Review the land, access, zoning, and private systems
A horse or acreage property requires more than a residential inspection. Zoning, water, wastewater, soil, access, and rules for animals or outbuildings may determine whether the intended use is feasible.
Review the land and its systems separately from the house. Township zoning, County well and septic records, surveys, title work, and deed restrictions answer different questions.
Local issues around Washtenaw County
Zoning rules for agriculture, livestock, and outbuildings vary by local jurisdiction. Scio, Dexter, Lima, and Manchester townships publish their own zoning information. Confirm the parcel's district, overlays, and proposed use directly with the applicable authority.
Many acreage homes are outside municipal water or sewer service and use a private well, septic system, or both. County isolation distances and site conditions can affect where an outbuilding, arena, or replacement field could go. Review the available County records and confirm the proposed use with the applicable authority.
Wetlands, drainage features, and mapped flood areas can affect where and how improvements may be permitted. Aerial maps and FEMA flood panels are useful screening tools, but a survey, delineation, or agency determination may be needed for a specific plan.
Checklist for acreage buyers
- Confirm the township zoning and any animal or outbuilding limits for the address.
- Request the well log and a recent water test from the seller.
- Pull septic records from Washtenaw County Environmental Health and verify the system size and condition.
- Ask whether any part of the parcel is regulated wetland or within a floodplain.
- Have the deed, title work, and recorded documents reviewed for easements, shared-road terms, or other interests affecting the planned use.
- Check access to the property in all seasons, especially if it is on a private road.
Related systems
For homes with private wastewater service, review our guide toseptic systems. The guide towetlands and buildable land covers site constraints that may affect the parcel.