Zoning is when a local community sets aside certain land for certain purposes such as residential use or commercial use (for stores or businesses). Local governments set and approve zoning ordinances and developers sometimes go in front of zoning boards to ask for changes. Learn how zoning can affect what you’re doing with your property.
Zoning: Splitting Lots
Zoning: Splitting Lots Q: I have a zoning question. My daughter and son-in-law bought a cabin as their second/vacation home near Seattle a couple of years ago. The property is actually two lots (with two separate tax parcels). And, the cabin on one of the lots. But there is only one deed and one mortgage. [...]
Zoning: Selling Separate Lots
Zoning: Selling Separate Lots Q: We bought our home in 1984. The deed read that the home was built on one of two separate lots. We are now thinking about moving. In considering our options, we realized the property values in our neighborhood have increased dramatically. In fact, they’re so high that we’re thinking of [...]
Zoning: How to Divide a Lot
How can you divide a lot into smaller lots in order to sell? This can be a complicated process. First you need to determine the zoning classification for your property, along with any requirements or restrictions for your property. You may also have to pay attention to subdivision ordinances. To divide a lot you probably want to hire a surveyor and talk to the local building and zoning department. Also, another question about subdivision requirements and modular homes.
Zoning and Land Acreage Restrictions
A property owner wants to take advantage of an employer's relocation program, but their 5.1 acre property exceeds the restriction of 5 acre lots. If the property owners can't get the employer to waive the restriction, they will need to contact a real estate attorney to determine what they will have to do to divide the lot. They will most likely have to get a survey of the land and make sure they are not breaking any community ordinances about lot restrictions.
As Is Condominium Sale
A buyer asks about a condominium sale. She purchased the condominium because the living room had a partition in it. Before the condominium sale is finalized, the condo board wants the seller to remove the partition. The buyer no longer wants to go through with the condominium sale. The changes to the unit may have violated zoning laws or homeowners association regulations. What are her rights?
Rezoning Inherited Property
Inheriting property brings up all kinds of options. When inherited property can be zoned as commercial or residential, an heir is faced with many decisions as to how to deal with the property. It's important to take one step at a time when dealing with inherited property.
New Construction Delayed Without Building Permits
To build a new home your builder has to secure building permits from the local government. It may take a while to obtain building permits because of zoning board concerns or other local issues. To get the builder moving or switch to another builder it helps to go through the original new construction contract with a real estate attorney.
Setback Requirement Discovered After Closing
In some parts of the country, zoning regulations and other covenants that include setback requirements were enacted after homes were built in a neighborhood. Many older homes may be legal but non-conforming, therefore, they will not be in violation of the setback requirement. If the home is a new home, there may be cause for concern regarding the setback requirement.
Zoning Revisions May Change Builder’s Interest In Property
It's important to know how your land is zoned when you want to sell it. A land's zoning affects what can be built on the property as well as the price that the seller can get. To find out your zoning, you need to contact your municipality.