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You would have to talk to your zoning official for the city. However, I would talk to all others mentioned above. Talk to as many people as you get and get as much info as you can. If they themselves can't help, see if they can point you in the right direction. A healthy relationship with your city officials can really pay off in the long run!
Scotty,
Talk to the zoning officer first...generally that's the start. If they feel its out of their area than you'll either end up in front of the zoning board or sometimes the planning board. Once you get zoning straightened out (& that does need to happen first or all other points are mute) than you move onto the building dept. I would set up a mtg. with the building official ( he oversees all depts. in bldg.) ask that you have something a little different than the norm & would like to discuss it as a preliminary "sit-down" with the him, the building inspector (sometimes these are one in the same) and the fire Marshall/official. Have as much info as you can at your fingertips at that mtg. and ask the questions you need to know NOW to get a "vibe" on their reactions, answers, ideas & suggestions. Should give you a pretty good indicator all around of what your up against or if they seem to embrace your idea. You can fight them (thats a whole other topic) but try & win them over at the mtg. & things generally will go a whole lot smoother for you once your all on the same page. I have 22 years of dealing with zoning, planning & inspectors, and probably have some of the strictest codes & regs in the country here in NJ. It "ain't" ez here for sure but if it was..."everybody would be doing it...right?" Not sure where your located but I'll do what I can to help you thru the process.
P.
Awesome info.
This is really helping me get familiar with the process. To be honest, I have a couple of steps I would need to take first... go see the land first hand, and contact the land owner to see if he is even open for that type of deal. But no matter where I end up, im going to have to follow the steps you've listed, so this thread is a huge help. My current business I used a contractor for the buildout so any red tape HE dealt with.
And pickle, thanks for your offer; I have a feeling im going to need as much advice as I can get.
Scotty,
No problem at all...just be patient for my replies...burning the proverbial candle @ both ends trying to pull of a miracle on this end right now! lol But I'll give you what I can to help...these forums have been good to me sooo nice to give back when you can!:)
P.