If you buy a piece of land, you may think that it is yours to do with as you please. However, in most places, zoning laws dictate how you can use your property. If you are building a home, you will want to make sure that the land you purchase is zoned for residential use.

Cities and other local governments establish zoning laws to control development. City zoning laws can vary significantly from location to location, so it’s important to have a good understanding of regulations in your area before you purchase property and begin planning to build a new home.

Types of Zoning Regulations

There are several common types of zoning restrictions, including:

• Agricultural
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Recreational
• Residential.

If you’re building a home, you will want to make sure that your property is zoned for residential use. You will also want to look into any other restrictions about what can be done with or built on the property. Some municipalities may restrict how many structures you can have on your land, or even regulate projects such as the widening of a driveway or the addition of a deck or extra room. In these cases, you may need to obtain zoning permits from your local zoning board to make modifications to your property. You will also need a zoning permit before you begin construction on your new home.

In addition to confirming the zoning restrictions on your own property, you may also want to research the zoning of nearby land. You may find a perfect lot, but discover it is next to a piece of property that is zoned for commercial or industrial uses. Even if this land is currently vacant, you may want to consider the potential future uses of that neighboring space. Do you want to live next door to a strip mall or factory?

Understanding Property Zoning Laws

Property zoning regulations vary based on where you live. To get specific information about how property is zoned in your area, contact your local planning department.

If you want to build a home on a piece of property that is not zoned for residential use, it may be possible to obtain a zoning variance, which allows you to use the land in a way not normally permitted by its current zoning. You can also apply to have the zoning of the land changed. However, this can be a complicated process, depending on your local government and the current political climate in the area.