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Zoning permits

Where you can build, as opposed to how you build it.

Last checked

On this page
  1. When you need one
  2. City rules that require zoning approval without a building permit
  3. Zoning offices in major cities
  4. Sources

A zoning permit (sometimes called a zoning clearance, zoning compliance or plot plan review) confirms that what you want to build is allowed where you want to build it: the use, the setbacks from property lines, the height and the share of the lot covered. It comes from the zoning or planning office, sometimes inside the same department as building permits, and it is separate from the building permit, which checks how the work is built.

When you need one

  • New structures, including many sheds, fences, decks, pools and additions, even when they are exempt from a building permit.
  • Changes of use (for example a garage becoming living space or a home business).
  • Work in historic districts, flood zones and other overlays, which may add their own review.

City rules that require zoning approval without a building permit

City and projectThe city’s wording
New York City: fenceAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
Phoenix: fenceFences between 3 feet and 7 feet high require a permit for City code and Zoning Ordinance requirements only.2
Denver: fenceAll fences over four feet tall need a zoning permit. All walls, including retaining walls, over 12 inches high need a zoning permit.3
Philadelphia: fence*Exception: Fences that are more than 50% opaque require a Zoning Permit.4
New York City: deckAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
Indianapolis: deckMinor Residential Structures: Structures that are subordinate and secondary to the primary residential use of a property, such as garages, carports, porches, decks or patios 18 inches or greater in height, mini-barns, sheds, workshops, swimming pools, hot tubs, porte-cocheres, bathhouses, cabanas, secondary dwelling unit, shelters for personal livestock, greenhouses, and other accessory buildings or structures similar and comparable in character to these uses.5
New York City: shedAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
Phoenix: shed(Minimum zoning setbacks from property line must be maintained and approved plat/site plan must be approved.)6
Charlotte: shedD. A zoning use permit is required for all permanent accessory structures, except for those permanent structures that require a building permit.7
New York City: roofAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
New York City: poolAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
Denver: poolPools that are installed as a permanent structure require zoning and sewer use and drainage (SUDP) permits.8
New York City: water heaterAny exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1

Zoning offices in major cities

Los Angeles City Planning10

Zoning and planning

City of Jacksonville Development Services Division, Zoning Section11

Zoning and planning

Address
214 N. Hogan St., 2nd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202
11
Hours
7 a.m.-4 p.m.11

Development Services, Zoning & Design Review13

Zoning and planning

City of San José Planning Division15

Zoning and planning

City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Residential Zoning; Individual Residential Lot (LDIRL) reviews)18

Zoning and planning

Address
Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, Attn: CLT Development Center, 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
18
Hours
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by appointment18

BZS Zoning Section20

Zoning and planning

Department of Metropolitan Development, Current Planning (Planner on Call)21

Zoning and planning

Website
indy.gov21

CPD Zoning Administration23

Zoning and planning

Subdivision and Zoning24

Zoning and planning

Website
okc.gov24

Zoning Division / Zoning Help Desk (Metro Codes)25

Zoning and planning

Planning Division (Planning & Inspections Department)27

Zoning and planning

City of Las Vegas Planning & Zoning28

Zoning and planning

Address
495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
28
Hours
Lobby: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.28

Zoning Board of Appeal (ISD)29

Zoning and planning

Address
1010 Mass. Ave, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118
29

BSEED Zoning/Special Land Use Division30

Zoning and planning

Land Use and Development Services (Division of Planning and Development)31

Zoning and planning

Zoning Office33

Zoning and planning

Department of Neighborhood Services (zoning referrals at the Permit and Development Center); Board of Zoning Appeals hears appeals35

Zoning and planning

Code Enforcement & Zoning Permits (Zoning Counter), City of Albuquerque Planning Department36

Zoning and planning

Website
cabq.gov36

City of Fresno Planning & Development Department (Planning)37

Zoning and planning

Address
2600 Fresno Street, Room 3043, Fresno, California 93721-3604
37

City of Sacramento Community Development Department, Planning Division39

Zoning and planning

Office of Zoning and Development (DCP)40

Zoning and planning

City of Mesa Development Services Planning Division42

Zoning and planning

Address
55 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
42

City of Raleigh Planning and Development44

Zoning and planning

City of Colorado Springs Planning Department45

Zoning and planning

Address
30 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 701, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
45

City of Miami Office of Zoning46

Zoning and planning

Phone
(305) 416-1495 (alternate); 31146
Address
Miami Riverside Center (MRC), 444 SW 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Miami 33130
46
Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; zoning functions close to the public at 2:30 PM46

Zoning Administration (Planning & Community Development)47

Zoning and planning

Address
Building 3, Municipal Center, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
47
Hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday47

Long Beach Community Development Department, Planning Bureau50

Zoning and planning

City of Oakland Planning & Building Department, Planning Bureau (Planning/Zoning)52

Zoning and planning

Zoning Administration (CPED)54

Zoning and planning

Tulsa Planning Office55

Zoning and planning

Address
175 E. 2nd St., 4th Floor, Tulsa, OK
55

Land Development Coordination57

Zoning and planning

Phone
(813) 274-3100, Option 256

City of Aurora Planning and Business Development Department58

Zoning and planning

Address
Access Aurora Counter, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, 1st Floor, Aurora, CO
58
Hours
Aurora Municipal Center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday for in-person appointments and payments58

Department of Licenses and Inspections (zoning permits)60

Zoning and planning

Read more: zoning permit vs building permit.

