Finding a Property for Your Wolf Home
People often ask us if we help with property or land search. We don’t, but we can help guide you in your property search. Here are some things to think about when looking for undeveloped land or a residentially developed property to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to.
For the piece of property, some things to consider are sloping, existing trees, wetlands, utilities, as well as zoning and land use jurisdiction code. Check out our Delivery & Setup page to see what is included in our standard package versus what would be a sitework add-on. With that in mind, consider the following things when picking a piece of property you would like to add a Wolf home to.
Sloping/Elevation
We prefer flat land, but some sloping is manageable for delivery. A slope steeper than 20% becomes a challenge that can make the development in-feasible. Steep slopes trigger a requirement for a geotechnical report to evaluate soil conditions and drainage patterns. This will determine if the slopes are stable enough for the proposed development. Based on the findings of this report, there could be additional requirements for your development, for example, a taller foundation wall height, or a specialized storm water system.
Tree Coverage
The site can be forested but large tree removal isn’t something we handle ourselves. We can refer you to a specialized tree removal company, but the related cost would be outside your Wolf project cost. Some jurisdictions also require tree protection. This requires us to protect root zones around larger trees, and the larger the tree, the larger the circumference area it where we cannot place a home.
Wetlands/Environmental Considerations
Make sure to assess any environmental factors that may affect the property. This includes potential issues with protected habitats, wetlands, or endangered species that may require additional permits or restrictions on development. Also, consider any potential contamination or hazardous materials on or near the property. If wetlands exist, there is typically greater setback requirements that affect house placement. This could also require additional delineation, soil testing, surveys, etc.
Utilities
For utility connection standards, we will connect to what is existing on-site, whatever that might be. If utilities are not established on-site, we can help you establish new systems and/or connections as needed (city sewer/water, septic/well). For any new system creation, we apply for permits and any applicable fees would be added to the System Development Charges of the project. If a septic and/or well is needed, we can add that to your Wolf permit and site work costs. We hire subcontractors for new system designs and installations. If you hire us for professional permit services, we’ll navigate finding subcontractors and coordinate all the details from there. If the project requires new city connections from the street brought onto the property, we can complete the site work for that too.
Zoning & Land Use
Every jurisdiction has a municipal or county code, and every zone in that jurisdiction has different rules and regulations. Typically, every jurisdiction has their municipal or county codes available online. If you know your zone you can read through these codes and zoning restrictions online. Important details to check are:
- Allowed Uses: Does the zoning allow for the type of structure you plan to build, whether it’s a primary residence, or a second unit as an ADU, guest house, hardship, etc.
- Setbacks: Assess the size and shape of the property to ensure it can accommodate your building footprint. Considering factors such as the dimensions of your proposed home, setbacks from property lines, septic system equipment, environmental constraints, and existing structures.
- Additionally, look for any restrictions: Easements, Wildfire Interface Areas, Soil Types, and Forest Practice Moratoriums. If there are easements, confirm the setback from the easement. If there is a Wildfire Interface Area, confirm the related restrictions, requirements, or setbacks. If this is the primary residence, verify whether there is a minimum square footage for the primary residence in that zone. Also, if the site is involved with an HOA, they need to approve the new build as well.
Finally, we always recommend calling the city/county planner to get their input. They ultimately have the final say on what is allowed on the property, so checking with them prior to purchase or starting a project is always the best course of action. You can typically schedule a free consultation with a planner at your local jurisdiction.
Choosing the right property for your Wolf home isn’t just about location, it’s about laying the groundwork for a smooth, cost-effective build. By taking time to evaluate slope, tree coverage, environmental constraints, utilities, and zoning regulations upfront, you’ll save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road. Remember, while we don’t source properties, we’re here to support you every step of the way once you’ve found your spot. So do your homework, ask questions, and when you’re ready, we’ll help bring your vision to life, without the guesswork.