Not All Land Is Created Equal: Why You Need Someone Who Knows Local Zoning and Land Use

One of the biggest surprises for out-of-area buyers is that not all five-acre lots are created equal. Just because a piece of land looks usable doesn’t mean it is. Here on the Peninsula, zoning, land use overlays, and critical area regulations can have a huge impact on what’s allowed—and what’s not.

I’ve helped clients navigate everything from Agricultural Resource Land (Ag-10) restrictions to shoreline buffers, flood zones, and wetland setbacks. These are not things you want to find out after you’re under contract.

Having spent years working directly with the local planning departments and walking these properties myself, I can quickly tell when something warrants a deeper look and I know how to get in front of it. This is where local experience really protects your investment. You’re not just buying land; you’re buying into a set of rules. And I make sure you understand every one of them.

Before you invest in land, let’s walk through what’s actually possible. I’ll help you buy with eyes wide open.