When looking for land in Texas, you might only focus on location, cost, and size. But did you know that there are rules that determine what can and cannot be built in different areas?
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of zoning in Texas and how they can influence important factors like the location and size of your land and building plans.
What Is Zoning?
When we talk about zoning and zoning ordinances, we mean the local laws and regulations that govern how land can be used in specific areas. Set by local governments, these regulations divide the area into different neighborhoods and determine the types of buildings that can be built in each zone. For example, some parts of the city might be for houses, others for factories, and some for stores and offices. Sometimes, these zoning restrictions can be changed if the construction of a property will positively benefit the community.
Types of Zoning in Texas
Like many other places, different zoning rules in Texas have their specific purpose. Before you buy any Texas land for sale, it’s important you know what zoning district affects the property. Here’s a brief overview of the common types of zoning that exist in Texas:
Residential Zoning
Residential zoning laws determine what areas people will live in and the types of structures that can be built. This zoning restriction helps to control noise levels, promote affordable housing, and create community spaces like parks in residential areas. Residential zoning laws also cover issues like the number of structures allowed on a property, the type of animals allowed in a residence, and whether mobile homes can be constructed in an area.
If you run a business from home, these laws may affect you. Some residential zoning laws totally prohibit property owners from running home-based businesses while others permit them. However, this permission depends on factors like:
- The type of business
- The hours of operation
- The presence of employees or business invitees
- Delivery and parking concerns
- Noise issues
Commercial Zoning
Commercial zoning deals with areas where businesses operate and includes structures like stores, restaurants, and offices. This zoning ordinance is often divided into different categories based on the type of business and the number of clients the business handles. Other factors that might be influenced by the commercial zoning in a community include:
- Building height
- Parking requirements
- The closeness of certain businesses to schools and religious houses
- Whether adult entertainment establishments are permitted in the area
Industrial Zoning
Industrial zoning laws cover areas where manufacturing and industrial activities take place. Some of these activities include manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Industrial zoning laws usually have more restrictions than commercial zoning and are influenced by factors like:
- Business type
- Industrial use
- Noise concerns
- Environmental factors
- The ratio of the land size to the portion covered by buildings
Agricultural Zoning
Agricultural zoning laws cover areas that are used for farming and ranching. They exist to promote agricultural activities and ensure that there is enough land to support the agricultural needs of the community. Agricultural zoning laws typically limit things like:
- Lot size
- Type of agricultural activity that happens in an area
- Building height
- Density of residential neighborhoods
- Non-farm use of land
Historic Zoning
Historic zoning protects buildings or districts that have a historical significance and also determines the changes that can be made to the properties. These laws regulate buildings and homes that are over 50 years old and prevent fundamental changes to their original conditions. However, repairs and restorations may be done in line with the original construction plans of the buildings.
As part of the national efforts to protect and preserve historical resources, the National Register of Historic Places lists all the cultural resources that need to be preserved.
Aesthetic Zoning
Like historic zoning, aesthetic zoning only dictates the changes that can be made to an existing property. Specifically, it influences the appearance of buildings and structures in a particular area. Generally, aesthetic zoning laws require that the building plans be submitted, approved, and reviewed by an architectural review committee before any change happens. These zoning laws are also becoming more popular in affluent communities. They usually regulate things like:
- Landscaping
- Color schemes
- Material types
- Fences
- Mailboxes
- Satellite panels
What Can You Build on Residential Land?
Residential zoning laws maintain the quality of life in neighborhoods by making sure that land is used correctly. Here are some of the structures that are permitted in residential zones:
- Single-family residences (SFR)
- Suburban homesteads (SH)
- Apartment buildings
- Duplexes
- Trailer park
- Condominiums
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Home offices
What Can You Build on Commercial Land?
Commercial zoning laws ensure that business facilities on commercial land are constructed in a way that causes very little conflict in residential neighborhoods. Some of the structures permitted include:
- Office buildings
- Hotels
- Department stores
- Restaurants
- Nursing homes
- Resorts
- Warehouses
What Can You Build on Industrial Land?
Industrial zoning laws aim to balance economic development with environmental protection and public health concerns. Some of the buildings that are allowed on industrial-zoned land include:
- Storage facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Industrial parks
- Research facilities
How to Get Property with the Right Zoning
Understanding how zoning laws can affect your property can help you make the right choice when looking for land to buy. Here’s a brief overview of the simple steps you can take to get property with the right zoning:
- Determine Your Needs: To purchase land with the right zoning, you need to first decide whether you want to build a home, set up a business, or build up a factory.
- Research The Area: Now that you know what you want to use the land for, you can consult local authorities to get zoning maps to verify what zoning laws affect the properties within your desired area.
- Contact a Land Developer: If you find a property that doesn’t have the right zoning, don’t be discouraged. Experienced land developers know how to navigate zoning regulations and can help you get the necessary permits you need to rezone the land.
Find Texas Land for Sale with SRC Land
With so many different zoning categories and regulations, figuring out how to get land you can comfortably build on can feel a bit challenging. The good news is that our team of experienced land developers is here to support you.
At SRC Land, we can help you through the land purchase process, including finding land with the right zoning that matches your building needs. If you’re looking for Texas land for sale, contact the team at SRC Land to start your search today.
