Lots of problems with this and the all lead back to various forms of GOVERNMENT!

We really need to limit this control whenever possible.

the greatest problem for any real estate agent who is deeply involved with land, zoning and planning is when the town leaders attempt to "stop growth".... when zoning regulations become more stict and lot sized increase significantly to control growth and the number of lots to be subdivided within a tract....

oh, I could write for days on this topic.....but for every rule, there's a legitimate way to skirt it, and I know all of them... 

Bob Crane and Barbara Todaro have already provided excellent answers, mine would have been along the same vein.

Bribing the head of your local zoning board.  Some of them won't take your money!

The lack of common sense within government agencies is a big problem.  The problems encountered will depend on which side of the zoning and planning fence you are on.  Developers are usually at odds with those trying to control growth. 

Bob Crane beat me to it.   You are dealing withd Governments bureaucrats who justify their existence by harassing you, and charging you exorbitant taxes (they call them "fees").

What Lisa Von Domek said...

Poor planning.

hey minnette, feel free to fill in your profile more including a pic and you will find more members want to interact with you

it is that you do not control any of this.

Typically, despite what any owner will think, the owner is never in "control" of the land or its use.  All land is subject to a "master plan" or "general plan" created by the City/Government and intended to control use and resources within a community.  Thus, try as you might, you will never easily or cheaply be able to get the City to "bend" to your will no matter how seemingly simple a decision it is to make.  If a property is zoned for residential, high density, changing it will be hugely expensive and there is no guarantee such decisions will "stick" when they leave committee and go to council.  So be prepared to  hold your breath. 

As for other issues, legislation, the NIMBY (not in my back yard) mentality, along with general environmental issues all combine to make building both a lengthy and expensive issue.  Renovation is far easier, which is why so many buy older buildings and renovate them extensively as opposed to buying raw land and building.  Depending on where you live, the process of getting a building plan approved and Use Permit issued can take  months to years to obtain.

Good luck to you! 

A very interesting question where the answer may vary by jurisdiction.  I have not read studies on this type of matter.

 Just check your local news. Lawsuits, hearings or zoning in your municipality.

Minnette Olsen There aren't any problems as long as sellers and buyers abide by the plans such as the Master Plan or Comprehensive Plan for the locality.