No matter whether there is a structure present or not a new owner will most likely build, remodel, refresh or somehow personalize their new purchase.
But how many people are familiar with all the rules and regulations that govern over their property of choice?
Each property and each location throughout the U.S. is very unique and specific to the jurisdiction they are in. As most of my experience has been in Santa Barbara, California, keep in mind that some of this information may vary depending on where the desired property is located.
Generally speaking most properties fall under the jurisdiction of Counties or Cities and they govern over them by means of Zoning Regulations or General Plans (which are blueprints for cities growth and development). These regulations dictate what uses are allowed but also regulates front, side and rear yard setbacks and open space requirements (if any).
In addition to the zoning regulations and land use requirements some jurisdictions may also have Boards or Committees to enforce local aesthetic or historical guidelines that were put in place to convey or preserve special character and value to a whole City or specific neighborhood.
Fire Departments have a strong influence in how a lot can be developed in fact any development must meet their specific standards and in some cases these standards can undermine the feasibility of a project if there are physical site constraints that prevent a specific condition to meet their standard.
Easements are very common. Specific to individual lots they are typically present to allow for construction of public roads and paths, installation and maintenance of utilities or to give access to land-locked lots. They can however also address environmental preservation to safeguard sensitive wildlife habitat or corridors. Specific rules are attached to these easements and most commonly no permanent structure can ever be placed (or even encroach) within its boundaries.
