10 Permitting Considerations For Your Site

By Michelle Roberts, Aspen Group Project Management Coordinator

It’s an exciting time for your church.  You have purchased property with the dream of building a new church.  When budgeting and planning for your project, don’t forget the costs associated with permitting.  Here are some questions regarding permitting that you will need to consider with your building team in order to plan and execute your project smoothly:

1. Will your project need to be inspected by the municipality during construction? If so, find out the cost for those inspections and get to know the Building Code/Permit/Inspection staff. Ask them for advice and direction on getting started with your project.
2. Are there any significant drainage features on, through, or even near the property?  If so, check with the local municipality to see if additional regulations may apply to the site.
3. Is there a recent boundary survey for the property with an associated clear title?
4. Is the land properly zoned for your type of building? If a re-zoning is needed, plan for the time and costs associated with that lengthy process. Reach out to nearby residences to get to know their issues and concerns.  Taking a proactive approach with public outreach can help soften public outreach as required in the zoning process. 
5. Are there utilities (water, sewer, electric, gas, phone, cable) already on your property? If not, locate where they are and determine what it will cost to connect to them and bring them up to your property.
6. Are you allowed to have a sign on your property and if so what are the restrictions and cost?
7. Are there landscaping requirements for your municipality?
8. Are there restrictions on which subcontractors can work on your project in the municipality? In addition, be sure to research Builders Risk Insurance.  It is necessary for the protection of your project and may be provided by the owner or the contractor.
9. Have you met the local Fire Marshall? They can offer great advice and give you direction.
10. Have you selected your design and build team? Make sure you connect well with them and they understand your vision and communicate clearly.