Know the building codes and urban planning applications, if you want to build a house

These are actual construction questions I received from readers of my e-book, “Residential Development Made Easy,” with answers from me, Colm Dillon, and a leading US construction master operating in 48 states.

Question 1.

Are There Common Mandatory National Building Codes That All US States Must Follow?

Answer

Unfortunately, the answer is no. But if so, would it make my job that much easier if there were? Each county, municipality, and city has its own codes.

We just call each one and get the local codes and build from there. Can you imagine the inefficiency and therefore the costs that this process adds to the cost of doing business from a
point of view of builders and customers.

It would be logical and wonderful if there was a common code for all States with a separate list of Variations issued by each authority for things like weather conditions.

By that I mean that in cold climates we want the codes to reflect the minimum conditions to “retain the ‘heat’ inside the house” and the opposite for the tropical climate.

However, the basic code for house construction must match structural strength, etc. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” website to access this information, you should contact
each individual authority.

Question 2.

When looking to develop raw lands, who is the best person to start with to determine what you can?
really build on it?

Answer

I have written a lot of information on this topic on my website Blog at:
http://www.realestatedevelopmentcoach.com/emailblog
but the starting point is to determine the zoning of the land in question, from there everything flows.

I mean, if you are looking for a piece of land that is divided into industrial zones (and you don’t know this), any thoughts you might have of building a house on it is a waste of time, okay?

Next, if it’s land to create a residential subdivision, go see an engineer, if you live in the US, or a surveyor in other countries like Australia, New Zealand, or the UK.

If the land is zoned for units, apartments, condos, or any higher density development, you should consult an architect if you want to develop the property yourself.

Question 3.

I have seen Hearing Notices posted on recently purchased land in my area. It seems like months before hearings are held in our PG County, Maryland area.

Answer

Well, just as there are building codes for each area of ​​the country, there are also development codes established in the City Plan for each town, city, etc.

The City Plan establishes the development rules, such as the setbacks of the construction lines of each limit; height restrictions; material standards and many other things.

In addition to that, you generally need to announce to the public through a newspaper, as well as a sign on the property, that you have submitted a Development Application.

The city plan will have told you how many times the ad should appear and how long the property sign should remain on the lot; oh yeah, it should be erected on the front boundary, not the rear boundary behind a bush.

All of this takes time: publicity can only last a month, then it has time if objections from the public are raised, then time for authority officials to verify it, then it has to be on the Council’s agenda. Oh sorry, you missed that meeting. You have to wait another month. So yeah, it’s a
long process.

Anyone who has an interest in the property or will be directly affected by what it intends to develop can attend these meetings.

Some people may not want you to build because of the noise, or the traffic your development will add, or because they once saw aliens there. You get all kinds of people who reject change.

Question 4.

As a member of the public, how do you make your concerns or support heard?

Answer

If you are a citizen attending the hearing, the chair will ask anyone who wishes to speak to come up to the podium and express their objections or comments.

If you are better organized, you can present an objection in writing, stating your reasons and referring to similar cases that support your position.

Question 5.

If you are the developer, what action is required of you? What team of people do you need to be with you?

Answer

If the fire in your belly tends to come out of your mouth, when you provoke, don’t listen, someone will find your “hot button.” Result: lose your cool, you lose the argument. “

If your proposed development is controversial, you would hire a Town Planned professional to represent you.

As a professional, they are independent; can argue on the basis of urban planning principles; you will know the weaknesses of local urban planning; and will put your case in language and temperament much better than you.