Key questions to ask the county

[soomb]

If I am trying to explore building my own place, what are the key questions you would ask of the county offices?

I am looking for the voices of experience as when I have spoken with Realtors about buying land to "build my own place" they get this tone over the phone as if I am some hippie or building a meth lab.  I do not know what the pointed questions are to get the information with out being given the run around.

Thanks

[ScottA]

Is there a Planning Commision? If yes...look somewhere else.

How do I get a building permit?

What code is being used?

You may be able to get the info you need from the net if they are online.

Some areas can be hostile to owner builders if your area is I'd strongly suggest moving. Also it is none of the realators business what you plan to do with the land. If they hassle you use a different one or just tell them it's none of their business.  Check for zoning.

[soomb]

Scott,

Thanks!  I am looking at one area in Washington state, but keep a few other ares in different Washington counties and Idaho as back ups.  I will check into each of the points you raised.

Thank you again.

Craig

PS- still love your siding!

[ScottA]

One more tip. Realators don't like to waste their time. If you want to get one to work for you fax them a letter of credit from your bank. Once they see that they'll do what you tell them.

[soomb]

Excellent point (money talks)

[muldoon]

I had a few questions,

hunting allowed?  firearms?
fireworks?
trash burning? burn pits? burn bans?
building codes?
septic code/engineering required?
permitting costs?
well information? cost per foot, state requirements (casing, sealing, testing)
services available - power, phone, internet
neighbor lookup -
agricultural exemptions - wildlife exmptions, hay bailing, bovine, etc. 
any zoning? 

I called the sheriffs office, the game warden and the county clerk.  also called the county water management, and some vendors and service providers around the area.  went to the feedstore and just talked to old people on a saturday morning early one day. 

[soomb]

ALL excellent ideas.  One questions: What is Neighbor look-up?

[glenn kangiser]

If you value your freedom stay away from areas with a homeowners organization.  HOA. 

[soomb]

AMEN, I need the HOA to be DOA