Wet lands - Ideas for land on flood zone

[Aj Malempati]

Hello BP

There is land for sale, before I approach to purchase it, which is a little over 5.5 acres zoned Agriculture, almost all of it is wet land in flood zone with flat topo. 

What are some of the ideas or uses of that land, obviously if I can get it for a cheap price?
My thoughts are chicken and small animals, not sure if we can place a barn on the land or construct anything.

Thank you for your thoughts!

[Jaron Walling]

@Aj Malempati This is what I deal with at my 9-5 job. You need to fully understand the flood way maps and zones. Every zone has different regulations. 

Flood insurance is the elephant in the room. Just because you can raise the land doesn't mean you should, nor does it mean you can legally build structures. I'd also think about your long term goals for the property. Timber harvest, trails, outdoor recreation, hunting, etc. None of those require building permits it could be a win-win. 

Selling land in a flood zone is extremely hard. Why do you think the value is so low to begin with? People try to challenge local and state flood way regulations and get "stuck". Meaning you can't build, raise, or change anything due to the nature of the maps, but they ignored the regulations and purchased the land aways. State and local can and will condemn houses in the floodway. If a house is damage 50% or more to the appraised value in most cases the owner is forced to elevate the structure. You can maps changed but it costs money and it's not always an option. Lots to think about before buying land in a flood zone. 

If the land is designated a wetland you have regulations on it. Some farmers abuse these regulations and they end up creating a mess. Don't be that guy.