bulk and plot density of any given property.
Receiving a zoning permit is the first step in any property development process. Depending on where your lot lies, receiving a zoning clearance may be a part of the building permit process, but some areas require a separate zoning permit before you can receive your building permit. Yourhome construction company will handle this for you.
As a homeowner, you and your builder should always check with your local zoning laws before you begin building any new structure on your property. Knowing what you can and cannot do according to your home’s local zoning codes and regulations will play a big role during your home building process. For a copy of your area’s local ordinance, contact your city or county clerk’s office.
Building Codes and Permits
Once you’ve received approval from your city’s local zoning department, you can advance toward a building permit. Building codes deal exclusively with the structures built on your lot. These codes work to ensure the safety and accessibility of your home or building according to the International Building Code.
These building codes establish a set of rules to ensure the level of performance, quality of standards, and safety elements required of any structure. They commonly deal with the number of occupants, the function of the building, and its size and location.
During the home building process, your local custom builder, design professional, or engineer is responsible to rework your home floor plan as needed to comply with the ICC guidelines in your area. Once your home floor plan is altered to comply with local building codes, it can then be submitted to receive a building permit.
Before you begin the building process, it is important to make sure your project has the zoning and building permits required. While this may seem like an inconvenience on the way to your new dream home, these permits help ensure that your home is safe and a good fit within your community. Your residential home builder will play a large role in this process since they will pull the permits and make sure that your home is within code.
When you are looking for a home builder who knows the local zoning and codes laws in the Nashville, Tennessee area, contact Vesta Homes, LLC. We work with a hand selected team of vendors, subcontractors, architects, and designers that come together to provide an elite product. We’ve been building custom homes and renovating homes in this area for years. Contact us today.
