What is a Planned Unit Development? 13 things (2022) you should know (2023)

We've all seen planned unit deployments (PUDs).

These are modern developments comprised of entire communities, including commercial properties, condominiums and single-family homes.

PUDs are very common these days, but if you don't know what this life situation is like, read on!

We tell you the most important things you should know before you buy.

Let's start.

1.What is Planned Unit Development (PUD)?

A planned unit development (PUD) is a type of building development and a regulatory process.

As a building, it is a creative grouping of diversity and compatibility.land uses, such as housing, leisure, shopping centers and industrial parks.

These are all included in a development or subdivision.

PUDs resemble small towns and are independent.

They are often formed in condominiums due to their location in urban areas.

However, PUDs can also include single-family communities and townhouses.

They often include unique amenities arranged for commercial and residential units.

Commercial real estate (shops, restaurants, etc.) meet the needs of residents.

2. What are the characteristics of a PUD?

A PUD can contain a mix of residential apartments with different prices.

They also have access to jobs, shopping, education and recreation.

In a proposed unit development, you can find single-family homes, seniors' homes, and townhomes, as well as grocery stores, restaurants, child care, offices, religious facilities, campgrounds, warehouses, etc.

Mortgage lenders set PUDs based on the following points:

Owners of apartments or real estate own both their residence (structure) and their property (land).

AHOAowns and maintains common amenities for use by any unit or owner

Owner membership of the HOA is required

Property owner must pay HOA fees and association fees to maintain common areas

3. How to recognize a planned residential development in a real estate offer?

One way to tell that a home for sale may be part of a proposed housing unit is if the home looks like a single family home or townhome but is listed as a "condominium".

The property may also charge HOA fees; However, keep in mind that a home can belong to an HOA without being part of a PUD.

4. What is the history of planned unit developments?

Levittown and Park Forest were some of the first PUDs created to house troops returning from World War II.

However, the first evidence of a formal PUD arising from zoning comes from Prince George's County, Maryland.

In the 1950s, Alexandria, VA created an amendment to its zoning code to allow for a "Community Unity Plan" that would allow co-development of community amenities, open spaces, and housing units within the same zoning district.

In 1962, the San Francisco zoning ordinance included the term "planned unit development".

5. How do you find out if the property you are interested in is an HOA or a PUD?

If you are a novice buyer, you may have trouble knowing which one is right for you.

Typically, the best way to find out if the property is part of an HOA or PUD is to speak with your agent or the community association that manages the community.

Request a copy of your articles of incorporation and you will be able to see what is expected of you so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a planned subdivision?

PROs

Convenience

Facilities beyond the typical park, gym or pool

Typical amenities include tennis court, basketball courts, walking trails, street cleaning, landscaping, enhanced security, swimming pools, playgrounds, parks, proximity to shops and other commercial establishments, etc.

Ideal for residents who want everything in one place (drugstores, specialty stores, private streets, 24-hour security, etc.)

Disadvantages

stricter rules

higher expenses

Inability to make changes to your unit

7. What are the legal restrictions on PUDs and HOAs?

PUD Shares are subject to any documentary restrictions or Agreements, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs).

Please note that it is often difficult to change these documents.

If the board decides that it is advisable to change regulations due to a major change in state or local law, this could take a long time.

Before purchasing a unit in a PUD, you should read all CCRs, articles of incorporation and deed restrictions, as these documents can govern how you use, renovate or landscape your property.

8.How do zoning regulations interact with PUDs?

Cities often create special zone districts to facilitate the creation of PUDs.

The specifics of what these counties allow vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the goal is to allow for multiple uses and densities in a neighborhood without being bound by normality.zoning requirements.

This allows commercial, community, open space, and residential buildings to sit side by side in an adjoining neighborhood.

There may also be a modified review process for PUD developers to allow for greater efficiency and/or flexibility.

For reference, here is an exampleplanned unit developmentDistrict.

9. What are the four general steps to developing a PUD?

Each jurisdiction has a slightly different process, but there are generally four general steps to developing a PUD.

These include:

pre-candidacy conference

In this step, the developer consults with the design team to clarify the regulation and procedure.

They will also discuss initial project plans.

Site plan review

The second step is to review the site plan.

This is a detailed site review of existing functions, often involving a site tour.

There will be a discussion about the project objectives and possible design solutions.

preliminary development plan

At this stage, the plan includes specific documents and maps that alegal descriptionof the project, a detailed site plan and supporting maps.

The Planning Commission then holds a public hearing at which the developer presents the PUD proposal and the planning recommendations are made available for public consideration.

