Few things hold more possibility than an empty plot of land. And that’s even more true if you can snag some ground in Los Angeles, where open space is hard to come by, but absolutely priceless for building the new construction home of your dreams. This article explores some of the things you’ll need to consider when purchasing a vacant lot for your new construction home.

Zoning Regulations

Los Angeles, California has various stipulations and restrictions regarding the type of property you are allowed to build. Most vacant lots are classified as R1, which means you may construct a single-family home. You may also want to confirm if you have the ability to build an ADU or JADU on the property. Knowing if your home is zoned for these structures can make it easier if you ever decide to construct one in the future. 

Zoning rules also influence the size of your structure. Los Angeles has rules regarding the maximum allowable height and width of your home. Many homes can only be two stories, and there are often additional considerations if it’s located on a hillside. Plus, you’ll need to be aware of floor area ratios which limit the total square footage of your home relative to the lot size.

Lot Access

Considering how you can access your lot is extremely important, yet not many people think about it when searching for a place to build their new construction home. For example, is the lot suitable to accommodate construction equipment and vehicles while your house is under development? Plus, you’ll need to think about if the property has right-of-way, which means the legal right to reach a public road. If the parcel does not have this, it’s considered landlocked and you may struggle with the development process as a result.

Utilities Hookup 

Oftentimes, we take our electricity and water for granted when we live in a house that already has these utilities. However, it’s very important that the lot you choose has the ability to support all of the utilities your new construction home needs. 

You’ll need to consider the distance between the proposed location of your home and the closest water main and electric service. In some cases, you may be required to obtain a utility easement if you need to go through another property to set up these utilities. Finally, you’ll want to choose a lot that has easy access for fire departments should a house fire or wildfire ever affect you. 

Buying a Lot: Unlimited Opportunity for Your New Construction Home

While you have numerous practical things to think about when buying a vacant lot in Los Angeles, there’s also plenty of opportunity to dream up and build the custom home you’ve always wanted. At Creative Innovation Developers, we’re the experts in helping you choose a lot and develop the perfect new construction home. Contact us today to get started.