Building On Undeveloped Forest Land
Many people who are contemplating buying undeveloped forest land with the idea of building a cabin or even a full time home have questions about what kind of hoops you need to jump through in order to do it. We’ll use Oregon land for this article. There are certain rules that you have to follow when building on undeveloped Oregon properties.
The first thing you should do before you buy is check with the local planning department to make sure that the land is zoned for your intended purposes. It won’t do you a bit of good to buy land and then later find out that it’s in a sensitive wildlife area that has building restrictions imposed on it. You’ll need the GPS coordinates, the MLS number, or township and range numbers in order for the planning department to check and see what the land is zoned for.
If the land turns out to be what you would like and you buy it, you’re ready to start the permit process. In Oregon, your’ll have to fill out a land use form. It’s just a formality, you write what you plan to do with the land and the planning officials sign it off. Next you will need to apply for a septic system. For this you fill out the paperwork, dig some test holes, and pay for the permit. After your test holes are dug, an inspector will come out and do a percolation test to determine if you have adequete drainage at the location for a septic system. After they do the test, they will tell you if your holes pass and if they do pass, what type of septic system you need to install. When that is done, you’re ready to have the septic system installed. Upon completion of the system, the inspector will come out again and do a final sign off for you.
Next you’ll likely need to drill a well. The well drilling contractor will be required to get the necessary permits for this. All you need to do is hire the contractor and make payment arrangements.
Now you’re ready to either build or move a manufactured home onto the property. There are going to be a lot of permits and inspections needed for either of these options. Follow the directions that the planning department gives you and be careful not to miss getting the necessary permits and or inspections. This can be a nightmare if you try to get them to sign off on your work at the wrong stage in the process.
After you have done the work and gotten the correct sign offs, they will give you what is called an occupancy permit. Once you have that, you have the all clear to move in.
Follow every step as given to you by the planning department and things should go smoothly for you. Skip steps or try to do things on the sly and you’re just asking for trouble.
