(Items listed are general and subject to change. Please consult with Department on specifics of a project.)

Its purpose is to protect you, your family and neighbors from the effects of repairs or additions which violate building codes and could cause fire or other hazards to life and property.
Building permits are obtained from the Building Official’s office.

When is a site plan required?

A site plan is required prior to the issuance of a building permit in the event of construction of a new building, enlargement of or moving an existing building or modification of the parking or vehicular circulation system on a site. Five copies of a site plan are required and submitted to the Community Development Director’s
office.

What are my setbacks?

Setbacks (or yard regulations) are areas not occupied by any structure. They vary from each zoning district and by use.

R-1 SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

1. Front yard: Not less than 30 feet.
2. Side yards:
   1. Single family dwellings: 10% of lot frontage, with a maximum of fifteen (15) feet on each side.
   2. Other uses: Not less than 30 feet.
3. Rear yard: 
   1. Single-family dwellings: Not less than 25 feet. 
   2. Other uses: Not less than 50 feet

R-2 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

1. Front yard: Not less than 25 feet.
2. Side yards:
   1. Single family dwellings: 10% of lot frontage, with a maximum of ten (10) feet.
   2. Other uses: Not less than 20 feet.
3. Rear yard:
   1. Single-family dwellings: Not less than 25 feet.
   2. Other uses: Not less than 50 feet 

R-3 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

1. Front yard: Not less than 20 feet;
2. Side yards:
   1. Single family dwellings: 10% of lot frontage, with a minimum of six (6) feet;
   2. Duplex dwellings: Not less than fifteen 15 feet, with an approved Special Use Permit
   3. Other uses: Not less than 15 feet;
3.  Rear yard: 
   1. Single-family dwellings: Not less than 20 feet; 
   2. Other uses: Not less than 30 feet;

R-4 MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

1. Front yard: Not less than 25 feet; 
2. Side yards:
   1. Single-family: 10% of lot frontage, not less than six feet;
   2. Single-family attached dwellings: Not less than ten feet at each end of a row of attached units;
   3. Multifamily dwellings: Not less than 15 feet, provided that side yards abutting any property lying within a CD, R-1, R-2, or R-3 District or abutting any property devoted to single-family dwelling use in any district shall be not less than 20 feet;
   4. Other uses: Not less than 15 feet;
3. Rear yard. Not less than 25 feet;

What is Erosion and Sediment Control permit and when is it required?

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is a document containing materials and management information for the conservation of soil and water resources. A plan and permit are required when the land disturbed is more than 5,000 sq. ft. Permits are obtained from the City Engineer’s office.

How long does it take to get a site plan approved?

Usually, four weeks, unless a subdivision is involved, then 90 days is required. Erosion and Sediments Control permits usually take a week. Single-family homes, duplexes and additions usually take two or three days.
How do I know if a building site has utilities? Utility availability may be obtained through the Electric Department and Water/Sewer Departments. Gas and telephone utilities are not regulated by the City.

What are the regulations for accessory structures?

The setbacks for an accessory structure are 5′ from both the side and rear property lines. Accessory structures include tool sheds and garages. Fences are allowed on the property line provided they are no more than 6.5′ tall in rear yards and 4′ in front yards.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is a document showing that all zoning, architectural and health requirements have been met in order for construction to begin. Permits are required for all signs and any construction project which will exceed $500.00.