Starting the New Construction Investment Home Process

[Algerson Andre]

Hello Everyone - I own property in Buffalo,NY that sits on a big lot that has the potential to serve as ground for a New construction duplex to be built. Since I already own the land and would be interested in building on it, what’s the first step to see if this is even possible?  I imagine there may be steps to take with the city upfront to determine if in fact the ground on the lot can be built on, but some general guidance or tips on best place to start and what to expect throughout the new construction process in Buffalo. Thank you!

AAA

[Bryant Brislin]

Hello, you can do some research with the city's planning department as far as their development standards for that zoning, i.e. set-backs, height, lot coverage, etc. You can try to research to make sure the utilities are there for sewer, water, electric, etc.  But when you are really ready to get going, you would engage a civil engineer and/or an architec, and eventually a general contractor/builder.

[Timothy Smith]

Hi @Algerson Andre. I'm also in Buffalo and have a couple properties that used to have additional structures on them. I've casually investigated this before, but haven't spent to much time on it. When I had a secondary structure demolished a few years ago, I did discover the lot was zoned that I could rebuild another multi-family building on the lot if I wanted to. Contact the zoning office and start there, then discuss with an architect -- I have a few I could recommend. The cost of construction as opposed to buying another rehab property most likely makes this unfeasible, but it's worth digging deeper. 

I'm going to follow this thread as it's something that has been on my mind for a while. 

[Jared W Smith]

Gaining an understanding of the Zoning is vital to what can be built and essentially dictate how profitable the land can be. As others have said, you can do the digging yourself with the municipality or hire an Architect to do this due diligence and provide a zoning and property analysis report bringing all the info together for you. I would advise for the latter. We as Architects do this regularly. If you are unfamiliar, you may overlook or not understand certain points. You don't know what you don't know. All the best  

[Robert Ellis]

Quote from @Algerson Andre:

Hello Everyone - I own property in Buffalo,NY that sits on a big lot that has the potential to serve as ground for a New construction duplex to be built. Since I already own the land and would be interested in building on it, what’s the first step to see if this is even possible?  I imagine there may be steps to take with the city upfront to determine if in fact the ground on the lot can be built on, but some general guidance or tips on best place to start and what to expect throughout the new construction process in Buffalo. Thank you!

AAA

 is there debt on the existing property? you need to talk to your bank and lender about a lot split. I've seen this done and sold as well while there was loan. it's a partial release and two new legal descriptions. let me know if I can help in any way 

[Matthew Irish-Jones]

Quote from @Algerson Andre:

Hello Everyone - I own property in Buffalo,NY that sits on a big lot that has the potential to serve as ground for a New construction duplex to be built. Since I already own the land and would be interested in building on it, what’s the first step to see if this is even possible?  I imagine there may be steps to take with the city upfront to determine if in fact the ground on the lot can be built on, but some general guidance or tips on best place to start and what to expect throughout the new construction process in Buffalo. Thank you!

AAA

 The first step like others have mentioned is the zoning board and an architect.  Normally, unless there are specific building code restrictions, the amount of units allowed on a lot is determined by the Floor Area Ratio.  Basically the building size is limited by the lot size.