All new construction projects or remodels require permission from the local planning authority. These groups typically have the ultimate say on whether a proposed project will be given permission to go on. They evaluate such things as how the new project will fit into the area, whether it will effect traffic flow, and how it can benefit the surrounding area. Without permission from the planning board, you will find yourself unable to obtain a building permit, leaving the project over before it has begun. Therefore, it’s very important to give the board all the information they need to evaluate your proposed project. Creating the plans needed for planning review is fairly simple, and doesn’t usually require that an architect be hired.
Step Two
Visit your town's public records office and purchase a copy of the property's plat. The plat will show boundary lines and surrounding properties. Some planning commissions require you to submit a copy of the plat with your application, while others do not. Even if you don't need to submit it, it will be helpful to have the plat when completing your drawings.
Step Three
Draw a sketch of your proposed project, whether it is a simple deck you'd like to add to your home or a series of new houses you are developing. It is important to draw the project to scale so the planning review board can get an idea of the actual size of the proposed addition in relation to surrounding buildings.
Step Four
Show the property boundary lines on your drawing. You can determine these using the plat you obtained earlier. Most planning boards also require that you show adjacent properties as well.
Step Five
Complete your application carefully, including all required information, and submit it along with the drawings. You'll want to double-check your work, and make sure everything is done the way the instructions indicate. Earnings permission from planning boards is notoriously difficult, and you don't want to give the board any additional reasons to reject your application.