Pre-Purchase Zoning Checklist | Zoning Guide by Building Club

Confirm the property's zoning designation with the local planning departmentCriticalLook up the parcel on the city or county zoning map and verify the exact zoning district code (e.g., R-1, R-2, C-1).
Verify that your intended use is permitted under the current zoningCriticalCheck whether your planned use is allowed by right, requires a conditional use permit, or is prohibited.
Check for any overlay districts or special zones that applyOverlay districts such as historic preservation, flood hazard, or environmental zones may impose additional restrictions.
Research any pending rezoning proposals or comprehensive plan changesContact the planning department to ask about proposed zoning changes that could affect the property.

Check minimum lot size requirements for the zoning districtVerify the parcel meets or exceeds the minimum lot area required by the zoning code.
Verify front, side, and rear setback requirementsCriticalSetbacks determine how close you can build to property lines and affect the buildable area of the lot.
Confirm maximum building height limitsHeight restrictions vary by zone and may be measured differently depending on the jurisdiction.
Review lot coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) limitsThese standards control how much of the lot can be covered by structures and the total building square footage allowed.
Check minimum parking requirements for your intended useParking requirements can significantly impact site design and may affect project feasibility.

Determine if accessory dwelling units are allowed on the propertyMany jurisdictions now permit ADUs in residential zones, but rules vary widely by city and state.
Review ADU size, setback, and height restrictionsADUs typically have maximum size limits and specific setback requirements that differ from the primary dwelling.
Check if state ADU laws override local restrictionsSome states have passed laws that preempt local zoning barriers to ADU construction.

Verify availability of municipal water and sewer connectionsCriticalProperties without municipal services may require wells and septic systems, which have their own zoning and health department requirements. For vacant land, this is especially critical — see our Vacant Land Purchase Checklist for detailed water and sewer due diligence steps.
Check for adequate road access, frontage requirements, and access easementsCriticalMany zoning codes require minimum street frontage for buildable lots. If the access road crosses neighboring properties, verify that recorded access easements exist. Without legal road access, the property may be unbuildable.
Confirm utility easements and their impact on buildable areaEasements can restrict where you can place structures and may limit future improvements. Review all recorded easements through a title search.
Check electric, gas, and internet service availabilityConfirm which utility providers serve the property and whether service extensions are needed. For rural properties, extending electric service can cost $10,000-$50,000+ depending on distance.

Review HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)CriticalHOA rules can be more restrictive than zoning and may limit building size, style, colors, and permitted uses.
Check for deed restrictions or private covenants on the propertyDeed restrictions run with the land and can impose limitations beyond what zoning allows, such as prohibiting certain uses or structures.