Several factors go into zone codes for a particular business area. You may be thinking about redefining your business or having new construction of a building that requires the assistance of a civil engineer in Idaho to help you with the process. Several zone regulations have to be considered before you can begin the construction phases or secure a site for your business. Here are some zone planning issues you need to consider before you begin:
- Conditional use: When your land site is zoned for conditional use, you may have to adhere to certain conditions under the zoning codes that make certain aspects of your project a requirement. This could mean that you have to have designated parking spots or another type of commercial necessity. This may mean you have to prove that you are following these conditions set forth under the zoning code in order for your business to open and operate. Using a civil engineer in Idaho can help you determine whether you can meet the conditional requirements of these zoning regulations before you build.
- Non-conforming use: When a zoning code labels a land site as non-conforming, it means that the business at the location doesn’t conform to the zone standards set out by the city. This could mean the site is suited to a certain type of operation that your business doesn’t necessarily fall under. Your business activities might not be what the city had intended for the property, and they may not allow you to build there. A civil engineer in Idaho can help you understand these issues and what your options are under this clause.
- Variances: Often times you can get a variance that will give you an exception to the zoning codes of a certain piece of land. While this is determined based on a variety of factors, the city could allow the change. You will have to have the variance go before city residents, who may or may not oppose what you wish to build on the site. Variances can be difficult to get, but not impossible. It requires a change in zoning that the city may deem necessary. You can work with a civil engineer in Idaho to see if your building requirements fall under a variance opportunity.
- Spot zoning: Spot zoning can occur in an area where the majority of the location is zoned for one use, but one site within the neighborhood is zoned for another use. This could allow for a commercial business to be placed in a residential area or vice versa. This allows for the special use of land within an area, and is based upon what the site will be used for. The city can bend rules to allow for exceptions in some cases.
Working with a civil engineer in Idaho can allow for zone planning prior to building, making sure your business conforms to all the rules set forth by the city. Contact Mason & Stanfield, Inc. before you build. We can help with zone planning and land surveying for your next business development.