Know before you BUY

Buying a property in Becker Township? We can help.

When purchasing a new piece of property, there are many things to be considered. When purchasing in Becker Township, we are here to assist you. A few of the common things we suggest buyers check into and verify are listed below. Often, the seller, realtor, or title company can answer these questions, but you may always contact the Town Clerk as well.

Do you KNOW where the boundaries are located? Viewing an aerial map on Beacon or looking at survey stakes can be helpful.

Have you looked at an aerial of your parcel and viewed wetlands or ditches? You can do that at no charge using the Sherburne County GIS System HERE

What can I do with the land? You need to check the zoning of the property. You can do that by viewing the Becker Township Zoning map or contacting the clerk and asking.

What is zoning? Zoning refers to local laws that dictate how property can and cannot be used in certain areas. Zoning laws can limit commercial use of land in order to prevent oil, manufacturing or other types of businesses from building in residential neighborhoods.
Becker Township administers its own zoning ordinance. You can read the most requested parts of the zoning ordinance for Becker Township HERE. If you wish, you may come into Township Hall to read the ordinance, request a particular section by email.
Zoning classification is not the same as a tax classification. Take time to verify the zoning district where the parcel is located.

Do not purchase land believing you can build an outbuilding (Personal Storage Structure) prior to building your home.

Ordinance 16.20 Personal Storage Structures:
Personal Storage Structure is an outbuilding without a primary residence that is limited to personal use and cannot be used for any business operation. Personal Storage Structures are only allowed under the following conditions and must meet all of the following standards:

Only one Personal Storage Structure is allowed per parcel.
Personal Storage Structures will not be allowed in a platted development, unless in a Shoreland District.
The size of the Personal Storage Structure will be limited to 1800 sq. ft. unless the parcel is less than 2.5 acres and then the size limit will be a 1,200 sq. ft. building.
A maximum height of the structure is 25 feet from the ground to the peak.
The size and location of the Personal Storage Structure shall not impede the placement of a future home, or primary and secondary septic system.
No plumbing or floor drains shall be allowed.

Access - do you have access to the parcel you are considering? Are there any easements associated with the parcel? Are the easements publicly recorded?

Do any boundary issues exist for the parcel?

Is the property platted? You can view plats at the Town Hall or request a scan of a particular lot/block. Sometimes a plat will have restrictions for type of house that can be built (full basement vs. slab on grade).

Is a current survey available? Where are the monuments?

Has a septic inspection been completed? Where can a copy of the report be obtained? You can contact Town Hall and ask if this has been completed and request a copy of the report.

Is the property buildable under current code? Be aware that some parcels in Becker Township have buildings in place, but no changes can be made to the buildings under current ordinance. Just because there is an easement to the parcel does NOT mean the lot is buildable. Zoning ordinance requires lots without road frontage to have easements recorded prior to 2009.

Are there any outstanding assessments against the property?

If the property is located in a platted subdivision, are there any covenants? Is there a homeowners association?

Are there any common facilities? (shared driveway, well or septic)

Were building permits issued and obtained for the buildings on the property?

If you are unsure of answers, it is recommended that you research them to find out.

There are likely many more questions you may wish to ask.