Before purchasing a piece of land for your cabin construction, consider its suitability for such a project. Several factors can affect whether you can build on a lot, and it is essential to know the things to check to find out if a lot is buildable before making a purchase.
Zoning and the Local Building and Planning Office
Zoning laws dictate the structures you can build on a piece of land and may include restrictions on building height and proximity to the property line. Municipalities will often have specific zoning codes that dictate what can and cannot be built on a piece of land as well. These regulations are designed to ensure that land use is consistent with the surrounding area and that safety standards are met.
The local building office may be your best source for researching the history of the property, which could be significant to its buildability. As far as zoning regulations for your land go, you can try your local planning department or check their website for any additional information. If you can make sure you ask on any restrictions, such as setbacks, building height limits, and land use restrictions, which can impact your construction plans.
Hazardous Substances
Here are a few important things to find out about the lot’s history:
- Past structures on the lot
- The purpose of those past structures
- Whether the site served farming or industrial purposes
- If prior uses left harmful materials behind in the soil or water
Note that hazardous substances, such as lead and asbestos, pose health risks and require costly remediation efforts.
Soil and Water: Including Drainage and Flooding
The soil and water within the lot can significantly impact its buildability. Soil affects the stability of the foundation, and poor drainage can make the property so swampy that the cost of keeping it dry would be prohibitive.
Utility Hookups
Availability of utilities is another critical consideration when determining if a lot is buildable. If utilities like electricity, water, and sewer services are not readily available, the cost of bringing these services to the lot can be expensive. Think about utility availability when looking at sites for building your dream cabin.
Surveys, Easements, and Encumbrances
A survey of the property can reveal easements or encumbrances that might limit your ability to build on the lot. Easements may give others the right to use part of your property, while encumbrances could include liens or other legal issues.
There may also be rules that protect trees on the lot, such as trimming versus removing trees. Check with the local building office and department of forestry or natural resources regarding possible restrictions.
Perc Testing
If a sewer hookup is not available at the lot, then percolation testing can help you determine the absorption rate of soil for a septic drain field. If the lot does not pass perc testing, it may not be suitable for a cabin that requires a septic system.
Required Disclosures From the Seller
Sellers in most US states must disclose any known issues that could affect a lot’s buildability. These disclosures can provide valuable insight into potential problems with the property.
Finding out if a lot is buildable involves a comprehensive evaluation of several things. By thoroughly examining these aspects, you can decide whether a particular lot meets your cabins building needs.
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