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
Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
For the broader agricultural industry, a railroad antitrust case in Kansas could lead to the dismantling of legacy regulatory shields, creating a more fluid, market-driven transportation grid that prioritizes moving crops efficiently over protecting historic rail monopolies.
The long-term viability of a ranching operation often hinges on how effectively its owners navigate the overlapping layers of IRS regulations, state tax incentives, and USDA disaster programs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.