Back to Basics
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A knowledgeable
Realtor, who understands local ordinances, can be a
great resource for you, so find an agent that specializes
in horse properties or country homes and ask if what
you’re wanting to do on your property is allowed. If
they aren’t sure, they’ll be able to find out.
If you’re planning to make improvements, are there
ordinances that will affect your plans?
Local governments may have zoning ordinances in
place that affect things like:
• Fencing - there may be requirements on mini-
mum distance from the property line or street, a
restriction on types of materials used to construct
the fence, or restrictions on the
height of the fence
• New buildings - are you allowed
to add a new barn, shed or of-
fice? Again, there may be restric-
tions on what can be built, the
size of the building, or how close
the building can be to other
buildings, the property line, or
the street
• Types of animals allowed on the
property - if you’re purchasing
a property with the intention
of having a horse as part of a
homestead that will include
other animals, such as chickens,
pigs, cows or rabbits, check for
any restriction on types and
numbers allowed.
• Waste removal - some munici-
palities allow you to dispose of
horse manure on your property,
while others have strict restric-
tions on where or how it can be
piled.
Finding a property that is zoned
exactly right is ideal. You can apply
for a variance to the code, or work to
change the ordinance, but nothing is
guaranteed. If you do decide to try
for a variance, we recommend that
you educate yourself on local zoning
even more, or find a knowledgeable
attorney to help you.
David Kreager founded Michigan Lifestyle Properties in 2009.
MLP specializes in marketing lifestyle real estate across Michigan,
including waterfront properties & lake houses, riverfront prop-
erty, premier properties & luxury homes, country homes & rural
property, land (for hunting, recreation or farming), hobby farms,
horse/equestrian properties, log homes & cabins, historic homes, golf
properties, ski properties, and bed & breakfasts. We help buyers that
know what they’re looking for, but not necessarily where to find it.
Start the search for your dream Michigan horse property at
http://www.michiganhorseproperty.com
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