When it comes to building a home on your land there will likely be some rules to follow. Following these rules will ensure your own safety as well as up the value of your investment. Take a look!

ZONING

Zoning rules define how land may be used in regards to real property within a given “zone.” Zoning types range from residential to agricultural, mixed use, and more. Residential Zoning, which is very common on rural parcels, enacts the same rules and regulations as building a home in a residential neighborhood. These rules also stipulate whether or not you can have a tiny house or mobile home as well as how long you can legally camp on your own property. Find the zoning information on the County Assessor’s website or give them a call - the rules can be difficult to decode at times.

LAND SURVEY

A land survey is a detailed map of a parcel which includes locating and monumenting the corners and boundaries as well as locating improvements (well, septic, structures, etc). Surveys can cost a few thousand dollars depending on the job and therefore may not make sense to have done before purchasing. However, if you plan to develop your land a survey is recommended and sometimes required by the municipality. Just imagine if you built a home that was actually encroaching on the parcel next to yours!

PERMITS

Numerous permits are required in order to develop your land. These permits may include building, plumbing, electrical, grading, septic, and mechanical permits. Contact your local municipality and discuss your project to discover what permits you will need for your project. Additionally, you will need to provide some documentation when you apply for said permits, which may include a site plan, engineer stamped building plans, a survey, title proving your ownership, and information regarding the type of foundation, siding, and roofing. Ask how long it may take to get approval. When you submit your application for the permits with the supporting documentation you will also need to pay the various permit fees.

CONSTRUCTION

When you consider the remote nature of your lot and the possible extreme weather conditions, a kit home may be a good option for construction. Kit homes are built in warehouses and transported in pieces to your property. This allows a crew to quickly put up the home, minimizing exposing the framing to the elements as well as labor hours. You’ll want to find a construction company that is used to working off grid. Your municipality, land broker, tradesman, and locals will be a good resource when it comes to finding contractors for your project.

While this article only scratches the surface of what is involved in developing your land I hope that at the very least you feel more empowered to manifest your vision.

Emma Quarterman can be reached at 303-506-5218 or by email at emma@livewestrealty.com. Checkout her website at emmaskycolorado.com/.