The third phase of creating your dream church building continues by securing zoning approval and obtaining your building permits with the construction documents we described in our last post. Those detailed architectural and engineering plans are now given to the proper governmental agencies so that zoning for your church design can be approved and a building permit issued.
Understanding Zoning: Approval Comes First
Zoning approval is usually a hurdle you must clear before construction can begin. Although zoning processes share similarities from place to place, it’s rare that two jurisdictions are exactly the same. Each town, city, or county has its own terminology, procedures, and unique requirements. In some smaller communities, zoning approval can be as simple as submitting documents to a city office and receiving administrative approval. However, as the size of the city increases, so does the complexity of the process.
In larger cities, zoning can involve a three- to four-month process. This can include multiple submissions, meetings with planning officials, reviews for code compliance, and sometimes presentations before a planning commission or city council. Public hearings or readings may also be required.
Timing Matters: Avoiding Costly Delays
One of the most common pitfalls in the church design process is failing to anticipate the time that it takes to get zoning approval. A late start or unanticipated bump in the “approval road” can delay your project by months. That’s why we encourage church leaders to work closely with design professionals to identify zoning requirements early, and to begin the process as soon as the construction documents are sufficiently developed.
What About Areas Without Zoning?
Interestingly, there are still a few areas in the country where zoning regulations do not exist. At first glance, this may seem like a blessing. Without zoning restrictions, there is no formal approval process to navigate before beginning construction. However, this freedom comes with trade-offs. If there are no zoning rules governing your property, there are likely none governing your neighbors, either. That means adjacent properties could be developed in ways that may not align with your church’s long-term vision. While the absence of zoning can simplify your church building process, it requires thoughtful consideration of the surrounding environment and future land use.
Applying for the Building Permit
Once zoning approval is secured, the next step is applying for a building permit. The authority responsible for issuing permits varies by location. It could be a town, city, county, or even a state agency. Typically, your design professionals will handle the building permit submission on your behalf.
Understanding Correction Letters and Permit Timelines
After submission, the review process begins. In many cases, you can expect an initial review period of approximately 30 days. Following that review, the building department will often issue what is known as a “correction letter.”
Despite its ominous name, a correction letter is usually a request for clarification rather than a list of major errors. Reviewers may ask for additional information to demonstrate that certain systems comply with code or to clarify items they cannot clearly see in the drawings. For example, they may request further details to show how structural elements perform or how life safety requirements are met.
When such a letter is received, your design team addresses the comments, resubmits the documents, and waits for final approval. On average, obtaining a building permit takes six to eight weeks. However, this timeline varies significantly. In rural areas with less stringent oversight, permits may be issued more quickly. In larger cities, it is not uncommon for the process to extend to three or four months.
Looking Ahead: From Paper to Reality
In our next post, we’ll finally get to the actual building of that dream church. In the meantime, we invite you to join us for any or all of our upcoming i3 webinars. These free sessions cover a wide variety of topics related to church building and church design. Be sure to visit our site and sign up soon!