Do your homework: Zoning Laws and the Pitfalls of Buying Vacant Property

Written by: Olaun Simmons

Buying vacant land can be a great investment, but it’s important to do your homework before making any purchases. One major consideration is zoning laws, which can have a significant impact on what you can and cannot do with your property. Here, we’ll take a closer look at zoning laws and some of the pitfalls that can arise when buying vacant property.

Zoning laws are regulations that govern how land can be used within a particular area. Zoning laws are typically established by local governments and are designed to promote public health, safety, and welfare. These regulations can include restrictions on the type of buildings that can be constructed, the density of development, and even the kinds of businesses that can operate in a given area.

When it comes to buying vacant property, zoning laws can create some significant challenges. For example, if you purchase land that is zoned for residential use, you may not be able to build a commercial property on that land. Similarly, if you purchase land that is zoned for agricultural use, you may not be able to build a residential property on that land. This means that it’s important to carefully review zoning laws and understand what types of development are permitted in a given area before making a purchase.

Another potential pitfall of buying vacant property is that the property may be located in an area that is not served by essential utilities. For example, if the land is located in a rural area, it may not have access to electricity, water, or sewage services. This can make it difficult or even impossible to develop the land.

Finally, it’s important to consider the potential environmental issues associated with a particular piece of vacant land. For example, if the land was previously used for industrial purposes, it may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals or pollutants. Similarly, if the property has a Resource Protection Area (RPA), it may substantially reduce the buildable area on the property. Therefore, before purchasing any vacant land, it’s important to conduct a thorough environmental assessment to identify environmental concerns.

In conclusion, buying vacant land can be a great investment, but it’s important to do your homework before making any purchases. Zoning laws, utility access, and environmental concerns are just a few of the potential pitfalls that can arise when buying vacant property. By carefully researching these issues, you can minimize your risk and ensure that you’re making a smart investment.

If you have questions related to the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the ways in which it may affect your rezoning application, special use permit application, or the desired use of your property, please contact me at 703-369-4738 or osimmons@vfnlaw.com.

This blog post is not intended to provide legal advice or substitute for the advice of legal counsel with respect to specific facts and situations. See disclaimer