How To Find Zoning Requirements

Zoning requirements are laws and regulations dictated by the state which outline what types of buildings can and cannot be used on particular tracts of land.  Usually the buildings are grouped by compatibility - a meat processing plant won’t, generally, be built in a suburban residential area.  When building or remodeling your home, it’s important to be aware of them.

• The most common type of zoning regulation, Euclidean zoning, designates a particular area for types of buildings which are compatible with one another.  In this case we are interested in residential zoning.  Single-family and multi-family homes can be designated within the realm of residential zoning, and non-residential buildings are not allowed in residential zones.
  
  
• In all likelihood, this is the type of zoning that will be present at your home site, and the most effective way to become familiar with local laws is to inquire with local builders who deal with these zoning laws on a day-to-day basis.
  
  
• There are building codes and regulations unique to each state, but zoning laws will likely be specific not just to your town or city, but to the neighborhood in which you plan to build your home.
  
  
• Further, there is more detailed zoning regulation which can be made depending on the local character of the community.  For instance, there is generally some kind of “dimensional restriction” – a restriction on the height, width or square footage that a home can be in a particular zone.  If you work from home, then this is especially important as there is almost always provisions for such a situation that you need to be aware of.  For the most specific laws, look for your state under the state, county, municipal, and local links here:  http://www.megalaw.com/top/zoning.php.  Violating zoning law is not something a homebuyer wants to invite into their life.
  
  
• Violating zoning laws is a risky business.  If, for example, you start a business in your home – making it a commercial building – it may compromise the resale value of your home forcing you to sell it for a significantly lowered price.  Or, in a worst case scenario, you may be forced to remove it from the market completely.
  
  
• Your city or county will have a Planning Department which you should be able to find in the yellow pages.  Even if you can find the zoning requirements and regulations for your area online, it’s best to contact the planning department to double-check the information you’ve gathered otherwise.

On a federal level, one of the following agencies will have information regarding zoning in your area: Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, National Rural Development Partnership, Department of Housing & Urban Development. Do your research and ask neighbors as well. Being informed will be your best asset.