5 Zoning Questions That Need To Be Answered Before Closing 

08/24/2026 11:04 AM       Mark Goodman

Buying a new commercial property should be exciting, but a lot of the paperwork and research into a property’s history can be a bit boring. One such topic that you may find boring (but we find fascinating) is how a property is zoned. At its core, commercial zoning laws regulate how people use land for business purposes, and while they may seem unnecessary or tedious, they help cities and communities grow in a way that makes sense.  

Understanding how a property is zoned is crucial if you have big plans for your new commercial property, and there are some questions you or your title company will want answers to prior to closing day. Below, we take a closer look at five questions that you’ll want answered about a property’s zoning regulations before closing. 

Has the property’s use changed at any point in history? 

If the property’s use has changed from residential to commercial or some other type of use change, you’ll need to ensure all proper permits were obtained, otherwise it may fall on you to address any non-compliant issues after closing. 

What improvements have been made? 

If air conditioning was added to a manufacturing plant or similar improvements have been made to buildings, you’ll need to verify with municipal records that permits were obtained for all of these modifications. 

Is anything grandfathered in? 

Sometimes zoning issues can be fine in the eyes of the law even if they aren’t up to current codes. A property can be “legal nonconforming” in the eyes of some zoning regulations, and you’ll want to be aware of the grandfathered regulations so that you don’t make changes that eliminate your right to remain legal nonconforming. 

Are there any pending zoning changes on or around the area? 

Learning about any zoning changes that may be in the works could affect current compliance or future use, so your title services agent will also investigate the zoning status of nearby areas. 

Are there ALTA endorsements to address specific zoning needs? 

If there are any potential zoning concerns, your title services team will look into ALTA endorsements in your jurisdiction to ensure you don’t run afoul with the law or leave yourself exposed to unnecessary risk. 

If you’re at all confused about zoning regulations or how zoning laws could impact your vision for your commercial property, connect with the zoning experts at Commercial Partners. We can assist with all your commercial acquisition needs. Give our team a call today at (612) 337-2470.