So if you buy land you cant build whatever you like on it?

Question

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I really do not know. I ask since I love the upscale part of my city since I go to the gym there and everyone is extremely nice. It is a 50 mile round trip and I drive there about 4 times a week. I would love to live closer, but all of the homes are priced high to keep the riff raff away. However when viewing craigslist, they have open land for sale that is only $100,000 for that area. So it makes me wonder, if you buy that land can you build your own house on it without it being a big deal or do you need a lot of government permission on what can be built there? Thanks.

Answer 1

Zoning determines what kind of structure can be on the land.



You would have to obtain building permits from the city for whatever you are building. You first get a general one, where they approve your blue prints, and from there you have to get specific ones for things (foundation, electrical, frame, etc).



It costs more to buy a house then buy and existing one. The city will not approve you building a shack in an upscale neighborhood.

Answer 2

Most larger cities have zoning laws, meaning that open property contstruction must conform to those zoning laws. If the land is zoned commercial, you won't be able to build a single family residence. As well, some cities also have restrictions on what TYPE of house can be built, particularly in any area it considers 'historic'. The French Quarter of New Orleans is a prime example of such tight restrictions. Any construction or remodeling in The Quarter must meet strict appearance guidelines, in order to resemble the other old historic structures in the area.

Answer 3

Most land in cities is zoned, and from your description I'm pretty sure the land in that area is. The zoning laws provide outer parameters of what can be built (height, distance from street, distance from existing buildings) as well as, sometimes, what style of building is permitted. They also describe what any land can be used for, like commercial, commercial/residential or residential.



There's a lot more to this. So, no, you can't build whatever you like on it. If you are considering making a land purchase, get very familiar with all the zoning that applies before making your decision.

Answer 4

Depends on what the land is zoned for with the city. If it is residential, then yes, you can build a home on the land.

Answer 5

Yes, you need local government permission. Google the term "zoning."

Answer 6

you have to follow local zoning laws and building ordinances. Some platted subdividisions have additional requirements such as minimum square footage requirements.