Options for Using Two Vacant Plots of Land

[Griffin Malcolm]

Bit of a wild situation here, at least to me and my lender; maybe it is more common than we think, not sure honestly. Anyways, on my latest project, the title came back yesterday and revealed two extra parcels of land deeded to the seller under the property I was under contract for. The wholesaler had no idea. I had no idea. We drafted an addendum to the contract and the sellers signed it to add the extra parcels in for no extra cost!! 

For context, the two extra parcels form a triangle with my subject property. The already-constructed home is one point on the base of the triangle, and the other plots comprise the rest. Based on what my attorney provided, the plots aren't worth a ton of money, but since I haven't done a land deal I'm not sure if the actual sale price differs from what she got me. This is in Amsterdam, NY as well. 

Plot 1: 2024 market value of $6,900. 45x120

Plot 2: 2024 market value of $3,800. 100x94

I'm still pretty new to the game, so I have no experience with land deals, ground up construction, zoning, things of that nature, and am wondering what the best play is.

Sell one to help with acquisition costs and build an ADU on the other? Sell both? Build on both? I am open to any ideas. Thanks everyone

[Griffin Malcolm]

Thanks Ryan. I checked the city's website and the plots fall into their "Low Density Neighborhood" district. Chiefly, it says "Minimum lot size: 8,500 square feet, or 6,500 square feet for lots of record," along with

Minimum lot frontage (width): 80 feet or 60 feet for lots of record.(c) Minimum front yard: 30 feet distance from front property line to building.(d) Minimum rear yard: 30 feet rear property line to nearest building or structure.(e) Minimum side yard: 10 feet distance from side yard to nearest building or structure.(f) Maximum building coverage: 30%.(g) Maximum height of building: 40 feet.(h) Minimum lot depth: 100 feet.(i) Off-street parking: two spaces per dwelling unit.

One of my lots is 5400 square feet, but the other is 9400. It seems like the 9400 one would be good for building a single family on, but the other is too small. I'm wondering if, since the plots are connected, I can move some of the square feet from the larger one, so that they're both over the "6,500 square feet for lots of record" threshold. I'm not sure about the other rules at the moment. 

It also says under the accessory uses section: "nonhabitable structure requiring a building permit." If I'm understanding correctly this means I can't build an ADU, but if I can divide the land more evenly between the plots then maybe two single families are possible.

Exciting stuff! I'm going to call the city tomorrow and discuss.