Planning to Build or Make Improvements to Your Property? Please review here
The City of Waverly recently updated its zoning code to simplify the process and make it easier for property owners to use. If you are planning to build or make improvements to your property, please review the following steps to ensure compliance with zoning requirements:
Step 1: Locate Your Property
Use the city’s zoning map to identify what zoning district applies to your property. Knowing your district will help you understand what uses are allowed and what standards apply to your property.
In addition to the zoning district, determine if your property is in the Shoreland Overlay District or a Floodplain. Hatched areas on the map indicate properties that must meet Shoreland requirements.
If your property is on Little Waverly or Waverly Lake, Floodplain requirements may also apply.
Step 2: Review Zoning Code
Consult the zoning code for detailed requirements associated with your zoning district. The document is available online and in paper format at City Hall.
Step 3: Identify Required Forms
Determine which forms or applications you need to complete. At this stage, the city recommends contacting staff to review your proposed project. This early check ensures your project is an allowable use and meets zoning requirements before investing significant time and money. City staff will provide up to one hour of consultation at no cost to review requirements and confirm compliance.
It will be helpful to have a survey of your property so you know the exact boundaries of the property, if there are any easements, and placement of utilities. You can often find one in your property title documentation, or you can hire a surveyor to prepare one for you.
Step 4: Submit Applications and Fees
Once you decide to proceed with your project, it is the property owner’s responsibility to complete the necessary forms and submit applicable fees before the city conducts its official review process. A list of forms and descriptions of when each is required is available from the city and the fee.
- Land use application: Provides general information about the property including address, description of project, and contact information. Must be completed for all projects.
- Variance application: If your project does not meet all of the standards and requirements of the zoning code, you can request the city to consider a variance.
- Conditional or Interim Use Permit: If the land use table indicates that a use may be considered as a conditional or interim us, you will need to complete this form explaining how it meets the conditions outlined in the zoning code.
- Preliminary Plat: Property owners or developers proposing to subdivide a larger parcel into 3 or more parcels OR add new public road or utilities, must go through the platting process. Complete this form and provide supplemental information for the city to review for compliance with subdivision and zoning requirements.
- Final Plat: Second review required for complex plats that have gone through the preliminary platting process. Ensures final plat meets conditions of preliminary plat.
- Shoreland Alteration: If you are proposing changes to the shoreline, grade, or filling land within the shoreland area, complete this form to describe the work. The city and Department of Natural Resources will review the proposed work to ensure it complies with standards established by the state to project area lakes.