Buying Acreage in Kansas City? AVOID These 5 Costly Mistakes!

1. Understand Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Zoning laws and land-use rules vary greatly across counties and municipalities in Kansas City. Before making an offer on acreage, it’s crucial to check local regulations to ensure the property aligns with your plans.

• Livestock and Agriculture: Some counties require a minimum acreage to raise animals, and others might restrict the types of livestock allowed.
• Building Requirements: For example, Clay County mandates at least 3 acres to build a home, but certain farm structures require 5 acres or more.
• Special Uses: If you’re planning to build a pond or establish a hobby farm, zoning regulations may dictate how much of your land can be used for such purposes.

Understanding these restrictions early can save you from purchasing a beautiful property only to find it unsuitable for your goals.

2. Plan for Utility Access

Utilities are a make-or-break factor when purchasing rural land. Bringing water, electricity, and gas to a property can be expensive, particularly in more remote areas.

• Water & Sewer: If there’s no connection to city water, you’ll need a well or a water delivery service. For waste, installing a septic system is likely, and its cost depends on soil quality and property layout.
• Electricity: The further your home site is from the main road, the more you’ll pay to extend utility lines.
• Natural Gas or Propane: If natural gas isn’t available in the area, propane tanks are an alternative, but they come with ongoing costs and maintenance.

If you’re planning to build far back from the road for added privacy, be prepared for higher expenses to bring utilities to your build site.

3. Check for Easements and Driveway Access

Access to your property isn’t always straightforward, especially for landlocked parcels. Easements—legal rights allowing you to cross someone else’s property—may be required for a driveway or utilities.

• Landlocked Properties: Verify that there’s an existing easement, or negotiate with neighboring landowners to create one.
• Shared Access: Determine whether anyone else has the right to access your property for resources like ponds or creeks.
• Maintenance Responsibilities: Some easements require the property owner to maintain access paths or roads.

Working with a real estate agent and a title company ensures you fully understand any easements tied to the land before you commit.

4. Consider Flood Plains and Topography

Kansas City’s diverse terrain includes flat plains, rolling hills, and areas prone to flooding. Knowing how these features affect your land is essential.

• Flood Risks: Use FEMA’s flood maps to check if the land is in a flood zone. Building in a floodplain could require additional engineering, insurance, or restrictions.
• Topography: A flat site is easier to build on, but a gently sloping property can improve drainage, enhance views, and create options like walk-out basements.
• Soil Conditions: Clay and rock are common in Kansas City, which can complicate digging for foundations or septic systems. A professional land survey can uncover potential challenges.

5. Evaluate the Land Type and Maintenance Needs

The type of acreage you choose will influence how much work is required to maintain it and what activities are feasible.

• Timber: Offers shade, privacy, and habitat for wildlife but may need clearing for pastures, crops, or buildings.
• Open Pasture: Ideal for farming or livestock but may lack the natural cover that timber provides for hunting or recreation.
• Ponds: If a pond is part of your dream property, factor in the costs of excavation, filling, and stocking with fish.

Owning acreage also means ongoing upkeep. From mowing large areas to managing invasive plants or maintaining fences, you’ll want to assess whether you have the time, equipment, or budget to handle the responsibilities—or hire help if needed.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Piece of Land?

Purchasing acreage is an exciting step toward creating your ideal lifestyle. By understanding zoning rules, utilities, access needs, and land characteristics, you’ll be better prepared to find a property that fits your vision and budget.

At the Nelson Home Group, we specialize in helping buyers navigate the complexities of purchasing land in Kansas City and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re dreaming of a hobby farm, a custom build, or recreational land, we’d love to help you find the perfect property. Let’s turn your dream of owning land into a reality!