Before you buy land, call the county.
This is one of the simplest steps you can take, and it is also one of the most important. What you are allowed to do on your land matters more than the land itself.
A lot of people skip this step, start building, and then run into problems later. The good news is that most of those problems can be avoided with a few clear questions.
If you're looking to buy land, here’s a simple way to approach it:
- Start with the County Directory to find areas that allow what you want to do
- Use the Land Locator to find available properties in that county
- Run the property through the Land Selection Checklist before you commit
Before you buy land, call the county. This short video explains why that one step matters and how it can save you from expensive mistakes later.
The Main Departments to Contact
You do not need to call just one place. In most counties, information is spread across a few departments:
- Zoning or Planning Department
- Building Department
- Environmental Health or Septic Department
- Assessor or Property Tax Office
If you are not sure where to start, call the main county line and ask to be directed to these departments.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy Land
1. Zoning and Land Use
- What is the zoning of this property?
- Can I live on the land full-time?
- Are RVs or temporary structures allowed?
- Are there minimum home size requirements?
- Are there restrictions on livestock or agriculture?
2. Building Requirements
- Do I need a building permit to build a home?
- Are there setback requirements from property lines?
- Are there specific construction codes I need to follow?
- Can I build in phases over time?
3. Water and Septic
- Is a septic system required?
- What type of septic systems are approved?
- Do I need a perc test?
- Are wells allowed, and are there any restrictions?
4. Access and Utilities
- Does the property need legal access?
- Are there any requirements for road access?
- Are off-grid systems like solar allowed?
5. Property Taxes and Long-Term Use
- What are the current property taxes?
- Are there any special assessments or fees?
- Are there any upcoming changes to zoning or land use rules?
Why This Step Matters
Most people do not run into problems because they picked bad land. They run into problems because they did not verify what they could actually do with it.
Calling the county gives you clarity. It removes guesswork. And it helps you make decisions that will hold up long-term.
Keep It Simple
You do not need to overcomplicate this. Just make the call, ask clear questions, and write down the answers.
If you do nothing else before buying land, start here.