I want to build tiny cabins on land and rent them out for vacation etc., a PE said I should look into buying commercial land due to all the building restrictions, is this true?
So sorry if this is the wrong Reddit to ask this but I'm trying to figure out where to start. Thanks in advance for answers!
[{"id": "d4o8xlf", "text": "I don't know the answer, but the concept sounds cool.  Best of luck to you.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4o94y7", "text": "Really depends on where you're buying.  If it's remote then either may work... consult a lawyer... \n\nYou totally can get a residential loan on a mix used property.  People run businesses out of their home all the time. \n\nThe big questions you need to get answered are.  \n\nA. Can you build the number of structures you want in the manner you want.\n\nB. Having what you're doing be permissible.\n\nLook at the towns zoning meetings and find a lawyer that seems to be on the docett a lot.  They are going to be more familiar with the local scene than anyone else.  ", "replies": [{"id": "d4of601", "text": "Also make sure to check out environmental reports.  Dont cheap out, as your lenders will want them anyway.  If there is a change in use that impacts the standards that now nerd to be applied.  Aka industrial parks have different regs from multi family etc.  ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "d4ojt6v", "text": "What other types of land should I look into since you mentioned: \n\n&gt;either may work\n\nAlso thank you for your response!", "replies": [{"id": "d4pvtb2", "text": "commercial and residential are the general zoning designations. There will be many detailed permitted uses depending on where you are looking - you'll have to do some homework on your zoning ordinance.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4ouaxn", "text": "You probanly won't find commercially zoned land that would work for this, most jurisdictions will leave land that would be suitable at the lowest intensity zoning designation (agricultural or something like that). Zoning is unique from county to county, the first mistake people make is assuming that the rules are the same everywhere.\n\nIn most jurisdictions you won't need a lawyer, a few require one, but for most it's not necessary.  \n\nBefore you buy ithe land, Put your sketch plan together and go talk to the zoning administrator and building department. You can also talk to them about the project without discussing a  specific piece of land, but you'll generally get better information with specific land to talk about.  You will likely end up in a special use category, it's called different things everywhere, but it's a catch-all for projects that don't fall into the general categories.  It gives zoning administrators the ability to put restrictions on what you can do- as opposed to rezoning the land to commercial or something which would allow all kinds of things like car dealerships.\n\nLandscape architecture and civil engineering companies will have people who do this work for clients. I have been in land acquisition and entitlements for almost 20years,  I've done work in probably 10 different states,  I'm happy to answer your questions.", "replies": [{"id": "d4owowa", "text": "Yes thank you, I have plenty of questions. Is it OK to PM you? Thanks so much again!", "replies": [{"id": "d4pdw0s", "text": "Sure. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "d4pvupq", "text": "I don't know, I feel like this would fall under some sort of commercial zoning similar to hotel or MHP ordinances. ", "replies": [{"id": "d4pwf78", "text": "Sure it could, if you found some idyllic 20 acre piece of ground suited for camping/vacationing that was zoned for commercial uses...I could almost guarantee that piece of land doesn't exist. \n\nThe land I'd want to build my little camping cabin project on would be rural and a little remote, definitely not surrounded by other commercial property.  The use would almost certainly be granted by special review, which would give the zoning authority the power to put conditions on the use to limit any negative impacts (or not approve it at all).  Noise, traffic, utility issues, whatever they feel is important could be addressed specifically, they can also put a sunset on the use so it won't persist or will be required to get a renewal every 10 years or something. \n", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4p2zxr", "text": "All you need to do is check the zoning at the local city planning department.  If anything isn't clear, just ask them.  Of course your cabins need to be up to code and go through the building permit process too.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4p7udc", "text": "You're gonna wanna get the land you build on tested as well.  Last thing you want is to finish building and discover you're built on an ancient Indian burial ground that has also seen use as a dumping site from the nearby sheet metal factory. ", "replies": [{"id": "d4putoj", "text": "Good call, thank you!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4skv76", "text": "This question is entirely based on local ordinances. Check your town or county for zoning codes where this is allowed. Some areas have minimum parcel sizes or other restrictions on multifamily developments.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d4ur5w8", "text": "I have a family member who used to work for a county permit and resource planning department. Two things I've picked up from him over the years that I think will apply here are:\n\n1. Building restrictions can vary dramatically from one county to the next. Focus on learning what those restrictions look like for the county *you* are planning to build in.\n\n2. The board of supervisors has quite a bit of leeway in deciding what the general plan looks like, and how it will be enforced. He has lots of stories about getting pressure from the board to approve things that technically are zoned incorrectly. If you foresee any problems getting things approved, start getting cozy with the board of supes and sell them on how your project will benefit the community in general and their constituents in particular.\n\nEDIT:\n\nAfter thinking some more about this, I would worry less about buying land zoned commercial and more about buying land that will support the necessary septic systems. A good planner will not approve a building project that doesn't include an adequate sewage/septic system.\n\nSince you almost certainly won't be on a city sewer system, you'll either need to truck the sewage out, or operate a leech field. For the former, you'll need road infrastructure that can support trucks regularly coming in and out. For the latter, you'll need a big chunk of land away from the public that has the right soil/rock type to keep the sewage from contaminating the groundwater.\n\nEither route is probably going to involve putting in underground infrastructure, and that's where lots of developers seem to get tripped up. High water tables, existing underground infrastructure (*always* check for buried pipes and cables before you dig--it's a legal requirement in several states!) and shallow bedrock can all torpedo your plans.", "replies": [{"id": "d4vv4jb", "text": "Thanks so much, I'll definitely make sure to factor those in. Thanks so much for the tips\n", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]