How to Purchase a Home

Tips to Consider B e f o re P u rc h a s i n g a Home

Definitions 

Easement: Authorization by a property owner for the use of any designated part of the property by another for a specified purpose.

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220 SE Green Street

Floodplain: The area subject to flooding as

Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

identified by the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) in accordance with all Federal, State and City Code requirements. 

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Right-of-way: The land opened, reserved or

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dedicated for a street, walk or other public

Subdivision plans, future development plans and the

purpose.

potential for additions, new detached structures and

Swale:

A

drainage

channel

conveying

stormwater from more than two lots; often the swale is maintained by the property

other property improvements by contacting the Planning & Development Department at (816) 9691600 or by visiting lsplanning.net.

owner, but an easement may be required by

Subdivision infrastructure (roads, water & sewer

the City.

lines, stormwater drainage) by contacting the Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800 or visiting lspw.net.

Building permits (permit and inspection history) and records associated with structure and property improvements

by

contacting

the

Codes

Administration Department at (816) 969-1200 or visiting lsplanning.net.

cityofls.net

Land Use and Zoning

Building Permit Records

Other Items to Consider

The purchase of a home is the biggest investment some of us will ever make. That is why a little homework before closing the deal is an important step.

Building Permit records, available in the Codes Administration Department, contain a wealth of information about property and should be reviewed.

The following are additional tips to keep in mind, especially if you are planning to renovate your property or establish a home-based business. Check the following:

The City of Lee’s Summit has a wealth of information available to the public to help make an informed residential purchase decision. Information is available in this brochure, online and at Lee’s Summit City Hall, 220 SE Green St.

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Regulations for planned property improvements.

Many improvements require permits and inspections, such as decks, pools and tree plantings or significant landscaping within the right-of-way.

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Setback regulations before considering a room addition or detached building to see if it’s feasible.

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Installation of a lawn irrigation system requires a permit. The permit includes a release of liability for any portion of the system located in the public rightof-way.

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Regulations for home businesses, if applicable.

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Parking restrictions both on and off site.

The following should be considered before a home purchase: City Plans for Developed and Undeveloped Areas available in the Planning & Development Department

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Review the City’s comprehensive plan, at cityofls.net, for possible future land use of adjacent property.

This plan is the “big picture” of anticipated future land use for the City. It is not a guarantee of what will happen but provides some idea of the vision for the area. Never assume that the open field next door will always be a field.

Check the current zoning and permitted uses for the property being considered for purchase as well as adjacent property.

Subdivision Plats and Infrastructure Plans available in the Public Works Department

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Streets and Right-of-way: How wide is the existing street right-of-way? Will streets be extended, connected or added in the future?

Easements: Are there utility easements on the property? What restrictions, if any, are there on the use of easements?

Location of utilities serving the property: Where are the property’s connections to water, sewer, etc?

Regulatory floodplain: Is the property located in a regulatory floodplain? If so, what impact does the designation have on the property?

Platted swales or other drainage features: Are there restrictions on changes to drainage patterns or stormwater facilities on the property?

Homeowners Association (HOA): Are there common areas owned by the HOA? If so, who is responsible for maintenance?

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Plot plans, available for most properties, are drawn before construction and show the dimensions of the lot and the house.  Check the intended drainage pattern. Make sure you understand how runoff to and from adjoining properties is routed.  Check for possible drainage problems if the house has a walkout basement that was not shown on the original plot plan.

Some properties have a finished basement, building additions, a detached garage, a shed or swimming pool.

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Check whether these improvements were made with the proper permits and inspections.