[starflyte1]

If a survey is available of a property, is it only available from the owner? I am looking at 2 properties and our salesperson says that he thinks it is too small to put a pool, but the neighborhood has some pools, so some lots are big enough. I just want a tiny pool or swim spa. If I want to find out anything, I am going to have to get a survey of each property as the salesman, as nice as he is, isn't really interested in finding information about the lot.

Does anyone know what the set back from the property line is?

Pat

[villages07]

Starflyte...

The building setback along the rear property line is 10 feet; along the side it is 5 ft...at least here in my section of Sumter County.

There is a new feature on the Sumter County Property Appraiser website that lets you view a parcel map, i.e. how the lots in an area are laid out.

http://www.qpublic.net/sumter/

Search for a property by address; select the info for that property (will show you original price, lot size, house size, etc), then click on the button that says "Show Parcel Map"...in the upper left quadrant. This will show you the property in question and how the lot is configured along with others in the neighborhood. You can click on any property in the view (or zoom, pan to other areas) and get details about those properties.

Aside from these online tools, I would think the Sumter County Annex up at Morse and 466 would be able to show you any survey info.

[JohnN]

10 feet in back, 5 on the sides, Villages07 is correct

[Fourpar]

Previous comments on set backs are correct. And the Property Appraiser's website does offer a parcel map. Beware, however that a parcel map will show lot lines, etc. but it is not the same as a survey. Property owners may have survey from when they bought property. and that is more appropriate for your determination of suitability. Even so, remember that the surveyor certified that survey to specific parties, (and you are not one of them), so use it with caution.

[starflyte1]

Thanks for the replies and information. I think I will ask our salesman to see if a survey is available. If he isn't interested, I may go to the listing agent. Would rather not, but it may be necessary.

I have just studied and measured various properties on the street I am talking about, (thru the Appraiser's web site) and it seems that a couple of homes may have gotten a variance and built closer to the rear property line. This is golf frontage. I think most on this forum live in newer areas, and this is in an older area, but does anyone know of anyone that has been given a variance?

Thanks again.
Pat

[Villages Kahuna]

...the Building & Zoning department annex, right across from the county annex on CR 466. All you need is to tell them your lot and section number and they will print you a survey on 8-1/2 by 11 paper for free. I think the setbacks are actually shown on the survey.

[Skip]

10 ft. back and 5 ft. side may be the MINIMUM north of 466. Some lots, depending on utilities and features, may require more setback. If there is electric, gas, water, or sewer running between two lots, the set back on each lot may be an additional 1-5 ft. You need to see the building department for each and every lot you are considering.

If your neighbor has a variance to a common lot line, I highly doubt you'd get one too.

Also, not uncommon to find your sprinkler heads on your neighbor's property (or vice versa) after you get your property surveyed!

Skip

[starflyte1]

Thanks! We will be back in the area the first of the month, so will check on the survey then.

IF we buy, and IF we would ask for a variance, it would be on the back, which is a golf front. The lot may just be too small or maybe even sold before we get there, but I am thinking about it.

[Mintjulep]

Our house in Virginia Trace has a 15' setback in back.
We were surprised when we got our site plan expecting it to be 10'.
They told us each village is different...

[Fourpar]

Kahuna,

Building & Zoning will not print a survey. They may well print out a copy of the plat pertaining to a property, and that will include lot lines, and maybe set backs. But that is not a survey. There is a very big difference. A survey is researched and measured by a licensed surveyor, and certified to specific parties, on a specific date. Using a plat for decisions on suitability for buyers' proposed improvement is foolhardy at best.

Better to make purchase contingent on ability to put a pool in, and have property surveyed. Let a surveyor determine the suitability. Any questions arise, contact a real estate attorney or title company. IMHO