It’s time to open your auto repair shop. You covered all the bases, even finding the perfect location to build your new business. Now you just need to close a deal on the property and get started on construction, right?
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Not so fast! You missed a few essential steps in the process. Before becoming a new property owner, it’s critical that you verify the necessary zoning requirements. If you don’t follow these municipal regulations, you legally won’t have authority to build an auto repair shop on your piece of property.
But first, let’s answer the basic question: what is zoning?
What is zoning anyways?
Investopedia defines zoning as “municipal or local laws or regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas.” Let’s break it down with a simple example.
Take your local area. The county you live in is divided up into separate zones. Each of these zones must abide by their own regulations, which may differ across the same local area. These ordinances grant or limit specific rights to land use, including the freedom to build residential homes and businesses.
The overall reasoning for these requirements makes sense. You wouldn’t want a traditional neighborhood setting sprinkled with random businesses or industrial plants. Through zoning, your local area is organized in a sensible way that works for citizens and businesses.
Businesses who choose to ignore zoning requirements will pay a hefty price. If business inspections occur in your area and a common zoning violation is discovered, you could face a costly penalty. This violation may result in:
- Expensive fines
- Civil litigation
- Suspended business licenses
- Loss of business licenses altogether
Avoid this major setback for your auto repair business by doing things right early in the process. With our step-by-step recommendations, you can ace inspections and focus on what really matters: growing your new business.
How do I fulfill zoning requirements for my auto repair shop?
You now understand what zoning is and why these regulations matter. It’s time to consider the zoning business requirements for your mechanic shop.
Before kicking off construction on your recently purchased land, you will need to verify your property’s existing zoning status.
Below, we break down the step-by-step actions to check your zoning status and finalize the approval process as needed. From there, we outline for a building permit.
Step 1: Do your research
To get started, you will need to look up the current zoning status for your property. You can request the rules and regulations for your specific zone, available as public record, at your local zoning office or town hall.
Step 2: Verify your zoning status
Your property will be designated under one of three zones: residential, commercial, or industrial. To open a repair shop, your secured location will need to fall in either a commercial or industrial zone (of course, this depends on your area’s specific zoning regulations).
If you already meet that requirement, great! But if your property’s zone doesn’t allow you to construct a repair shop building, you will have to submit a special use permit.
Requirements for a special use permit
If approved, a special use permit will give you permission to build and manage an auto repair shop on land that currently restricts such businesses from existing. To apply, you will need detailed documentation. These files need to cover:
- Location’s floor and site plans
- Building elevation
- Parking layout
- Landscaping plans
- Signage requests
A word of caution: application fees will likely cost you thousands of dollars. It will also take months for the city council to complete your application processing.
Finally, there is no guarantee you will receive approval. While you will have the option to appeal if your application is denied, that tedious process is one you will want to avoid.
Step 3: Apply for a building permit
With zoning squared away, only one step remains before your construction team can get started: applying for a building permit.
For the permits you submit, your local city building department will analyze:
- Building dimensions (total width, height, and square footage)
- Building blueprint & materials list
- Electrical wiring plans
- Emergency preparations (heavy snow, high wind, fire, floods)
Once you receive a formal approval, you are officially ready to kick off the construction process!
Closing thoughts
We can all agree: zoning regulations aren’t the most fun topic. But to run a successful repair shop, you will want to approach every aspect of the business in a detailed manner from day one. That includes meticulous planning for your property’s zoning and making sure you have all you need—such as the latest in auto repair software. This will enable you to meet local regulations and receive all the necessary building permits and common licenses.
Use the insights in this blog post to cover every step and set your auto repair business up for success from the earliest stages.
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