How to Plan for a Dormer Window With Permission
- 1). Develop a site plan and floor plan for your dormer window. A site plan is an architectural drawing that details the proposed dormer window on your property, while a floor plan is a scale diagram depicting a birds-eye view of the improvements. To obtain permission for a dormer window, most zoning departments will require both a site plan and floor plan for any proposed construction. If you are hiring a contractor to build the dormer window, the contractor will likely prepare a site plan and floor plan for you. If you are building the dormer window yourself, you can use an online CAD tool (see Resources) to prepare the site plan and floor plan yourself.
- 2). Contact your local zoning department to determine whether a zoning permit is required. In many towns, zoning plans require buildings to adhere to specific regulations on height, use and other characteristics. Depending on the zoning laws in the town where the property is located, you may need to obtain both a building permit and an exception to the zoning laws.
- 3). Fill out a building permit application. While building permit applications vary by town, you will likely need to provide the property address, a site plan, floor plan and a description of the dormer window, including the size and style.
- 4). File your permit application and any other necessary paperwork with the local zoning department. Check with your local zoning department to determine their process for accepting building permit applications.
- 5). Wait for your building permit to be issued. Most towns will be able to process a building permit application for a dormer window within a month. If your proposed dormer window requires an exception to the zoning laws, the process of obtaining an exception may take more than a month.
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