Owning land should be simple. You buy it, hold it, maybe use it someday—or maybe just let it sit. But sometimes, out of nowhere, a letter from the county shows up. Or worse, a fine. Suddenly, your quiet little patch of dirt turns into a headache you didn’t see coming.
Sound familiar?
Whether it’s a zoning restriction, code violation, or a work order demanding thousands in repairs, these surprises can turn a peaceful property into a money pit. If you’re wondering what your options are, or if it’s even worth holding on, this post is for you.
Let’s talk through what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it—especially if you’re ready to be done with the stress.
What Are Work Orders and Zoning Issues, Anyway?
🚧 Work Orders: The Costly Curveballs
Work orders usually show up when the local government decides your land isn’t in compliance. Sometimes it’s because the grass is too high. Other times it’s something bigger—like a collapsing structure or environmental cleanup.
Here’s the kind of stuff that triggers them:
- Clearing overgrown brush or invasive weeds
- Tearing down old, unsafe buildings
- Fixing erosion or drainage issues
- Removing junk or illegal structures
- Cleaning up environmental hazards (yep, even if you didn’t put them there)
The real kicker? Ignoring those work orders usually leads to fines, lawsuits, or even the city stepping in to handle it—then charging you for it. Not cheap.
🏗 Zoning Issues: When the Rules Change
Zoning laws decide what you can and can’t do with your land. But the thing is, those rules can change. And when they do, you’re often stuck.
Maybe your land used to be buildable, and now it’s not. Maybe the county rezoned the area, and your dream of putting up a small cabin just got tossed out the window. Permits denied. Usage restricted. Frustration: high.
Some common zoning headaches include:
- Land that was buildable… but isn’t anymore
- New restrictions after rezoning
- Denied permits for your planned use
- Disputes with the county over what your land is actually zoned for
Even if you’ve owned your land for years, changes in zoning can leave you holding something you can’t really use.
Why Holding Onto Problem Land Could Cost You More
We’ve talked to a lot of landowners who tried to “wait it out” or push back on the city. Unfortunately, work orders and zoning problems usually don’t just go away. And the longer you wait, the more it can cost you—financially and emotionally.
Here’s what we see happen most often:
- Fines that keep adding up – Some counties tack on fees monthly or even weekly.
- Legal trouble – In some cases, they’ll file a lien or even try to take the property.
- Property value drops – If the land can’t be built on, it may not be worth much to anyone else.
- Stress and wasted time – Dealing with the city, contractors, paperwork… it gets old real fast.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of landowners in your shoes decide to cut their losses and walk away with cash instead of throwing more time and money at a never-ending problem.
Can You Even Sell Land with These Issues?
Yep—you absolutely can.
You just need the right kind of buyer. Most traditional buyers (and especially realtors) won’t touch land with violations or zoning headaches. They don’t want the hassle. But a land investor like us? This is what we do.
Why Selling to a Land Buyer Like Us Makes Sense
We’re not scared off by a few work orders or a tricky zoning situation. In fact, we expect it.
Here’s how we make it simple:
✅ We buy land as-is – You don’t have to clean it up or pay off anything first
✅ We handle the paperwork – We’re used to navigating code issues and zoning challenges
✅ We close fast – No waiting months for a buyer—we can get you an offer quickly
Trying to list your land with an agent? They’ll probably tell you to fix it up first… or they’ll pass altogether. We’re a much easier route if you just want to be done with it.
Ready to Get Out from Under the Stress?
If your land is turning into more of a liability than an asset, it might be time for a fresh start. No more fines. No more letters from the city. No more wondering what to do next.
Just a simple, fair offer—and a path forward.
💰 Get a no-obligation offer today! Contact us now, or email us at simplyacres@gmail.com and let’s discuss your land.
All the best for now,
Matthew & Kathleen
