Navigating Rural Zoning and Land Use Restrictions

RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.

HAYS, KANSAS (RFD-TV) — Rural property owners often face unique challenges when it comes to zoning and land use restrictions. These regulations can be difficult to navigate, making it essential for landowners to understand their rights and responsibilities before making decisions about their property.

RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined RFD-TV to share insights on how farmers and landowners can better manage zoning concerns and ensure they’re using their property as intended.

In his interview, McEowen discussed why zoning is such an essential topic for rural America and outlined some of the key hurdles producers face. He explained the most common types of rural zoning and offered practical advice on how to verify zoning and use restrictions before purchasing or developing property.

McEowen also shared when it might make sense to consider rezoning a property to fit a specific use, and emphasized the importance of researching local zoning laws as the first step in any land-use decision.

Firm to Farm: Acreage Anxiety—How Zoning Issues Can Limit Your Rural Property Dreams

Related Stories: Firm to Farm
On January 31, the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed tax legislation containing provisions of importance to farmers and ranchers in particular and many taxpayers in general.
In this Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV legal expert Roger McEowen, he looks ahead at what might be the biggest issues in ag law and tax in 2024.
In part seven of his blog series,"Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” agri-legal expert Roger McEowen covers the #1 issues, SCOTUS and defining a “Water of the United States.”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CLAAS Senior Vice President for the Americas Region Eric Raby joined us to preview the new docuseries “CLAAS: Made for More,” premiering tonight at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.