• Zoning: Does this property have suitable zoning for the project you want to build? For example, the land should be in a commercial/retail zoning if you want to build a restaurant. The city’s zoning regulations do not allow building a restaurant on a property that is in residential zoning. Also, if the property is not in city limits,or if it is in ETJ, or in a County, zoning regulations vary. So, it is important to check zoning.
• Utilities: Does this property have the required utilities such as water, sanitary sewer, and electricity? Property values depend on the proximity to existing utilities.
• Access: Does this land have direct access to public streets? Does it have frontage on public roads? Municipal fire codes play an important role when buying a piece of land. Fire codes require 2 points of access when you want to build a large commercial project or a project with more than 30 residential homes. So, look for access when you want to do larger development projects.
• Environmental: Are there any wetlands or floodplains on the property? If so, you will require permitting from federal agencies when you want to modify or build on that portion of the land. Get an environmental phase 1 study done to get answers on some of these as a first step after purchasing the property.
• Topographic: Look for a moderate terrain land. A hilly terrain or a flat terrain will result in higher construction costs.
• Miscellaneous: Other items of importance are
  • Existing Easements
  • Gas wells on the property
  • Local agency impact fees
  • Any developmental moratoriums.

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