It’s My Land - What Can I Do With It?

There is a lot of confusion about building codes and zoning ordinances.
Overly simplified, Zoning = Land, Code = Building.

There is no national or federal building code; the regulation of construction is left to the state, while each city or county will have its unique zoning code.

Always start with zoning. There is no point in dealing with building issues when the land regulations precede building details.

A zoning ordinance concerns how property or land is used and how that affects the surrounding community. It separates a municipality into zoning districts, which are normally divided into basic categories such as residential, commercial, and industrial. The ordinance will also address how the automobile interacts with the property, such as access and parking.

Building codes provide minimum standards for safety, health, and general welfare. They have a long history. The book of Deuteronomy in the Bible stipulated that parapets must be constructed on all houses to prevent people from falling off.

Building codes are a set of regulations written by city, county, or state officials that govern the design, construction, and modification of commercial buildings, homes, and other structures in a jurisdiction. Building codes can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of construction project.

How do I find my local building code?

Anyone who plans to build or renovate a building should become familiar with the building codes in their area. A good place to start is the website for the local building department or zoning board. There, you will find a list of the codes that apply to your area and information on how to comply.

If you own the property and it is your main place of residence, you can do any building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work yourself. However, you may be required to pull permits and have the work inspected.

Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must be performed by certified State-Licensed and City-Registered contractors. Call 479-784-2206 or 479-784-2288 to verify registration. Call the State Attorney General’s office at 501-682-2007 to check for outstanding complaints.