Understanding Common Real Estate Zones

If you want to get into the real estate business, you may have a lot of questions. One of the most important questions to consider is what zone you need. If you would like to know more about real estate zones, keep reading.

Residential Zoning

Residential zones are commonly reserved for single family residences, but you can also build:

  • Apartments and condominiums
  • Duplexes
  • Trailer homes

You cannot usually build businesses and industrial buildings in residential zones. However, some home businesses are allowed, depending on factors such as signage, hours of operation, parking, and noise.

Residential zoning laws also put restrictions on what you can build, how close it can be to the house, etc. For example, local laws may prohibit you from installing a pool because the yard is too small. Similarly, there may be laws regarding signage and fencing for the pool.

Domesticated animals like dogs and cats are not usually regulated in residential zones (unless there is a homeowner's association). However, in many residential areas, you are prohibited from owning chickens and livestock.

Commercial Zoning

If you're in the market to build a business to make money, you'll need a commercial zone. Naturally, in commercial zones, you'll find shops, restaurants, and office buildings, but you'll also find hotels, malls, arcade centers, and some apartments.

Commercial zoning laws may also prohibit certain businesses from occupying the land. They may also put limitations on the height of the building, the distance from the road, the signage, etc.

Industrial Zoning

Industrial zones are reserved for warehouses and plants, but they may also blend in with commercial zones. As with commercial zones, the city can put limitations on what you can and can't build in industrial zones.

Industrial zones include light and heavy zones. Light industrial zones usually manufacture products that are sold directly to consumers and/or retailers. Heavy industrial zones usually have bigger buildings that use heavy, loud machines. The companies in these zones commonly craft materials used by other companies to craft products.

Agricultural and Rural Zoning

Agriculture and rural zones are different but similar. They both require a lot of empty space. Agricultural zones, however, use that space to grow food and other agricultural products. Rural zones are reserved for ranches, livestock, and chickens.

Before you buy any land, make sure you know the zone and the limitations. If you're having legal issues with the city regarding the zone, consider land use law services. If you would like to know more, contact a real estate and land use law service


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