Post-Frame Construction complies with all applicable building codes and standards.  It will also meet specific zoning requirements within local areas.

Some local governing bodies have sought to exclude "pole barns" from specific zones.  Post-frame structures are sometimes mistakenly called "pole barns" or "pole buildings."  "Pole barns" or "pole buildings" once used round utility poles for their upright structural members, and were the conceptual predecessors of modern post-frame buildings. 

Post-frame is distinctly improved from the "pole buildings" of the past by use of rectangular solid-sawn posts and laminated columns.  Very few, if any, professional builders use round "poles" instead of square posts or laminated columns today.  Although pole barns are therefore almost extinct, many people mistakenly refer to post-frame buildings as pole barns or pole buildings to this day.  If a zoning ordinance specifies that "pole barns" or "pole buildings" are prohibited, this should not be construed to infer that post-frame buildings are also prohibited.

Restriction of any specific type of construction that is code-approved could possibly be legally construed to imply an illegal restriction of trade.  However, zoning ordinances may apply restrictions on construction based on aesthetic considerations. 

There are several aspects of aesthetic external building appearance that may become the focus of zoning ordinance restrictions.  Beauty is, as they say, "in the eye of the beholder..."  Although opinions vary among individuals and communities, the following points may be important when considering building appearance:

• Specifying types of roofing and/or siding that may or may not be used
• Minimum/maximum roof slope
• Minimum eave overhang
• Guttering and other watershed devices necessary for proper drainage
• Awnings or other suitable overhead coverings for porches or other building features not covered by roof overhang
• Porches or architectural entryways over entryways facing public streets
• Minimum number of windows per linear foot of walls fronting a public street

Although the quality and beauty of exterior metal siding has greatly improved over recent decades, there are some people (and some communities) that seek to exclude some types of buildings because they are believed to always feature that type of siding and roofing.  Post-frame buildings may use corrugated steel for siding, wainscoting and/or roofing; but any type siding, roofing or other architectural features may be used with post-frame. 

Thin-set brick, stucco, vinyl siding and wood siding are all viable options for finishing a post frame building. There are new products that look like brick or cultured stone, which may be affixed to post-frame buildings at a fraction of the cost of bricklaying. Some buildings may use new products such as architectural foam to make them look like an ancient acropolis, a coliseum or granite building. 

Sometimes it is not the steel itself, but the way in which it is installed or the ambient environment, that may be of concern.  There are many ways to improve the curb appeal of buildings.  Consider:

• Roof options such as eave overhang, fascia, Mansard, Dutch, clerestory hip or gables
• Horizontal steel siding, standing seam roofing and/or other options that conceal fasteners
• Color-coordinated fasteners, wainscoting and trim
• Brick, cultured stone, wood or other wainscoting to compliment metal siding above
• New metal panel and roofing options that mimic other materials, such as stucco, tile or other textures
• Coating or covering steel siding with products such as board and batton siding, EIFIS, architectural foam and other materials
• Different exterior finishes curbside, while taking advantage of the economy and durability offered by metal cladding on non-curbside portions of the building
• Panels with higher-quality substrates and coating systems that will resist corrosion, chalk and fade over longer periods of time
• Building setback, location of loading docks, screening of outdoor storage, landscaping, singage, compatible uses, etc.

If a local zoning board wishes to consider aesthetic restrictions, they should consider these and other pertinent factors.  The National Frame Building Association recommends that architectural features be the focus of any such restrictions instead of seeking to ban specific types of buildings based on a stereotype that all of them always include the same architectural features.  Post-frame buildings may sport almost any type of external appearance, and can meet the highest aesthetic demands.