Sources

  1. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Fences and Walls - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Get a Fence PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Indianapolis-Marion County Consolidated Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (August 2026)City of Indianapolis, Department of Metropolitan DevelopmentEffective August 19, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  6. How to Obtain a Residential Building Permit (Residential Single-Family Construction Permit Guide, TRT 00823)City of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentRevised February 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Charlotte UDO Article 17. Accessory StructuresCity of Charlotte, Planning, Design & Development (Unified Development Ordinance, charlotteudo.org)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Swimming Pools, Spas, and Water Features - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Planning, City | City Directory | lacity.govCity of Los Angeles (lacity.gov City Directory)Checked November 6, 2026
  10. Fences and Walls, Chapter 1A Zoning (form CP13-2075.1.A)City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City PlanningRevised January 27, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
  11. Zoning SectionCity of Jacksonville, Public Works, Development Services Division, Zoning SectionChecked November 6, 2026
  12. Nuts & Bolts of Residential Building PermitsCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
  13. Development Services Contact InformationCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
  14. Building DivisionCity of San José, Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE), Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Fences & Retaining WallsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Individual Residential Lot Reviews - City of CharlotteCity of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 7, 2026
  17. City of Charlotte Residential Permit Guidelines (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 7, 2026
  18. CLT Development Center - City of CharlotteCity of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 6, 2026
  19. BZS Contact SheetCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  20. Fences (information sheet)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (Indy Rezone)City of Indianapolis, Department of Metropolitan DevelopmentChecked November 6, 2026
  22. Residential Permit ChecklistCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Contact us - Community Planning and DevelopmentCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Subdivision & ZoningCity of Oklahoma City, Planning Department, Subdivision & ZoningChecked November 6, 2026
  25. Department ListingMetropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyLast updated October 20, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  26. Contact List (Construction and Permits)Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyLast updated June 15, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  27. Planning & Inspections FAQsCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
  28. Planning & ZoningCity of Las Vegas, Planning & ZoningChecked November 6, 2026
  29. Zoning Board of AppealCity of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentLast updated October 27, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  30. Permits & Plan ReviewCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 6, 2026
  31. Land Use and Development ServicesMemphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 6, 2026
  32. DepartmentsMemphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 6, 2026
  33. Building Permits - Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated October 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Board of Zoning AppealsCity of Milwaukee, Board of Zoning AppealsChecked November 8, 2026
  35. Permits - Department of Neighborhood ServicesCity of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 8, 2026
  36. PermitsCity of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  37. Submittal Requirements for Single Family Residential Projects (G28)City of Fresno, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  38. Event Permit ApplicationCity of Fresno, Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Services DivisionRevised June 18, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  39. Required Building PermitsCity of Sacramento, Community Development Department, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  40. City Planning | Atlanta, GACity of Atlanta, Department of City PlanningChecked November 6, 2026
  41. Development ServicesCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  42. Residential ConstructionCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  43. UDO Sec. 11.4.1. Permit RequirementsCity of Raleigh, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 11 Building and Housing CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  44. Development Fee Guide July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027City of Raleigh, Planning and DevelopmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  45. Planning Department | City of Colorado SpringsCity of Colorado Springs, Planning DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
  46. ZoningCity of Miami, Office of ZoningChecked November 6, 2026
  47. Zoning Administration | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Zoning AdministrationChecked November 7, 2026
  48. City of Virginia Beach Public Portal (Accela)City of Virginia BeachChecked November 7, 2026
  49. Fence and Wall BulletinCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Zoning AdministrationRevised November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  50. Permit CenterCity of Long Beach, Community Development Department, Building and Safety BureauChecked November 7, 2026
  51. Planning & Building | City of Oakland, CACity of Oakland, Planning & Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  52. Permit Process Overview | City of Oakland, CACity of Oakland, Planning & Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  53. Zoning and Land UseCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  54. Permit Application ProcessCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  55. Home - Tulsa Planning OfficeCity of Tulsa, Tulsa Planning OfficeChecked November 6, 2026
  56. Contact UsCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated September 8, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  57. Construction Services FAQCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated September 21, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  58. Planning and Business Development - City of AuroraCity of Aurora, Planning and Business Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  59. Planning - City of AuroraCity of Aurora, Planning and Business Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  60. Get a Zoning PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 5, 2026