If you’ve always dreamed of building a home on beautiful lake front property, there are several things you should take into consideration. It’s not as simple as picking a lot and building a home. Make sure the parcel you find clears this checklist before you stake your claim.
The lay of the lot: It’s lake front, but is it buildable? Does it meet the requirements of the City and County? Check their joint task force development and protection guidelines.
The zoning of the lot: Will you have to have it rezoned from an agriculture to a residential use? Are you sure it will pass? Is it already zoned for the type of home you want to place or build on the property?
The utilities: Does “city water” go out that far? What about a sewer connection? If not, does the earth “perc” for septic use? Is there a sewer pump? If so, how much of an added cost is that to your utilities? If it’s septic only, how many baths would your land be approved for? How much will it cost to have these options installed on your property?
The 820 line: Tennessee Valley Authority determines where this setback easement is for flooding and utilities. This will determine where and how big your house can be built. You may buy a large lot only to find that a very small part of it is actually above the 820 line.
The building envelope: Each lot has certain easements and you can not build on that particular part of the property. Generally some have 15′ easements on the sides of the property and 20′ easements on the front and back. This is in addition to the previously mentioned 820 line based on TVA standards.
Neighborhood/City/County restrictions: Want to raise chickens? Then you better check with the city/county to make sure you can not only have them, but also how many. Is the neighborhood architecturally restricted? If so, who approves your plans?
Water drainage: Your drain lines need to be approved so that your neighbor’s property doesn’t wash away.
TVA dock permits: Dock permits expire every 18 months if the structure is not yet built. Reapprovals, however, can be easy to obtain.
When making an offer on a lot, be sure to put a contingency on all the things you will need to build in order to protect you in the event there is an unforeseen snag. This creates a sort of partnership between buyers and sellers in clearing all the contingencies. Garland Properties can walk you through the process of finding a lake front property that is truly a place to build a dream home. Ready to search? Check out these property listings in Knox County, Loudon County, Union County, Anderson and Campbell Counties.
For more information, call (865) 257-0100 or e-mail Amy Garland today.