A key to the selection process for the location of The Place is something that I see rarely if ever talked about… zoning, permits and codes.
Disclaimer: I’m not advocating buying or building unsafe structures. Codes do not guarantee safety, else there would be no buildings over 100 years old standing on the planet.
Zoning Code Website – Kansas City, MO
My personal opinion? Pick a state, and a county, that has no zoning laws or building codes. Avoid places with codes like the plague. Why? Because the last thing you need is people up in your grill sticking their nose into your business.
You are buying a bug out location, not investing in real estate
This isn’t a house you are planning on investing in for resale, it’s a secure location for your family.
Every state has certain codes that you will have to deal with (stuff like septic systems / sewage lagoon rules), so know them.
So many times people buy property and then find out because of some stupid law or rule made by some power-hungry bureaucrat they can’t do what they want to do.
I cannot stress enough, know the zoning / code / building permit rules and laws BEFORE you buy. This was a key factor in me buying where I did, I can do whatever I want on my own land with only one exception (I have to keep my septic/lagoon at least 75 feet away from the property boundary… state law).
It’s not that I think zoning laws are bad, in general
I’m not arguing that zoning laws, codes, permits and oversight is good or bad for “normal” situations, since things like resale value, homeowner safety, insurance and many other factors apply… but that’s not what we are talking about for a BOL.
You may even choose to buy in locations that are more restrictive than I would choose, and that’s entirely your choice… but you still need to KNOW what laws and rules apply and make sure that you are comfortable with whatever limitations you will be living under.
Me? I will continue to stay away from zoning & codes.
Is there a place online where you can rapidly figure this out?
I’ve never actually researched it… when I was looking I contacted each county and got the information directly from the local governments…
Good question but I have no answer…
Our zoning board think they are a band of stormtroopers. They gavel people into silence and threaten to close meetings when anyone shows up. And when I play by the rules and involve them, they break their own regulations. Best to just stay away from them.
Yes sir… I’ll bet the zoning board members also serve on their HOA’s… care to take that action? I’m giving 2-1 odds.