Indicators of Idle Land Usage

Paperwork Trail

• A parcel of land is usually categorized by a block and/or lot number by a municipality. You can obtain this information with a little legwork and Internet research and cross-reference your findings with the local tax assessor and zoning offices. You can determine if the land is recorded subdivision and the restrictions on its usage.

Visual Inspection

• Acreage of land that is not used will show overgrowth of grass. Any structures erected might show signs of disrepair. Signs might be faded. Mail, flyers and garbage might be accumulating. If the land is an eyesore, that is a clear indicator that it may not being used or that the current owner is not present.

Neighbors' Knowledge

• Homeowner's associations, real estate brokers and neighborhood patrols will likely know the status of land in their neighborhoods. If a parcel of land is idle in a gated or private community, no one will being paying association dues or participating in the life of the community. There will be no foot or car traffic on the land.

Natural Preserves

• Some land is idle because its use is restricted by state or federal authorities. Land that is a wildlife sanctuary, undeveloped because of its natural resources, or reserved for utility development will be idle. Indicators of the protective status of land will be posted on the property.