Planning to Buy or Build

Items to Consider		For Additional Information Contact:
Regulations, Legal Requirements, Local Assessments		(See Key on Pg 1)
___	Have you checked on existing regional planning regulations and building permits?	4, 12
___	Do you need to obtain a drainage easement? What other easements are on your property?	3 Co. Recorder
___	Have you checked specifications for any needed driveway culverts, road ditch, and open drainage ditches?	2, 6, 7, 10
___	Have you checked regulations regarding easements along ditches for operation of ditch maintenance equipment?	2, 6
___	Are there existing utilities which may have right-of-way across the property, such as underground pipelines and transmission lines?	9 Utility Co.
___	Always be sure to determine location of underground utility lines BEFORE doing any digging!	OUPS Call toll free 1-800-362-2764
___	If property is in a recorded subdivision, are there restrictive covenants?	3, 4, 10 Co. Recorder
	Are corners or boundaries of lot marked with iron pins or concrete markers? Can you find each reference point mentioned in the deed description?	2 Private Surveyor Attorney
	Does lot have a clear title?	Attorney
	Are there easements or mineral rights involved?	Attorney
	What is tax structure for real estate, city income tax millage, property taxes, any special assessments?	Attorney County Auditor
	Will you need to do any work in road rights-of-way?	2, 7, 10
	Is there a city/village income tax?	City/Village Officials
	Have you checked on water and sewer assessments?	Attorney County Auditor
	Will there be ditch maintenance assessments?	6

	Natural Features and Drainage Characteristics
___	Are the natural features of lot acceptable (drainage, wet areas, trees, streams, etc.)?	6, 8, 11 Urban Forester
___	Can acceptable natural features be preserved at a reasonable cost?	6, 8, 11
___	Could there be problems for off-lot surface water?	6, 8, 11
___	Is property located in floodway/flood plain?	4, 6, 8, 11, 12
___	Have you checked on flood insurance coverage?	2, 12 Local Insurance Agent
___	Will landscaping be needed? Will there be problems for landscaping (wetness, shallowness, droughtiness)?	6, 8, 11 Nurseries
___	Are there any trees that could be saved for shade?	8 Urban Forester
___	What are prevailing wind directions? What about future windbreak plantings?	6, 11
___	Does lot have adequate water supply for geothermal heating?	6, 11
___	Are you considering solar energy? How would this affect placement of your home?	6, 8, 11
___	Will trees or other nearby buildings obstruct solar heating source?	6, 8, 11
___	Is your lot considered a wetland? Will you need a 404 permit?	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
___	How close can I build and/or place obstructions to an open drainage ditch?	2, 6
___	What elevation will the house be constructed relative to the road - higher or lower?	2
___	How much traffic is on the road you intend to build on? Will traffic be or have the potential of becoming a nuisance?	2