Prospective buyers for a house want to operate a recycling center in their back yard. Local zoning laws do not allow this. What do they need to do first?

A building permit is required for construction or significant alterations to a property, but it does not address the underlying zoning restrictions. Without first obtaining permission to deviate from zoning laws, a building permit cannot be issued for a use that is not allowed under current regulations.

Modifications to the local master plan involve broader changes to community planning and zoning regulations and are not typically the first step for an individual seeking to operate a specific business in violation of existing zoning laws. This process can be lengthy and may not directly address the immediate need for a variance for the proposed use.

Filing an appeal with the local court is a course of action typically taken after a decision has been made by a zoning board or local authority. It is not a proactive first step for obtaining permission to use property in a manner not allowed by existing zoning laws.