Should Zoning Ordinances Affect Your Homebuying Decision?
As you inspect the local real estate market for the perfect home, make sure you take into consideration you future goals with that property. Do you plan on starting a new business from home? Will your elderly parents be living with you? Don't make the regrettable mistake of purchasing a home they can't be modified for a guest unit or can't be used for a home business. Each city has its own local zoning regulations or codes which regulate what you can and can't do with your property. While you're at it, it's a good idea to find out what options your neighbors are permitted to do with their property.
One of your first priorities should be to contact the local municipal planning and building department to learn what the zoning allowances are for the home you're interested in. In most residential areas, the main classification is single-family residential, but in some communities, the zoning may allow transitional, multi-family, or mixed use which permits both residential and commercial.
Buying a home with the right zoning is imperative. If you have plans to establish a new business from home, you'll probably want a property with mixed residential and commercial zoning. It's important to keep in mind your neighbor may exercise their right to build a business or apartment complex next door.
Besides regulating what you can do with your property, zoning restrictions also spell the maximum square footage a home can be, the minimum size, number of floors, and how it's centered on the lot. There are also regulations stating the number of feet your home needs to be from the road and how much distance it has to be from your neighbor's home. These restrictions can significantly impact any future plans you may have for a new bathroom or wood deck.
Seek the counsel of a competent realtor or attorney to research the local zoning and municipal regulations of any of the following happens:
1) You Need To Operate A Business From Home - If you have an existing home business or plan to start one in the future, make sure you check the zoning restrictions to be certain one is allowed-especially if you're looking in zones designated as residential. The city has its own set of regulations regarding the operation of a home business. If possible, try locating residents who operate businesses from their home and see how cooperative the city is.
2) You Plan On Remodeling - If up you have dreams of renovating or adding new structures to a property, the local zoning regulations may have stringent regulations on the type of renovations you can do. For example, some local codes may prohibit the addition of a second floor.
3) Storing a RV or boat in your front driveway.
4) You Want To Buy Property In A Historical District - Local zoning regulations for these type of homes are very strict and designed to maintain a home's original style and color scheme.
5) You have plans to eliminate a large tree
6) You have unusual or special plans.
7) You want to keep farm animals such as chickens or pigs.
One of your first priorities should be to contact the local municipal planning and building department to learn what the zoning allowances are for the home you're interested in. In most residential areas, the main classification is single-family residential, but in some communities, the zoning may allow transitional, multi-family, or mixed use which permits both residential and commercial.
Buying a home with the right zoning is imperative. If you have plans to establish a new business from home, you'll probably want a property with mixed residential and commercial zoning. It's important to keep in mind your neighbor may exercise their right to build a business or apartment complex next door.
Besides regulating what you can do with your property, zoning restrictions also spell the maximum square footage a home can be, the minimum size, number of floors, and how it's centered on the lot. There are also regulations stating the number of feet your home needs to be from the road and how much distance it has to be from your neighbor's home. These restrictions can significantly impact any future plans you may have for a new bathroom or wood deck.
Seek the counsel of a competent realtor or attorney to research the local zoning and municipal regulations of any of the following happens:
1) You Need To Operate A Business From Home - If you have an existing home business or plan to start one in the future, make sure you check the zoning restrictions to be certain one is allowed-especially if you're looking in zones designated as residential. The city has its own set of regulations regarding the operation of a home business. If possible, try locating residents who operate businesses from their home and see how cooperative the city is.
2) You Plan On Remodeling - If up you have dreams of renovating or adding new structures to a property, the local zoning regulations may have stringent regulations on the type of renovations you can do. For example, some local codes may prohibit the addition of a second floor.
3) Storing a RV or boat in your front driveway.
4) You Want To Buy Property In A Historical District - Local zoning regulations for these type of homes are very strict and designed to maintain a home's original style and color scheme.
5) You have plans to eliminate a large tree
6) You have unusual or special plans.
7) You want to keep farm animals such as chickens or pigs.
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