Planning both small and large scale renovations or landscaping is exciting – so exciting that you may get swept up in the project and forget to apply for the proper permits required.
Though whether or not you need planning permission will largely depend where you live, here are five changes you’ll likely need a permit for.
1) Putting up a second building
It will likely come as no surprise that if you’re planning to build a tiny guest home on your property, you’ll need to get a building permit first. But what if you’re just putting up a shed?
Many are surprised to find out that this might require a permit as well. Whether or not you need permission largely depends on the size of the shed, so make sure you check with your jurisdiction to find out about the maximum dimensions allowed. No matter how small your shed is, if you’re considering putting lights in it, you’ll likely need a permit.
2) Impacts to site biodiversity
Depending where you live, you may not be allowed to undertake any developments to your site unless you demonstrate that doing so will result in a net gain of biodiversity. This means that any project you undertake must increase the biodiversity of the site or its surrounding area.
If you have little experience with biodiversity and ecological planning, you should expect to have to hire professional help. Companies like Arbtech can help you create a plan and report to receive planning permission.
Many companies also guarantee that your planning application will be accepted, so you’ll have peace of mind that your project won’t be refused.
3) Full or partial demolition
It’s not just putting up new buildings that you’ll have to get permission for, but tearing down old ones too. This is a requirement not just for removing entire structures, but also for partial demolitions to a building.
In many places, demolishing a detached garage on a residential property does not require a permit, but commercial and interior demolitions do. If the building you want to remove is quite old, it may be considered historic and your application will be denied.
4) Adding a large extension
If you plan to extend your home only marginally, you may not need to acquire a building permit. However, anything beyond a minor change will likely require that you receive permission.
Again, it is important to check with your jurisdiction, as some places require that you receive permission for even the smallest of changes, while others are much more lenient.
5) Changing the structure of your home
If you plan to change the plumbing, alter the electrical work, or add and remove walls within your home, you will need a permit. While you may not think it will matter because you’re the one living in the home, chances are your home will outlive you and be purchased by someone else.
It’s also important that your home is structurally sound in the case of an emergency such as a house fire. Following the rules and regulations is important for the safety of the firefighters.
The bottom line
Before undertaking renovations to develop your dream home, make sure you read up on the regulations in your area. Acquiring planning permission and building permits can be a costly endeavour. By budgeting for this, you’ll avoid nasty surprises down the road.
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