Understanding your local property ordinances might not be the most fascinating part of owning or renting property, but it is undoubtedly one of the most significant. This is because the property ordinances enforced in your area can vastly affect what you can and cannot do with your property. Not only can they impact renovations, additions, and architectural changes to property, they can also affect minor details such as how often your lawns must be mowed.
So, what exactly are property ordinances? Simply put, they are rules and regulations determined by local governments–cities or towns applicable to properties within their jurisdictions. They can dictate everything from construction standards, land use regulations, and zoning laws, to maintenance standards, and so much more. This guide aims at offering you an extensive understanding of your local property ordinances in your area.
The Importance of Understanding your Local Property Ordinances
The essence of understanding your local property ordinances cannot be overstated. Ignorance of these rules and regulations may lead to legal repercussions, including hefty fines, property seizures, and more. Furthermore, violation of some property ordinances can have hefty consequences for the environment, like when ordinances against certain types of waste disposal are ignored.
Typical Types of Property Ordinances
Zoning Ordinances
Zoning ordinances are the most common types of property ordinances that property owners encounter. These laws often dictate what each parcel of land within a city or town can be used for, including residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Zoning laws also regulate things like lot size, building height, frontage, parking requirements, and more.
Building Codes
Building codes regulate the standards for construction in a city or town, these codes aim to ensure that structures are safe and meet certain minimum standards. Before any substantial construction project or renovation, property owners must usually apply for and receive permits from the city, which then inspects the work to ensure compliance with building codes.
Maintenance Ordinances
Maintenance ordinances govern the standard of property upkeep in a city or town, they can dictate how often a lawn is to be mowed, whether pets are allowed on lawns and more.
How to Know your Local Property Ordinances
Your city or town’s website is an excellent place to start when trying to understand your local property ordinances. Look for the zoning and planning department, which will typically host this information. You can also visit your local city or town hall in person and request this information. Understanding these ordinances can often be very complicated, so hiring a real estate attorney or consultant can often be a good idea if the stakes are high.
Conclusion
Understanding your local property ordinances is a fundamental duty of every property owner and renter. They dictate how land can be used, how properties must be maintained, and the laws about building renovations and improvements. By familiarizing with these laws, you can make informed decisions about your property, avoid hefty fines, and even contribute to maintaining your local environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you violate a property ordinance?
If you violate a property ordinance, you could face several consequences. In many cases, the city will send a notice or warning. If the problem is not rectified, you could face fines or even legal action.
Do property ordinances apply to renters as well as owners?
Yes, property ordinances generally apply to anyone occupying a property, whether they rent or own it. If you are a renter, you should know your obligations, as well as your landlord’s, under the local ordinances.
Where can people find out more about their local property ordinances?
Most towns or cities will have information about local property ordinances either through their local government office, online, or both. If you aren’t sure where to look, you could start by calling your local government office or by searching online for your city’s name with the term “property ordinances.
