How to Shop for Arizona Horse Property
Shopping for horse property requires some special consideration. In addition to lot size, topography, access to water or trails, you must also consider if horses are allowed on the parcel!
Every couple of years, we hear a horror story of how some unsuspecting buyer inadvertently purchased a property that will not allow horses, or, allows fewer than the buyer intended to keep.
Ouch! That'll put a hitch in yer git up, so here's how to avoid the problem! There are two items you'll need to consider before you sign on the dotted line 16-50 times (the not so fun part).
And then there are those who have "odder fodder" in their barns and pens. Unfortunately, the local laws aren't always current with the latest in animal husbandry trends, so rules for exotics aren't always clear cut. When in doubt, it seems best to always defer to calling your menagerie "pets". The explanation as to why is an in-person conversation...!
Read up on the municipality rules where the property is located. If it is not within city limits, county regulations govern. If the property is located within city limits, then city zoning regulations trump county rules.
City rules can be more or less restrictive than county rules, depending on the nature of the community. Many of our local communities are animal friendly, and, most have special provisions/exemptions for youth agricultural projects. Now, since we know you don't want to read through six or eight 400 page zoning regulation books, below, we have gathered some of the local county/city rules for your convenience.
Once you know the property falls within the city or county guidelines, you must then check for deed restrictions. This is where most people get caught. Because an HOA or an individual owner can make rules which further restrict the usage of the property , copies of the deed restrictions MUST be carefully read.
In otherwords, you ARE the king of the castle when you own land, and you can make rules for your kingdom as you see fit, so long as those rules do not conflict with federal, state, or municipal law.
Example. Owner has 50 acres and is extremely allergic to cats. Should he or she decide to sell some of their land, they may add a deed restriction that states cats may never be kept on the land by subsequent owners.
Deed restrictions are forever- they "run with the land." If any subsequent owner should keep cats on that deed restricted parcel, they can be sued, and forced to comply with the restriction as written. Any horse enthusiast should be sure to check these very important documents!
If all of this sounds a little befuddling, rest assured, Options & Opportunities gladly assists buyers in the location of suitable horse property throughout Northern Arizona and Valley of the Sun markets. Contact our office today for an initial consulation and to review our employment agreements.
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