Why Zoning Regulations Matter
Building a post frame structure in Southern Wisconsin is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property is a crucial step in the planning and preparation process for a successful project. It’s probably the most important step before contacting a post frame construction contractor. Not only do these regulations determine what you can and cannot build, but they also set the boundaries for setbacks, height, and design, as well as regulate the use of your building.
Before contacting a contractor, it is essential to understand the zoning regulations that apply to your property. This will help ensure that your post frame construction project is legal, safe, and meets the standards set by your local municipalities. Prioritizing compliance with zoning regulations is the most important step in building a successful post frame structure in Southern Wisconsin.
Overview of Zoning Laws in Southern Wisconsin
Southern Wisconsin is divided into different zoning districts, each with its own set of regulations. Residential areas, for example, are usually divided into single-family homes (R-1) and multi-family residential (R-3 or R-4) zones, while agricultural zones are intended for agricultural use, and commercial zones are intended for commercial and business use. There are many more zoning districts and every municipality forms their own codes within those zoning districts. Zoning codes can change over years or even over a few months.
Different Zoning Districts and Their Regulations
It is important to understand the regulations of the zoning district in which your property is located in order to make informed decisions about your post frame construction project. Just because your neighbor has a large building or multiple buildings does not always mean that you should assume you can have the same. Properties located next to each other can be in different zoning districts.
General Residential Districts
Residential zones are intended for single-family homes and typically have regulations that are more restrictive than other zoning districts. This is to ensure that the character and quality of the neighborhood is maintained.
General Agricultural Districts
Agricultural zones are intended for agricultural use, such as farming and raising livestock. These zones typically allow for larger structures, but they may also have increased setbacks from the property lines. In some cases, there may be a requirement to prove that you are using the building for agricultural purposes.
Commercial
Commercial zones are intended for commercial and business use, such as retail, office, and industrial. These zones typically have the most flexible regulations, allowing for a wide range of uses and designs. Building on these properties may be very easy, but in a lot of cases, you are going to be dealing with a large amount of government regulations. It is important to contact a professional building company, like Everlast Structures, before you purchase a commercial property with the intent to build a post frame building on it.
Resources For Understanding Your Zoning Regulations
Geographical Information System
There are also online resources available that can help you determine the zoning of your property. These resources can include maps, databases, and other information about zoning regulations in your area. An extremely useful resource that both government officials, builders and homeowners can use is called the GIS. The geographic information system, or GIS, is an internet based mapping system that works similar to google earth. This system allows you to search for your property. Once you have found your property, it will show you your property lines. You can overlay your property with the most recent aerial photos, as well as past years aerial photos. On the GIS, you have the ability to overlay wetland, floodplains, environmental corridors, zoning districts, and many other overlays that are crucial to understand, prior to building anything on your property. Every county has a GIS. The best way to find your county’s GIS is to google search “(insert your county) GIS”. If you are having difficulty navigating to the GIS, you can always reach out to Everlast Structures, and we will be happy to help.
Everlast Structures Zoning Worksheet
We have put together a worksheet that will give you a thorough understanding of the zoning regulations that apply to your property. It has the right questions to ask your local zoning official, and can be used to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your post frame construction project. If you are unsure of what questions to ask your zoning planner, download our zoning worksheet to make it easy.
Contacting the Local Zoning Municipality
The first step in determining the zoning of your property is to contact your local municipality. They will be able to provide you with the information you need about the regulations that apply to your property.
The Impact of Zoning Regulations on Your Post Frame Construction Project
Set the Boundaries for Setbacks, Height, and Design
Zoning regulations determine the boundaries for setbacks, height, and design of your post frame construction project. This is important for ensuring that your project meets the standards set by your local government and fits in with the surrounding area.
Regulating the Use of Your Building
Zoning regulations also determine the use of your building. This is important for ensuring that your building is used for the intended purpose and complies with the regulations set by your local government.
Determining What You Can and Cannot Build
By understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property, you can determine what you can and cannot build. This is important for ensuring that your post frame construction project is legal and meets the standards set by your local government.
The Benefits of Understanding Zoning Regulations Before Building
Understanding your zoning codes is the most important first step in building anything on your property. If you understand your zoning regulations, you will save yourself and your builder time knowing that what you’re designing and where you are locating it, complies with all of the zoning codes.
Even if you know that your building won’t comply with zoning regulations, there are ways that your zoning officials can help you. There are variance processes, along with other methods of appeals, that may allow you to get relief from the zoning codes based on extenuating circumstances. In some cases, you might need to take down a building, combine two pieces of property, purchase a small section of a neighbors property or other options that might be available.
Avoiding Legal Issues and Fines
By understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property, you can avoid potential legal issues and fines. This is important for protecting your investment and ensuring that your post frame construction project is a success. Placement of a structure is solely the responsibility of the property owner, regardless of what builder you select. It is crucial that you are involved in all aspects of the zoning permit process.
Protecting Your Investment and Property Value
Understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property can also help protect your investment and property value. This is important for ensuring that your post frame construction project meets the standards set by your local government and does not negatively impact your property value.
Making Informed Decisions About Your Project
By understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property, you can make informed decisions about your post frame construction project. This is important for ensuring that your project is a success and meets your needs and goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property is a crucial step in the planning and preparation process for a successful post frame construction design and build. It is important for ensuring that your project is legal, safe, and meets the standards set by your local government.
By prioritizing compliance with zoning regulations, you can ensure that your post frame construction project is a success and meets the standards set by your local government. You’ll save time and money if your first call is the local zoning department to make sure that what you are proposing to build complies with all of the regulations of your zoning codes. If you are not sure what questions to ask, make sure to download our “zoning regulation worksheet”. This is important for protecting your investment and property value.