Building a new home is an exciting undertaking, but it requires a lot of preparation and paperwork. In the United States, getting a residential new construction permit is essential before starting any construction work. This permit is issued by the local government and ensures that the building plans meet safety and zoning regulations. Here are the 6 important steps you can follow to obtain a residential new construction permit in the US:
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Check with your local building department before starting any construction. It's important to verify your land's zoning restrictions (i.e. max height) and local code requirements before starting the design process. Each city or county has different requirements, so make sure you're following the correct procedures. You can find this information online or by contacting your local building department.
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Hire a licensed architect or engineer. Building a new home is a complex process that requires the expertise of a licensed architect or engineer. These professionals will design your home and ensure that it meets all safety and zoning regulations. They will also prepare the necessary drawings and specifications that will be required when applying for a building permit. Starting with a complete set of architectural plans can help to save tons of time and money, as your architect or engineer can just modify the drawings to meet requirements or your preferences. Build Blueprints provide full architectural sets and editable CAD files that gives you a jump start to this process.
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Submit building plans to the building department. Once you have hired a licensed architect or engineer, they will prepare the necessary drawings and specifications for your new home. These plans must be submitted to your local building department for review. The building department will review the plans to ensure that they meet all safety and zoning regulations. This process can take several weeks, so be patient.
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Pay the permit fees. Once your plans have been approved by the building department, you will be required to pay the permit fees. These fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. Make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the fees before submitting your application.
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Obtain necessary inspections. During the construction process, you will need to obtain necessary inspections to ensure that your new home is being built according to the approved plans. These inspections are conducted by the building department and will be scheduled at various stages of construction. You will need to coordinate with your contractor to ensure that the necessary inspections are scheduled and completed.
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Complete final inspection and obtain occupancy permit. Once construction is complete, a final inspection will be conducted by the building department to ensure that your new home meets all safety and zoning regulations. If the inspection is successful, you will be issued an occupancy permit, which allows you to move into your new home.
In addition to these steps, there are a few other things to keep in mind when applying for a residential new construction permit:
- Be prepared for delays. The permit application process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your project and the workload of the building department. Be patient and stay in communication with the building department throughout the process.
- Follow all safety and zoning regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and delays in the construction process. Make sure you understand all requirements before starting any construction work.
- Work with a reputable contractor. Hiring a reputable contractor is essential for a successful construction project. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured, and has a good reputation in the community.
In summary, obtaining a residential new construction permit in the US requires careful planning and attention to detail. You can expediate the process by starting with one of our architectural plan sets, which will get you 95% to the finish line. By following the steps outlined above and working with the right professionals, you can ensure a successful and safe construction project.