Land development for Multi Family

[Christopher Teal]

Hello, 

I Have been a member of this page for a few years now but spend most of my time just researching and dreaming lol. Back in 2020 I purchased some property (6 acres) that I planned to develop a storage facility on. My original plan was to pull equity out of my single family that I own free and clear to start the process. Unfortunately, The City in which my property lies deemed this residential land with a long drawn out/expensive process to change that. They have told me that I am able to build a few duplex houses though since that is still considered residential. Right now, this property is just costing me property taxes (Alligator property as I call it) and not doing much for me. I have come up with the idea that I want to section a piece of the property off and develop it into a few duplex houses to try and help out with the cost of property taxes and such and add a little income. The property is located north of Houston Texas which is where I currently live. The issue I have been facing is, I am not really sure the process of doing something like this and was looking for some insight from the more experienced folks. I have attached a copy of the land survey (meets and bounds) that I have marked up to give an idea of what I am wanting to do. Additionally, I have attached an arial satellite image outlining the land. You will notice that a housing development was built adjacent this is almost complete now but was woods when I purchased.

 Some of the question I have are below. Looking for ANY feedback.

*Based on the dimensions provided, how many duplex houses do you think I could I fit?

*Is it required or best practice to have the land separated into two (2) pieces?

*Do you have something that outlines the process for doing something like this? I think I will need a topo survey to determine the water shed for civil work. 

*Suggestions for someone who can design the houses for me to obtain drawings, and get cost ideas for construction. 

* Is what I am wanting to do a good idea right now? 

Please give me all opinions. I am wanting to grow my investments and literally have equity sitting and have since 2016 that I would like to leverage. I have just been too scared to make any moves. Thanks in advance. 

Respectfully, 

Christopher

[Carini Rochester]

To get this idea approved by the municipality you will need a civil/site engineer. Don't do every little piece on your own (for example you mentioned getting the topo work done. Don't do it. Hire an engineer and let him/her do the whole thing.) You mentioned getting a design so you could get drawings. Don't make it a two step process. Hire an architect who will both design and produce the construction documents. Many of your questions have to be answered by the planning department at the city/town hall, or by your engineer who is familiar with that city/town. Try to find an engineer who does a lot of business in that city. Maybe review the agendas from the last few planning board meetings in that city and see if one or two engineering firms get mentioned several times. That would be the firm to go with.