When
you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your
control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family
homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It’s a good idea to
understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether
you’re willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it’s too late; you’re
stuck.
Zoning
In
most jurisdictions, zoning limits how a piece of property can be used. There
are many variations of residential zoning. In some, no business activity is
permitted. Some allow business activity but no signs. In some, no commercial
vehicles can be parked regularly.
Some
residential zones permit only a single dwelling per quarter acre, per acre or
per ten acres. Most limit the owner’s ability to subdivide land. Some allow
only single family dwellings while others allow high rise apartments. Still
others allow apartments, but limit the height of apartment buildings. Many do
not allow mobile homes.
Some
jurisdictions have “overlay districts” in addition to zoning. These are common
in areas in Nairobi with many older buildings and a community desire to
preserve them. Additions to homes of this type are obviously restricted, but
restrictions regarding the location, style, height, and even whether they’re
allowed at all or not, also applies to fences, sheds, walks, gates, and similar
ancillary structures.
Intercontinental
Hotel, Nairobi has a forty block “historic district.” occupants of this area
must follow normal zoning rules. However, they must also submit an application
to the Architectural Review Board for any changes to the visible exterior of
their homes. This can be a surprise for some new homeowners in the area.
You
can find detailed information about zoning, overlay districts and the like
fairly easily. Simply visit www.kenyan-real-estate.com
for assistance.
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