What to Know Before Buying Land in Santa Cruz | Zoning, Water, and What You Can Build

Buying land is a different process from buying a home, and the questions that matter most are rarely the ones in the photos. In this video, Mario walks a vacant parcel in Santa Cruz and talks through what a buyer should confirm before committing to land. That starts with zoning: what the zone actually allows, how many homes the site can support, and why the answer is found at the planning department and not in marketing language. It also covers utilities, because water and sewer availability can decide both the cost and the timeline of a project, and the difference between what a parcel could become and what has been approved to be built. State housing laws on accessory dwelling units and lot splits have changed what is possible on some residential land in recent years, which is a good reason to ask planning staff what applies to a specific parcel before relying on a general rule. This video is general information, not legal, zoning, tax, or investment advice. Rules change and every parcel is different. For questions about a specific property, speak with the planning department that has jurisdiction and your licensed professionals. Mario Desantis | Desantis Realty Group | Coldwell Banker Realty | DRE 02119587 | (831) 291-0511 | desantisrealty.com Santa Cruz County real estate | Buying land in Santa Cruz | Zoning and permits | Vacant lot