Zoning is a set of bylaws that dictate the rules for what one can built on a property. The zoning bylaws differ within each municipality or city and limit the location, size, shape, and use of buildings and residences.
The building code is a life safety standard pertaining to the alteration or construction of buildings. Once buildings are occupied after construction or renovation the fire code becomes the governing safety code. Both codes compliment each other but have different purposes.
A zoning review and building code analysis is an architectural study in two parts - one to determine the legal development rights of a property and the other to ensure the minimum life safety requirements for a particular occupancy and building design are met. The property zoning analysis investigates the local zoning bylaws and area development plans to illustrate what use a building can have legally as well as its allowed size, height, square footage, how it can be located on a given property, and various other zoning requirements.
It's okay if bylaws and code interpretations just aren't your thing. Let us help you stick handle the research and compliance process.
Most development projects begin with a zoning analysis for a specific property followed by a building code review. People use this service when they own a property or are looking to buy a property and want to develop it and do not know what exactly is permitted to be built there. Besides a location, an architect needs three things to conduct a zoning analysis:
1. To better understand what you are looking to develop or build. If you choose this added service, our
Discovery Consultation can help you answer 'why' and 'what' you intend to develop and give you a framework. Zoning can often have multiple options, so if we know your goals at the start that can help us focus our analysis.
2. To better understand the context of a given property site; such as any easements, covenants, deed restrictions or development / air rights on the property.
3. A legal property survey. The property survey is done by a licensed land surveyor not by an architect and is an additional service that we can arrange on your behalf. Always make sure to hire licensed professionals.
If you do not know what kind of building you want to develope then this analysis can be generalized to summarize regulations broadly and propose uses or options for development suitable to the current zoning requirements.
Zoning & Code Analysis*
If you already feel we can help you,
contact us to schedule a time to briefly discuss your zoning or code interpretation troubles.
* Fees begin at $995 but do vary on scope of project. Please reach out to discuss your project needs.
