How to tell if property is build-able?

Question

I'm looking at some acreage with a house already on it. I'm not sure if all of the land is build-able. I looked at flood and wet lands maps and it came out okay. It's zoned residential. But how can I tell if all of the land is build-able?

Jon Holdman · Answer

If this land is here in the Seattle area you will also need to investigate soil conditions and geological hazards.  A soil and/or geotechnical report may be required as part of your plan submission.

Find the zoning code for the locale where the property is located.  That will give you specific information about setbacks, height limits and any other restrictions.  You also need to look at any recorded restrictions.  Some properties here have significant restrictions on them in order to avoid interfering with other houses views.  All of these factors will control what you can build.   A discussion with the planning and zoning department at the locale is also a good idea.  At some point you will have to deal with this department to get your plans approved.

Bryan O. · Answer

@Jack B. I'm not sure if you are asking how to tell if the land can support a structure, or if you mean are you allowed to build additional structures. If you are looking to build additional structures, then you can usually find the zoning of the lot. In this example, it is A-1. You can then find the zoning regulations, in this case from Jefferson County, CO online. Some places are more of a pain to find than others!

Otherwise, @Jay Hinrichs hit the rest. Best of luck.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

Jack  most parcels will have set backs.. so you only have a building foot print to start with. And most parcels only allow one dwelling per lot.. unless your talking ADU's which are coming of age.

I cut my teeth selling land and sold a lot of it.. What we usually say is the Land USABLE  .. IE is it level enough to put some farm crops or grow a garden.. or put some animals on it etc..

However the best way is physical inspection to start.. then the fema 100 year flood maps.. ( which are always changing)

Soil types etc etc.. Wetlands will be delineated in large areas but unless you get a wetland specialist to give you a wetlands report on the specific lot its still not that accurate.. you may have one you may not.. but again if you have standing water Bull rush's and other wetland type vegetation its easy to determine..

if your looking to split the acreage up.. the country is going to make you do all those reports anyway.

How to tell if property is build-able?

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