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Posted by Melissa Lynn Galland on Dec 3, 2019 9:00:00 AM
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finding-land-expertThe homebuilding process has plenty of ups and downs, and twists and turns, but the path to your new Adair home is always worth it. One area that many homebuyers are unfamiliar with is the permitting process. Though it can sound intimidating, there are ways to simplify the process so you know exactly what you're getting into.

We've broken the permitting process down for you into three easy steps:

  1. Identify which jurisdiction your land is in, and visit the site.
  2. Work with Adair Homes to get the right information before submitting for permits.
  3. Meet with the jurisdiction. 

So, which jurisdiction are you in? That is the question!

site-prep-social-imageOnce you determine which jurisdiction your lot is located in, you can begin the permitting process. Monica Bowser, part of the Adair team who works on Jurisdiction, says, "In our area we have the main four bigger counties, then a lot of little 'city of' and 'town of' jurisdictions. They are all so different and vary in what they are expecting." Knowing that, Monica has made it her mission to meet with the smaller jurisdictions to ensure that when Adair homebuyers meet with them, they are ready for the application process.

For example, Adair Homes has two smaller jurisdictions we work with that have a 'golden ticket' that you must obtain before submitting for permits. Instead of waiting for this, we set them up to work on these tasks at reserve date meetings. Monica says, "It has sped up the turnaround time and helps our customers start understanding how the permit process works." That's a win-win!

Adair Homes also works with jurisdictions on what exactly is needed from customers at the jurisdictional visit to give them ALL the information needed on studies, impervious surfaces, drainage plans etc.

Monica adds, "Normally we use the rough plot plan, but, due to some recent changes, they are wanting more and we work to prepare the customer for this so they are two steps ahead." Plus, the Adair team provides prospective homeowners with a Jurisdiction Visit Form, which outlines all the questions that you will want to ask so that you get the right answers. Adair is here to guide you through the process.

There are two main departments within each jurisdiction:

  • Planning/Zoning Department - Questions to ask this department include–Any street improvements I would be required to do? is this property in a flood zone or wetland? Erosion control? Anything specific to that property, you'll want to ask them.
  • Building Department - Ask them how much the building permits will cost. Identify these early on so that you can work them into your budget.

The permitting process can take up to 90 days, but we are working to improve this to reduce the overall time frame, so our customers get past this hurdle and onto the fun part of building their new home faster. "One way we do this is by having Home Ownership Counselors work with customers on their county visits to ease them into the process," Monica shares. "It's also a great way for them to better prepare customers before they move to the pre-construction stage." This helps to prevent delays or unexpected surprises along the way.

If you'd like to learn more about all this, check our our webinar:

Our expert panel addresses permitting and much more in our recent Permitting and Navigating the Jurisdiction Webinar. Check it out and get even more tips on how Adair makes it easier than ever for homebuyers to navigate the permitting process and work with your lot's jurisdiction.