What is Zoning and How Can You Check Your Property?
e24 land for sale zoning property

by | Mar 25, 2022 | Uncategorized

What is Zoning and How Can You Check Your Property?

Are you interested in purchasing land and unsure about the zoning rules and regulations? When buying new land, it is necessary to understand zoning to know how you can use the property and who your neighbors will be.

The purpose of zoning laws is to control development and the use of land to create a safe and healthy environment for the people who live there. Zoning codes are among the oldest forms of property regulations. They originated in England in the 19th century and spread to other parts of the world. 

Many countries have different zoning laws today, but their original purposes are the same. They are to protect human health from environmental risks and maintain community safety. 

Zoning is why you do not see bowling alleys or zoos as your next-door neighbor. It’s even thought that zoning laws are somewhat responsible for why housing is not affordable in certain parts of the country

 

What is Zoning?

Zoning refers to the laws and rules set by local, state, and federal governments. They determine how landowners can develop and use the land.

It further controls what can exist together in an area by grouping together land-use activities. The laws keep residential only residential, commercial only commercial, and industrial only industrial. 

For example:

  • A conservation zone includes natural resources or protected wildlife habitats from harmful actions.
  • A rural zone includes undeveloped or agricultural land. They must be intended for farming and ranching but may limit these uses strictly in the form of single-family residences. 

Zoning also regulates the details like the height of a building, required square footage, and intended use. 

Your local decision-makers can change these rules if they prove there is a benefit.

 

Zoning Codes

Zones fall into four types: residential, commercial, industrial, and other.

  • Residential: This includes multifamily homes or single-family homes and manufactured and mobile homes. The zoning rules that govern these properties depend on the residential district in which they reside.
  • Commercial: Commercial zoning properties include the business district in a town, such as restaurants, office spaces, shopping centers, and other commercial buildings where people spend their money.
  • Industrial: Industrial zoning properties include heavy industries, such as warehouses, heavy-duty manufacturing facilities, or wholesale real estate properties.
  • Agricultural: Agricultural zoning will refer to areas that have farmlands and exist in an agricultural district. Agricultural zoning protects the farmlands from obtaining harm due to unlawful practices.
  • Hotel or hospitality: Hospitality or hotel zoning allows property owners and developers to restructure their buildings to leverage the use of the buildings more economically.
  • Historical: Historical zoning provides a safeguard for older buildings. This is prevalent in areas rich with culture and history, and zoning helps protect these buildings from being demolished or redeveloped.

The different zones determine the best way to promote and develop geographical areas based on these categories.

It is essential to know and understand the zoning before buying land.

 

How do I Check Zoning for My Property

You can check the zoning of a piece of land either online or over the phone. No matter the choice, it is completely free.

Online, a quick google search for the particular county planning and zoning returns the needed link. You can check the zoning once you have a verified seller with no tax liens or back taxes on the property.

The zoning information you need to find are the following:

  • Determine the county the land is on
  • The parcel number

The parcel number is on the listing, or contact the seller for the information. If the seller can’t provide a parcel number, consider it a scam or red flag. Remain mindful of that when attempting to retrieve this information. Additionally, they might not have the right to sell the property.

 

The Bottom Line

While not always easy to understand, creating zones is essential in keeping order in different geographical areas. Landowners in each zone can ensure that their interests remain protected by this process.

There are two big reasons why you need to check the zoning regulations on a new property:

  1. To determine how you can use your land and what you can build on it in the future
  2. To determine how your neighborhood can use their property.

Zoning specifically creates areas to develop income and land usage over time. Yet, with businesses running out of residential homes, zoning is needed to ensure that no one is taken advantage of. 

As a result, everyone gets a fair chance to increase their economic potential regardless of geographical area with the least disruption to the community.

➡️Don’t forget to join our VIP Program to stay informed on coming soon properties, special discounts, and early access to the new properties before we start advertising to the public!!

➡️Check out our current inventory!

Advantages of Living in Elko County

Unique in its status as the gateway to the Ruby Mountains and the leading producer of gold in the United States, Elko County also offers many advantages to its residents: Affordability Elko County still has affordable land for those looking for acreage, especially for...

International Mountain Day Roundup

December 11th was International Mountain Day.  In honor of such a worthy day, enjoy a roundup of seven mountains near Park County, CO.  The County is surrounded by mountains, 136 of which are named.  The Mosquito Range, home to five fourteeners and 85 named mountains,...

Thankful from A to Z

November is in full swing and reminders to be grateful are coming from all arenas. Any opportunity to express gratitude is a good idea in our minds so we thought we'd share some things for which we're grateful this year--from A to Z! A—Autumn views in the Ozarks The...

San Luis Valley Resource Guide

The process of building on undeveloped land and making a home on it can be overwhelming.  Where should you start?  Who should you call? What requirements exist for the specific locale?  The county’s website is a good place to start.  Our focus here, though, is to...

Costilla County Area Summer Bucket List

Costilla County is stunning all year long.  However, summer offers its own unique beauty.  Don’t miss the destinations on this Costilla County area summer bucket list. Splash in Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park Cool off in the creek while enjoying...

5 Photo-Worthy Sites in Elko County, NV

In honor of National Photography Month, explore these five photo-worthy spots in Elko County, Nevada, or venture out and find your own!    1) Lamoille Canyon Road Paved and easily accessed, Lamoille Canyon Road provides excellent views of the peaks of the Ruby...

Get to Know Apache County, AZ

  Apache County, Arizona is located in the NE corner of the state, touching upon the only point in the US shared by four states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Fort Apache Indian Reservation occupies part of the county, as does the Navajo Nation, whose...

5 Hiking Hot Spots in Park County, CO

  Boasting the highest incorporated town in North America, Park County is located in the geographical center of Colorado. At only about and hour and half from Denver or Colorado Springs and within an hour of Breckenridge and Denver, Park County is a short trip to an...

Hunting in Costilla County, Colorado

Hunting in Costilla County, Colorado If you're a hunter looking for the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than hunting in Costilla County, Colorado. This area is known for its wide open spaces, stunning views, and incredible...

The Difference Between Developed and Undeveloped Land

What's the Difference Between Developed and Undeveloped Land?   Developed and undeveloped land, while both worthy investments, there are differences to be noted. Developed land typically refers to improved land with buildings, infrastructure, and other features....