Community Development

Development Process

The typical development process starts with an application for a land use.  The various uses of land by zone are pre-determined by both State land use regulations and local ordinances developed and adopted by Jefferson County.  Once a  land use application has been approved, the next step is on-site septic evaluation, which occurs in a two-step process whereby the property owner or their representative, usually a State-approved septic installer, applies for a site evaluation.  An inspection is conducted by evaluating the actual soil material exposed in three open soil pits located in the area proposed for the septic system. A permit to construct the system is approved if the site is determined to be sufficient to accomodate the use of a DEQ-approved on-site septic system.

When both the land use and on-site septic approvals have been granted, the next step is to submit a site plan and building plan for review and approval. The site plan is used to determine setbacks, conflicts with easements, driveway and utility locations, and other pertinent site elements.  The building plan is basically the set of blue prints that fully describe, with a high degree of detail, the structure to be built.  The building plans include all aspects of the structure including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electricity, mechnical, and structural engineering components.

Once the building plans have been approved applying the requirements of the State Building Codes, a construction or building permit can be issued.  No construction is allowed without a permit. Building inspections occur throughout the construction period leading up to a final inspection that then allows the building to be legally occupied.  For commercial buildings, a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before legal occupation and use can be granted.