Purchasing a home, vacant lot, or commercial building is an important investment. Before purchasing property or signing a lease agreement, prospective renters/buyers should take time to confirm that the property meets their needs and that their plans for the property comply with City of Douglas and National Building Code requirements.
The City of Douglas Community Development and Customer Service Departments are here to help with any questions prospective buyers may have regarding city codes, utilities, taxes, building requirements, and code enforcement. Below are a few things to check on or ask BEFORE property is purchased.
- Zoning and Permitted Uses. Contact Planning and Zoning to verify the property’s zoning classification and whether your intended use is allowed. Ask about requirements for home businesses, rental uses, commercial activities, lot divisions, and new construction. Do not assume that a seller’s description or a neighboring property’s use confirms what is permitted. Planning and Zoning: (912) 383-0277.
- Permitting, Plan Review, or Rehab/Construction. Discuss proposed improvements with Building Inspections before purchasing. Ask about setbacks, accessory buildings, fences, additions, renovations, and required permits and inspections. Request available permit records for existing improvements and ask whether any work remains unfinished or unapproved. Building Inspections and Permits: (912) 389-3423.
- Code Violations and Maintenance Responsibilities. Contact Code Enforcement to ask whether the property has outstanding violations or unresolved compliance issues. Understand the City’s requirements concerning overgrown lots, inoperable vehicles, dilapidated structures, and other nuisance conditions. Include potential cleanup and repair costs in your purchase budget. Code Enforcement: (912) 389-3460.
- Flood Risks and Drainage. Check the property’s flood-zone designation and ask about requirements that could affect construction or improvements. Discuss flood coverage with your insurance agent; flood insurance is separate from a standard homeowners policy. The City provides flood maps and flood-protection information. Building Inspections & Permits: (912) 389-3423.
- Utility Availability, Connection Costs, and Average Monthly Costs. Before closing, confirm which utilities serve the address, ask about deposits, connection requirements, upgrades your plans may require, and average monthly costs. For vacant land, verify service availability before assuming connections can be made. City Customer Care: (912) 384-3302 (press 1 OR 2).
- Understand Taxes and Review Property Records. Confirm applicable property taxes, outstanding balances, and potential exemptions with the appropriate tax offices. The Coffee County Tax Commissioner handles questions about tax billing and collection, while the Tax Assessor handles questions about property values. Also have your closing professional review ownership, liens, easements, deed restrictions, and legal access, and consider obtaining a current survey and independent property inspection. Make sure previous owner has paid all property taxes each year. Check with the Coffee County Tax Commissioner (912) 384-4895 or Tax Assessor (912) 384-2136.
Taking these steps before committing to a purchase can help you identify costs, understand restrictions, and make an informed decision. When contacting City departments, provide the property address, land parcel number, and a clear description of your plans.
