What this due-diligence check covers
Minimum lot size controls eligibility; setbacks and buffers control where improvements may go; frontage or width rules can affect access and lot status.
Use the actual legal boundaries and proposed structure, not a rough listing sketch.
Why it matters before closing
These standards interact with wells, septic areas, driveways, slopes, utilities and fire access, so a simple rectangle calculation may be misleading.
Three levels of evidence
First question to resolve
List front, side, rear and special setbacks.
Proof to keep
Preserve survey or scaled concept plan and connect it to the exact parcel, proposed use and source date.
Escalation trigger
Irregular or flag-lot geometry. Ask: How is frontage measured?
What to verify
- List front, side, rear and special setbacks.
- Confirm how frontage and lot width are measured.
- Plot easements, buffers and no-build areas.
- Test the home, driveway, septic and reserve area together.
Red flags that deserve follow-up
- Irregular or flag-lot geometry.
- Setbacks measured from road centerline rather than property line.
- Corner-lot rules creating two front yards.
- Environmental buffer through the widest area.
Evidence to keep in the parcel file
- Survey or scaled concept plan
- Applicable dimensional table
- Agency interpretation for unusual lot shape
- Septic and access concepts