Understanding site conditions and zoning requirements

• Zoning Restrictions
• Site Conditions
• A few important factors to understand
• Questions to answer

There are some things that are important to get smart on right off the bat. Some of the terminology may going to sound like building jargon but just trust the process. It’s not complicated but it can be tedious.

More importantly, it's worth spending a little time talking about these details because you want to make sure that you’re going to be able to the build the home you want. Nothing would be worse than getting ready to break ground, only to find out you can’t.

You'll want to start by researching local zoning laws and restrictions that may impact your project. This information will give you an idea of what kind of home you can build and any limitations you may face. Usually you can get this from your towns building department. Your architect, once you hire one, will know a lot of the details as well, but it's worth spending the time to familiarize yourself with this information.

We’ll go over some of the main topics that you’ll face as you start your research here. First, a quick rundown of terms and topics:

Zoning Restrictions¶

• Setbacks are the required distances between your home and the property lines, which can vary depending on your zoning designation. They help maintain privacy, access to light, and the overall character of the neighborhood. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines when planning your home's layout. They play a key role in renovations, as additions or expansions need to comply with these regulations. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines when planning your home's new layout.

• Height limitations regulate the maximum height of your home, often to preserve views or maintain neighborhood character. Check local regulations to ensure your planned home or renovation design falls within the allowed height limits.

• Specific land use requirements might include restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), home-based businesses, or the architectural style of your home. Familiarize yourself with these requirements to avoid potential legal issues down the line.

• Some local governments may impose impact fees to help fund the infrastructure and public services needed to accommodate new development. Determine if your project is subject to these fees and factor them into your budget. Impact fees are typically associated with new development, but some local governments may also apply these to extensive renovations. Determine if your project is subject to these fees and factor them into your budget.

• Research any nearby protected habitats or endangered species, as they may require special permitting or mitigation measures. Check flood zone maps to determine if your site is prone to flooding, which could impact your home's design and insurance costs.

Site Conditions¶

Site conditions refer to the various physical, environmental, and regulatory characteristics of a specific piece of land or building site. These conditions play a crucial role in the planning, design, and construction of a building project, as they can influence factors such as the project's feasibility, cost, timeline, and design constraints. Understanding site conditions is essential for making informed decisions during the pre-design and design stages of a project.

A few important factors to understand¶

• Evaluate the solar potential of your site by observing the sun's path and nearby shading elements. There are sites that help you do this based on satellite views of your property (and home, if it exists). This information will help you make informed decisions on window placement, passive solar design, and the potential for solar panels. The energy efficiency of your renovation could greatly benefit from a thoughtful solar design.

• Have the soil tested for quality, as it can affect the foundation type and construction methods. Water availability is crucial also – find out if you'll need to connect to city water or drill a well.The soil conditions on your property can affect the type of foundation you'll need and the overall construction methods, and soil tests can reveal important information about the composition, compaction, and drainage characteristics of your site.

  A key test for soil quality is the perc test, which measures the soil's ability to absorb water. This information is vital for designing a suitable foundation and septic system for your home.

• Research whether your site has access to city water or if you'll need to drill a well. For a new home, water is a big consideration. This is less important for renovations as this has usually been figured out for you, but you may need to increase the size of your well if you're not on city water. Both options have advantages and drawbacks. City water connections are generally more convenient, while well water can offer independence from municipal systems and potential cost savings over time. Generally speaking, your land is going to dictate what you have to do here, but if you have a septic system, you want to make sure your land can accommodate that.

• Examine the trees on your property and consider their impact on your home's design and construction. Removing or preserving trees can influence your site preparation costs and the overall aesthetic of your land. Also, depending on where you live, you might want to look into fire mitigation that needs to be done on your land. Nature continues to grow, and if you’re in a fire prone area, this is something that will need to be maintained annually.

Questions to answer¶

As you finish reading this section on understanding site conditions and zoning requirements, take a moment to reflect on the following questions. This will help ensure you have a solid grasp of the crucial aspects that can impact your custom home project:

• What are the zoning restrictions in your area, and how might they affect your home's design and layout? Are there any specific limitations on things like setbacks, height, or architectural style?

• Have you researched any potential impact fees in your area, and if applicable, how will you factor these costs into your overall budget?

• Are there any nearby protected habitats or endangered species that could require special permitting or mitigation measures for your project?

• Have you assessed the solar potential of your site? How will you use this information to make informed decisions on window placement, passive solar design, and solar panel installation?

• Have you conducted soil tests and considered the implications for your home's foundation and construction methods? If you need a septic system, is your land suitable for accommodating it?

• Will you connect to city water, or will you need to drill a well for your property?

• How will the existing trees on your property impact your home's design and construction? Are there any fire mitigation measures you need to consider for your land, especially if you live in a fire-prone area?