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
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses a new rail antitrust case in Kansas and its potential implications for farmers as rail upgrades signal continued export-driven demand for logistics.
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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.