Local governments make use of zoning to protect the community’s health and safety while encouraging growth. Zoning laws, sometimes called land use regulations or zoning ordinances, also regulate the features of a building, along with the required setback from the street.
Different Zoning Laws for Different Businesses
Zoning laws aren’t quite like the weather or even tax laws. That is, they don’t affect every business the same way.
For instance, if you run your small business from home, you should mind the noise, traffic, parking spaces and trash. Affect one of these elements, and your business affects the neighborhood.
Keep in mind that the people you live around care more about the value of their property rather than whether or not your business thrives. It’s common for a neighbor to draft a letter of complaint to the zoning board. But remain respectful of other’s needs, and you’ll likely be alright.
In Sanford, there are strict regulations around businesses operating in residential zones. But unless they receive a complaint, or you start advertising your location, there’s no way to detect that you’re running your small business from home.
To put it simply; you can use your home for your business, provided no one can tell.
What Zone Is Your Sanford Business In?
Before you even launch your small business in Sanford, familiarize yourself with how the building and zoning codes will affect you. It’s usually as simple as Googling the zoning regulations for your county.
There are two main types of zoning: residential and commercial.
To run your small business from home, you need to apply for a Home Occupation permit. There are many types of businesses you can run from home, but there are also restrictions. For instance, there might be a limit on the size of the business area in your home.
Commercial zoning typically refers to office buildings and retail.
There are instances when a property can have several designations, such as Residential-Commercial. This is called zoning overlap and it allows you the chance to use the property either way.
Understand Employee Limits
Some jurisdictions place limits on employees to the immediate family that occupies the property. Make sure you check with your local government to find out how many members of your family can work for the business and if they need to live with you or not.
Building Requirements for Your Business
Whether you make changes to a building or erect a new property, make sure you know the requirements for your zone. For instance, there may be a particular Floor Area Ratio which is how much your building square footage can be for the lot.
Building zoning laws also refer to walkways, required setbacks, parking, number of rooms, and distance from the street.
Then there are building codes. The list of building codes typically covers:
- Plumbing – water heaters, water piping systems, fixtures, storm and sanitary drainage
- Building administration – maintenance and licensing
- Fuel gas codes – appliances, gas piping, and chimneys
- Mechanical codes – water heaters, boilers, solar systems, and ventilation
- General building codes – exits, fire protection, building materials, interior finishes
Don’t Store Goods at Home
Most Florida counties forbid small businesses from using their home as an assembly location or storage facility. You’re not allowed to store materials, manufacturing equipment or display merchandise. In fact, the tools of your trade, if you’re running your business from home, must only be things you’d normally find at home.
Know Your Zoning Laws
Before you decide to do construction on your property or even open your small business in Sanford, make sure you understand the building ordinances and zones related to both your business and your property.
You need to know how your property is currently zoned and what business is permitted. You also need to have a thorough understanding of building requirements, parking, and signage restrictions.
To make sure you get things right from the get-go, make sure you have a knowledgeable attorney who can advise and assist you every step of the way.
Book a consultation at Principal Law Firm to make sure your business is within Sanford zoning laws.
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