Zoning, permits, legal process

[Gere W.]

Where to find information of developing land, what zones mean what, state vs county zoning, permitting process, the steps of start to finish. I can't find clear explanations of the entire process, just vague bits, unclear, glosses over a step(s) that don't explain the actual physical steps involved. 

Ex. Taking plot of land and wanting to build storage units on it. What's first step? Where to check if this is even possible? Zoning? Zoning types? Who to call first and check? Civil engineer? When do they get involved? City planner? Architect? Inspection? What are the timelines of these processes?

Good resources I can find these exact steps?

[Tim Johnson]

There are no exact steps since there is no "standard" way that each county or municipality works.

Always your most efficient and best step (in my opinion) will be to visit the planning department at your town, city, or county office. Yes, most will have tons of information online.....but as you pointed out, it's often confusing and not always clear. 

The exception of course would be if you are in a large metropolitan area. Good luck if you are asking in a city like Seattle. It can be far more challenging to get the "exact steps".