If you’re thinking of doing a whole house renovation, dealing with the planning department (a.k.a., the Department of Planning and Development, Santa Clara) is probably something you can’t avoid. We’ve all heard horror stories about projects getting delayed or shut down because the proper approvals weren’t in place. In this post, we’ll share our top tips for getting through the planning review process without too many headaches. From understanding zoning rules to submitting the right materials, we’ll cover what you need to know to get your renovation approved the first time around. Let’s start!
Understanding Zoning Requirements
The first step is to check with your local zoning office before undertaking any home renovation. Regulations differ in every city and town – what’s allowed for one person’s house may not fly for yours. It is super important to find out exactly what you can and can’t do to your place, like if you want to add on to the back or dig a basement. The last thing you need is to get half done with a project only to be told it’s not up to code. So save yourself potential hassle down the line and make contacting the planning department part of your pre-construction to-do list. View zoning requirements for the city of Santa Clara.
Some common zoning requirements for home renovations include:
- Setbacks: This refers to the minimum distance required between the property line and the structure.
- Building height: This defines the maximum height allowed for buildings in the area.
- Lot coverage: This specifies the maximum percentage of the lot that buildings can cover.
- Parking requirements: This indicates the number of parking spaces required for the property.
Once you clearly understand the zoning requirements, you can begin designing your home renovation project with these regulations in mind.
Planning Department Review Process
Although obtaining approval for home renovations involves a lengthy and intricate planning review procedure, it represents a fundamental phase in giving your project the green light. Consider the following advice to help smooth your passage through the process:
1. Consult with the Planning Department Early and often
You should consult with the planning department early to ensure that your project meets all necessary regulations. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and delays later.
2. Submit Complete and Accurate plans
Your plans should be detailed and accurate, including all necessary drawings and specifications. Incomplete or inaccurate plans are sure to result in delays and additional fees.
3. Preparation for Revisions
Your plans may require revisions from the planning department to ensure compliance with regulations. It’s really important to be flexible and open to making changes as necessary to get the ball rolling.
4. Quickly Respond to Requests for Information
The planning department may request additional information or clarification during the review process. Be sure to respond right away to ensure that your project stays on track.
Getting Home Renovation Design/Plan Approval
Once your plans are reviewed and revised as necessary, the planning department will issue a building permit for your home renovation project. Here are some tips for getting your design or plan approved:
1. Hire a Qualified Professional
Working with a qualified architect or designer will increase the likelihood of getting your plans approved quickly and without revisions. They will have a thorough understanding of the regulations and can design your project the way you want without going outside the boundaries of the regulations.
2. Provide Detailed Plans
Your plans should be detailed and accurate, including all necessary drawings and specifications. This will help the planning department understand your project and ensure compliance with regulations.
3. Preparation for Inspections
During the construction process, the planning department may conduct inspections to ensure that the work is according to the approved plans. You should be ready for such inspections to ensure your home renovation goes smoothly.
Renovate Your Home with Confidence
Looking to update your home but unsure where to start? Let Nailed It Construction take care of all your renovation needs. From simple upgrades like upgrading your kitchen cabinets or bathroom tile, to whole house renovation with new flooring, fixtures, and more, our expert team has the skills and experience to bring your vision to life in Santa Clara. We handle all aspects of the job, from demolition to cleanup, so you don’t have to stress over logistics. We customize each project to fit your style and budget and guarantee our workmanship. Don’t delay living in the home of your dreams any longer. Contact Nailed It Builders today to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Conclusion
In the end, going through the planning department for a home renovation will be a lot of work. But it’s important to do your homework on the zoning rules upfront so your project design will fly. Talking to the planning department early and often helps head off any issues before they become problems. Making sure your submitted plans are complete and correct is key too; that way there’s less back and forth that can drag things out. If you put in the effort upfront to understand the regulations and submit solid plans, you can get the go-ahead you need to start the project right and help make sure it goes smoothly from there. We know it takes time, but doing your due diligence on the approval process will save you stress and cash later on by avoiding mess-ups or shutdowns down the road.
