From building a home or business to creating a recreational paradise, investing in vacant land can open-up a whole world of opportunity. While a specific property might seem like a great fit for your future plans, there is still one major factor you’ll need to consider: zoning restrictions.
Zoning restrictions are set by local governments, and they dictate how a piece of land can be used. In other words, just because you own a piece of land, doesn’t necessarily mean you can do whatever you wish with it. Navigating zoning rules can be confusing, but Palmetto Realty is here to help you understand these local regulations and determine a property is right for you.
What Are Zoning Restrictions?
Zoning refers to regulations set by local governments that restrict use of land to pre-defined purposes. For example, if a property is only zoned for residential construction, then it can’t be used for recreation and vice versa. These rules and restrictions are often applied in “zones”, and they’re important because they allow for the efficient structuring of cities and municipalities. They help to ensure properties can co-exist within a specific area.
Where Can I Find The Zoning Of A Property?
The good news is zoning maps are available to the public. You can receive a zoning map by contacting your municipality’s zoning office, or they might even be available at the local library. As long as you know the property’s address, tax map, parcel number, and owner’s name, you’ll be able to determine the zoning restrictions with a bit of research.
However, going through this process can be tedious, and if you’re browsing multiple property listings, verifying the zoning restrictions on each can be time-consuming. This is where a good real estate broker can help you.
Can A Property Be Rezoned?
While it’s technically possible to have a property rezoned, it’s not easy. To do so, the rezone request must align with the municipality’s overall plan for the area. Or, you must prove there was an error when the property was originally zoned. Zoning changes may also be permitted if there have been major changes to the geographical area surrounding the property that limit its use under the current zoning restrictions.
To have a property rezoned or to request a variance to the current zoning code, you’ll need to submit an application, a fee, a written proposal to the local zoning board. Your application will be reviewed by the board and a public hearing will be held. Collectively, the public and board will come-up with a recommendation, which will be passed along to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.
How Palmetto Realty Can Help
Palmetto Realty is a Central Florida real estate broker that specializes in land transactions. If you’re looking for land for a specific purpose, we can help you quickly discover properties zoned for your specific use. We can also help you interpret local zoning ordinances to ensure you know the full extent of what it is permissible before you purchase a property.
If you’re looking to buy land for residential or commercial construction, or to transform into your very own hunting, fishing, or off-roading paradise, Palmetto Realty helps clients like you every day. Give us a call today to start your land search.