How To Get A Building Permit - Property Identity & Questions To Ask

The lot you own isn't just a piece of dirt on the outskirts of your hometown. It will undoubtedly be
identified in numerous various ways according to who wants to know. But, before
you can apply for a building permit you should discover how the local government
identifies it. When it is a simple piece of land, (outside of a developed subdivision) it most
likely will not have a situs address yet.
The identity used most by government agencies is definitely an identifying number described
since the Tax ID Number or the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN). You will find the APN
on your deed or on your tax bill from the area Tax Collector. It is a fairly long number
and my look something such as this: 123-456-789. The initial set of numbers may be the "book"
number. The second set of numbers may be the "page" number, and the final set may be the
"parcel" number. (There might be some additional number tagged onto the end and
they are employed by the tax collector).
FYI: These numbers correspond to the precise location in the area Recorder's office
where the original map is on file showing your property when the parcel was created.
You gives this number to the building permit technician whenever you call or visit the
building department. The questions that must be asked (not necessarily in this order)
prior to starting your construction project are:
1. What's my property zoned? The answer to the question will tell you if you're able to build
a single family dwelling on the property.
2. Is my property in a 100-year flood-zone? The answer to the question will determine
if you should meet the area floodplain requirements. Info on flood-zones may be
found
3. What're the setback requirements?
4. Is there any street/road improvements required?
5. Do I require a septic system or domestic well, or is there public utilities available?
6. Is there any known soil conditions on or near my property that I will know about?
7. What's the seismic zone and wind-speed where my property located?
8. What climate zone is my property located?
9. Can you give me an estimate of the sum total fees which are due before I will undoubtedly be issued a
building permit?
10. Is there your regional amendments to the State Building Code that may affect my project?
Be sure to get copies of the amendments. If the jurisdiction hasn't filed the amendments
with the California Atlanta Building Permit Expediter State Building Standards Commission, they are not enforceable. But
depending on which they are, this might not be worth fighting against.