Final Development Plan

The final plan includes the detailed engineering drawings of the entire site and the project completion process.

The site plan for the PUD is reviewed as a whole and the Planning Committee approves the inclusion of thePrato.

10. What are the general requirements for a PUD?

In order for the Planning Commission to approve the PUD, a number of conditions usually need to be met.

Each jurisdiction has slightly different requirements, but below is an example of Junction City, KS requirements:

Aperformance commitmentor some other form of assurance that the development of the proposed unit will be completed in accordance with the plans submitted

One reasonExplanation of the economic impactto show that the PUD is the right size and meets economic requirements

A patternEnvironmental impact studyif the PUD has a significant impact on the surrounding area and country

Roads must be officially designed and built to city standards

Areas for playgrounds or parks may need to be reservedwithin the PUD area or made available to residents in nearby off-site locations

easementsmust be provided for the replacement, maintenance, repair or expansion of various utilities

If necessary, ensure that recreational and open spaces within the PUD are permanently preserved.

PUD batches must meet specified minimum size requirements

11.What is the most common use of a planned unit deployment?

A planned unit development is most commonly used for urban regeneration.

Redevelopment of older urban areas faces many challenges.

Traditional zones do not have the flexibility to meet the needs of mixed-use buildings, changes in constructive setbacks, non-motorized transport, environmental protection, etc.

The space can be used innovatively through a planned block development.

12. As a buyer or seller, what does it mean if your home is on a PUD?

If you're considering buying a home in a planned development, there are a few factors to consider.

Let's break them down below.

financing

Financing a planned apartment building is a little more complex than applying for a single-family home.

Your lender needs to research whether the PUD is a good investment.

They will verify the resident HOA fee arrears, that the PUD has accumulated sufficient reserves, and that there is adequate insurance coverage.

Lastly, your lender will also verify that your PUD is residential and not commercial.

If financial problems are identified during this process, you may have difficulty obtaining a full loan.

regulations

Before purchasing a home in a proposed unit development, be sure to read the fine print!

You want to know the HOA contract details and understand the potential costs associated with monthly HOA fees.

While master plan developments often offer ample amenities, you should still factor this into your monthly budget and decide if you can afford it in the long run.

Additionally, HOAs often include additional rules and regulations for the community.

As some PUDs are more stringent than others, you need to understand the requirements you must follow.

If you're nervous about whether you'll have trouble following those rules or regulations, you might be better off looking at another accommodation option.

After all, you pay more to live in this development.

You don't want to be unhappy about it!

offer

A planned residential development usually attracts buyers initially because of the additional equipment.

However, as a seller, you may run into trouble when the buyer sees that these conveniences come with restrictions (high fees and regulations).

13. Is the planned development of a unit a good investment?

In general, such developments bring numerous benefits.

Not only do you own the home and the lot it sits on, but you also have access to amenities you wouldn't find in a typical condo, apartment, or single-family community.

Also, as the proposed unit developments are their own community with an HOA, you can expect there to be some standard of living.

The HOA takes care of the maintenance of roads, facilities, common spaces, landscaping, etc.

Many times you enjoy lawn care, shoveling snow, etc.

If you are busy or don't want to spend your time in these areas, you don't have to!

However, if you are on a tight budget, living in a PUD might not be the right choice for you.

It can be expensive, especially depending on the type of PUD you choose and the amenities it offers.

In many ways, you're paying for convenience.

If you don't have the time to enjoy the amenities and amenities on offer, it may not be worth living in this area.

Finally, while many of the rules and regulations are intended to help preserve properties within the PUD, some of them may conflict with what you want to do with your property.

For example, you may need a permit to install a swimming pool in your backyard or paint the exterior of your home.

Or you may need to follow directions about where to park or whether pet ownership is allowed.

This adjustment to the way you live can be irritating for some.

It is important to remember that every PUD is different.

Some have stricter rules and regulations than others.

You may even encounter problems when decorating, furnishing, renovating or living in your house or garden.

Just make sure you do the right research before making your final decision!

final thoughts

Here it is!

Do you think developing a planned unit is something for you?

This type of property comes with extra costs and extra rules and regulations, but the included amenities can make it even more worth it!

additional resources

If you want to buy affordable land, you can check ourlistingsbook page.And before buying land, be sure to stop byGokce Land Due Diligence Program. If you want to sell land, visit our how-to pagesell your land.

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Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, auditors or financial advisors and the information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our own research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up to date, but it may contain errors. Be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.