1. The division of lands by legislative regulations, into areas or zones, which specify allowable land uses and size restrictions.

2. Zoning is a tool used by a town, village, city or county to help manage how the land within its borders is used.

3. Areas of land are designated as districts or zones. Each type of district or zone allows for a different type of land use and has specific area requirements.

5. Zoning is the rule of government to regulate the use and development of lands in order to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public. It is enacted to help guide and control development, to implement long-range planning goals and objectives to address specific development issues that are important to the community.

6. Not all units of local government use zoning, but they have the legal authority to do so if they wish.

7. Each municipality administers and enforces their own local zoning rules Federal and State government mandate certain uniform regulations: Shore land Floodplain Wetlands Airport height and use restrictions

8. What you need to know, in general, when planning a home modification project Setback requirements Height restrictions Required yards Historic properties or districts Design requirements Maintenance regulations Private deed restrictions

9. What you need to know, specifically, when planning a home modification project Property line locations Building locations Site-related features that may be regulated by local zoning code such as Driveway, fence or tree/vegetation locations Special conditions of approval for design or placement, such as urban design or historic district rules

10. Local government offices City Village Township County Websites – Google or Bing to learn more Many agencies have developed sites that contain most or all of their zoning requirements

11. Timelines and process vary by community and by the complexity of the project Get to know your zoning official(s) prior to doing a project to learn about the local process. Control YOUR part of the process by being prepared with plans and information that will be helpful to staff who review and approve projects.

12. In order to carry out a building project, a local building permit is required to assure that what you plan to build will be in compliance with building codes.

13. The building code is a “minimum standard” that insures that all projects are safe.

14. Oregon uses what is called the 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code for all 1 and 2 family homes. Individual communities can be MORE restrictive, if they choose.

15. Larger municipalities have building inspectors. The local building inspector issues building permits and makes inspections Some municipalities hire private firms to do their inspections If a municipality chooses not to enforce the code, the State will do it. more

16. The Uniform Dwelling Code is required to be enforced for all 1 and 2 family homes. Any enforcement of code for homes built prior to 1980 is up to each municipality.

17. There is no uniform process and no uniform fee applied to acquiring and paying for building permits. Every municipality can, and usually does, do things differently!

18. Plan your project Draw up plans – draw to scale; show door sizes, dimensions and all structural information. Meet with staff – plans may be reviewed on the spot and a permit issued Permit staff will then run through inspections for the project * Remember there is no uniform process so the municipality where you are working could be quite different. Meet your building/permit staff before starting a project so you know what will be required.

19. Each municipality should have a “building department.” Ask the city, village, township or county administrative office.

20. Always call before starting a project on a home; most of the time a permit IS required Plans/drawings are required to get a permit. Working without a permit can result in fines and/or reconstruction of the project.