Understanding Planning Permissions and How to Obtain Eugene Building Permits

Before engaging in any new construction or renovation, learn about and how they operate. The formal permission from a local authority for the erection or alteration of a building is known as planning permission, sometimes known as planning consent. Planning permission asks if you can continue with particular building work.

If you're planning a significant project, you'll almost likely require planning approval - and you might also need it if you're planning an addition or a substantial home makeover. A change in the use of buildings or land may also require planning permission. The permission will be granted or denied subject to certain conditions. DoNotPay is a fast, reliable method of applying for a building permit.

When Do I Need a Building Permit?

Did you know that not every construction requires you to get a building permit? However, it is always best to check with the local authority to see if you need a and what is expected from you. Government planning portals are also another place to check the restrictions concerning building permits.

Below are some of the instances that may require you to get a building permit:

Adding a room.
Creating a new door, window opening, or widening an existing opening.
Finishing a garage, basement, or attic to create more living space.
Adding, removing, or moving walls.
When applying new roofing after the old roofing is removed and installed, the new sheath.
Build, destroy, or relocate a garage, shed, or carport with a floor area of more than 200 square feet or a height of more than 10 feet.
When building a retaining wall with a height of four feet or more.
Erecting a fence that is more than six feet high.
Constructing a stairway.

However, most houses have permitted development rights, also referred to as PD. The permitted development rights cover minor demolitions, extensions, and specific changes of use, such as:

Cellar conversions
Loft conversions
Garage conversions

Maisonettes and flats do not have the permitted development rights; therefore, they require planning permission. Planning permission is also needed in outstanding natural beauty, national parks, and world heritage conservation areas.

What Is Required to Apply for a Building Permit?

When applying for a building permit, your application must consist of necessary site plans, the complete form, the correct fee, and the correct supporting documentation. If you apply online, the relevant local planning authority will receive your application automatically after you submit it. The local authorities will not process your application unless you provide the mandatory supporting documentation. Attaching another document that you may deem necessary during decision-making is also allowed.

There are two levels of mandatory documentation; national and local documentation.

National Compulsory Documentation

Location Plan - It shows the site's location and surroundings. The location plan can be bought online from an accredited supplier. However, you can also purchase it separately and attach it to the application form.
Site Plan - It is also referred to as the block plan, and it is used to show the proposed development in detail. It is also purchased from an accredited planning portal supplier.
Ownership Certificate - It is a certificate used to state the ownership of a property, and it is available in categories A, B, C, or D.
Access and design statement - This statement describes the design concepts and principles that have been applied to the proposed development and how challenges related to development access have been addressed.
Fire Statements (If requested) - Buildings that are seven stories tall are required to present a fire statement.
Correct Fee Application - You can inquire about the local authorities' office fees or use the planning portal to calculate your charges.

Local Mandatory Documentation

Apart from the national list, the local authority might give you a list of documents to accompany the application. The list may differ depending on the type of application.

Please note that online submission of supporting information may not always be available due to file size or type. You may be able to submit material in hard copy (three copies plus the original) or electronically if this is the case (e.g., CD, USB storage device).

Factors Affecting Planning Permissions

Various factors can affect your planning permissions application. These include:

Local Planning Policies	Any decision made will be based on local planning policies.
Wildlife, Nature, and Biodiversity	You will need to regard the effects of your development on nature, biodiversity, and wildlife. Most animals, habitats, and plants are protected.
Building Regulations	Developments and renovations may require you to seek approval from the building regulations.
Access and Design Statement	It's crucial to think about the development's aesthetic and accessibility, and you'll almost certainly need to submit a Design and Access Statement with your application.

Apply for Eugene Building Permits With the Help of DoNotPay

If you want to apply for a building permit without a hassle in Eugene but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered. Create your own cancellation letter in 6 easy steps:

Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
2. Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
3. Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application
Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.
Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and timeline for the project.
Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.

Why Use DoNotPay to Apply for a Building Permit?

Are you looking for a building permit for your new development? Consider DoNotPay to negotiate the entire process for you. Here are some advantages of choosing DoNotPay;

Fast - You should not be stressed by the hustle of finding capital to run your development and still be stressed by the process of getting the building permit. With DoNotPay, this is scrapped as you don't have to spend days, if not months solving the issue.
Easy - Acquiring a building permit can be a challenging and tiring process. However, with DoNotPay, you do not have to worry about anything. They carry out the tedious process of checking in with the local authorities of Eugene for you.
Sufficient - DoNotPay understands the work involved in any construction work. Therefore, whenever you choose DoNotPay to complete the process on your behalf, you can rest knowing they'll ease the entire process for you.