Are you looking to add a building to your property? Do you need a new storefront or warehouse? Pole barns or pole buildings are a great choice. Also known as post frame construction, these buildings get their name from the building technique that is used to create them.
They can be built in about a month, offer the same structural integrity as traditionally built buildings and offer cheaper maintenance costs. So, if you are looking to add an ADU for your mother-in-law, to build a garage, or need a barn for your livestock – pole barn buildings are a great option – no matter what you are building.
Choosing to build a pole building can be exciting, but also daunting. We have created a step-by-step guide for people who are interested in building pole barns and can show you where to start.
Zoning and Permits for your New Pole Building
Every new build will require some type of permit. Determining the permits you need will be based on where you live, and depending on your location you may need to submit permits with your city planning office, the county planning office, or both. Here are some things to keep in mind as you are doing your research:
What is your property zoned as?
Every property has a zone that shows what it can be used for, what types of buildings can be placed on it, and more. Typically, this can be found by Googling your city or county zoning map. Oftentimes, there is a search function, and you can search directly for your property.
Once you find your location, you need to look for the designation of your property, this is oftentimes an assortment of letters and numbers that mean different things. The letters tend to be an abbreviation of the land use, and the numbers show the size of the property. Some examples include:
What are the restrictions for your zone?
Each of these zones come with their own set of rules on what can and cannot be done on the property. Once you find out what your property is zoned as, you can research the Zoning and Development Ordinance for your zone. Typically, you will find a detailed chart showing what is and is not permitted on your property type.
For those looking to build a pole barn, most times you can find the information you are looking for under “Accessory Buildings and Uses”
Here is an example from Clackamas County:
What Permits do you Need?
Depending on the size of your project, you may need a variety of permits – including development permits, entrance permits, and utility permits.
The best way to determine the permits you need is to contact your city/county planning department. They will be able to tell you exactly what you need.
Overview of Permitting Process
Determining the correct permits is just the beginning. The next step will be to create a site plan. An experienced builder will be able to help you create a site plan and can also help you prepare any additional drawings and documents needed to complete your project. Once you have everything you need and have submitted the needed permits, it can take a couple weeks to receive the approved plans, documents, and permits. Most cities/counties will require you to have this on-hand during the inspection process.
Preparing for Inspections
There will be multiple inspections throughout the building process. Working with your builder will be the best way to ensure that there are no long delays due to the inspections.
Your city/county planning office will tell you what inspections you need, but common ones include: Site Inspection, Footings Inspection, Under-Floor Utility Inspections, and many more depending on the type of build.
Our team of experts has been doing this for over a decade, and we would love to connect and discuss your project. No matter what you are building we have the experience to work with you every step of the way to make sure you have a great building that will endure for years to come.
Reach out now for a free quote.
Look out for our article: Pole Barn 101: Part 4 – Planning Electricity for Your Pole Building
