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What is required for property zoning?

Subject Property Zoning

The appraiser must report the specific zoning class in the appraisal, along with a general statement as to what the zoning permits, such as one- or two-unit, when they indicate a specific zoning such as R-1 or R-2. The appraisal must indicate whether the subject property presents 

  • a legal conforming use,
  • a legal non-conforming (grandfathered) use,
  • an illegal use under the zoning regulations, or
  • that there is no local zoning.

Fannie Mae only purchases or securitizes mortgage loans on properties if the improvements constitute a legal conforming use of the land. However, Fannie Mae will purchase or securitize a mortgage for a property that constitutes a legal, nonconforming use of the land provided that the appraisal analysis reflects any adverse effect that the nonconforming use has on the value and the marketability of the property. This requirement applies to all property types.

Fannie Mae will not purchase or securitize a mortgage secured by a property that is subject to certain land-use regulations, such as coastal tideland or wetland laws, that create setback lines or other provisions that prevent the reconstruction or maintenance of the property improvements if they are damaged or destroyed. The intent of these types of land-use regulations is to remove existing land uses and to stop land development, including the maintenance or construction of seawalls, within specific setback lines.

For information regarding accessory units that comply or do not comply with zoning, see B4-1.3-05, Improvements Section of the Appraisal Report

For additional information, see B4-1.3-04, Site Section of the Appraisal Report.

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