Buying a Lot? Due Diligence is Required

Buying a Lot?  Due Diligence is Required.

Buying a lot to build a home can be an exciting time.  However, it is important to learn as much as possible about the property before closing and deciding to build.  Below is a checklist that we use with our clients to make sure the lot is "build-able" for their new home...

GENERAL
• Property Description and Ownership
• Tax Map and Parcel Size
• Master Plan Compliance
• Future Road Alignments & Right-of-Way Dedications
• Review of Phase I Environmental Study, if available
• Walk the Site & Pictures 

MAPS & PLANS
• Property Boundary Survey
• Tax Map
• Zoning Map
• Master Plans 
• Street Map and Community Amenities
• Topographic Survey or GIS
• Aerial Photo
• Soils 
• Water and Sewer Maps 
• Wetland Inventory Maps 
• Flood Plain Maps
• Road Network Plan 

ZONING & LAND USES
• Zoning Designation
• Permitted and Conditional Uses
• Zoning Restrictions, Bulk Requirements, and Constraints
• Density Bonus
• Yield Analysis, Open Space and Buffer Requirements 

REGULATORY
• Current Rezoning Applications
• Development Impact on Services & Existing Infrastructure
• Dedications, Easements and Encroachments
• Road Access, Offsite Road Improvements & Onsite Road Circulation
• Land Development Regulations
• Stormwater Management Facility Requirements
• Best Management Practices
• Entitlement, Approval and Permitting Process 

NEIGHBORING PROPERTY
• Existing and Proposed Uses
• Positive and Negative Surrounding Property Analysis
• Neighborhood Reaction to Development Plans
• Political Assessment 

SITE CHARACTERISTICS
• Flood Plains
• Environmental Constraints
• Wetlands, Ponds and Jurisdictional Streams
• SWIM Buffers, Natural Buffers
• Property Soil Types and Characteristics impacting development potential 
• Water Table
• Topography and Slope Analysis
• Drainage Patterns, Conveyance and Site Characteristics
• Water Line and Fire Hydrant Location, Water Pressure, and Availability
• Sewer Line Location and Invert Elevations, Line and Plant Capacity
• Other Utility Availability i.e. gas, electric, telephone, fiber optics
• Frontage Road Classification, Condition and Sight Distance
• Property Configuration Impacting Development
• Connection to Adjacent Properties (Connectivity)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Issues
• Watershed Protection Areas Requirements
• Existing Vegetation and Specimen Trees
• Existing Site Buildings, Condition and Demolition Requirements 

GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMENTS
• Planning & Zoning Department
• Engineering Department
• Public Works
• Water and Sewer Departments
• Building Department