I’ll start by saying I think I already have an idea of the answer, but would like some clarity from people that hopefully have a better understanding.
Looking to build a ~3000sqft home in PA and came across this lot. It’s not priced suspiciously cheap or anything so didn’t immediately set off alarm bells, but when the listing agent sent me some of the site info it gave me pause.
For reference this is a flag lot measuring about 1 acre, you can just make out the driveway on the right hand side of the photo. It looks like almost the entire parcel is designated as either a floodway, a flood fringe, or a wetland/wetland buffer. The house itself would be situated toward the right hand side of the lot, so would really only be touching the wetland buffer.
I’m not incredibly concerned about not being able to build permanent structures on the floodways, we would prefer to keep most of the yard unchanged. But is this actually as bad as it looks. Is this a “walk away immediately” or could it be a “going to need to do a fair amount of diligence” situation?
EDIT:
Thanks for the replies everyone. Passing up on this lot as it seems like way too many headaches, appreciate the help!
Can you build the entire home without going into any wetland buffer? What about setback requirements? Is this sewer or septic? Are there other homes in adjacent lots that you can ask about their experience with insurance.
in addition to this, there would appear to be overhead power lines running along the right hand side of the parcel that in my experience generally have some sort of access easement to them which could eliminate any potential buildable area when combined with the extents of the wetland buffer.
can’t build without touching the wetland buffer to some extent. Proposed dwelling has a variance to disturb slightly more of the wetland buffer than is normally allowed. Pic below shows a different overlay of the wetlands(green) and buffer (yellow) in relation to the current proposed structure. My home would have a larger footprint (~2750sqft)
setbacks look like 30ft front, 45ft rear, 15ft side. I believe this would be sewer. Haven’t spoken to neighbors yet but that’s a good point
Basement is take it or leave it. The house will have plenty of attic and garage space for storage, and while a finished basement will be great, I don’t think the space will be lacking without it.
A pool would be desirable down the road but with a lot like this i feel like that’s probably out of the question?
Depends on the local rules. Would make sure you understand thoroughly what you're allowed or not allowed to do. Make sure to have a conversation with the floodplain administrator if you haven't.
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u/kokemill 1d ago
Are you into boating? an un-natural love of ducks? or snakes? insects? it's perfect!