Frequently Asked Questions
What is GR Zoning?
Our General Rural (GR) Zoning, in which most of our rural land falls, allows for residences along with ranching & farming endeavors, with a minimum parcel size of 4.13 acres. We have the complete county Zoning and Development Code in our office, so please call or e-mail us for more specific information on your needs or see our "Helpful Links" Page to contact Santa Cruz County, Arizona Directly. Some of our parcels are in Pima County which is under Rural Homestead (RH) Zoning which is almost identical to Santa Cruz's GR.
Can you permanently attach a mobile or manufactured home to a parcel within Santa Cruz County, Arizona?
No - we are one of the few counties in the country that has made it against county regulations to do so. The exception is within the town limits of Patagonia and city limits of Nogales. The parcels we represent in Pima County do allow manufactured homes if desired.
What about temporary housing during construction?
Yes - upon obtaining the proper permits from Santa Cruz County, you may have a mobile or manufactured home on the site for up to 1 year in 6 month increments.
What types of construction materials are permitted?
As long as a foundation is utilized, in addition to standard masonry & frame structures, we have homes utilizing adobe block, straw bale, rammed earth, foam block & panels, along with other innovative building methods.
Are there sewer systems in the eastern Santa Cruz County Valley?
No - various forms of septic systems are utilized depending on soil conditions. Before buying it is strongly recommended that a percolation test be performed to determine the type of septic system & the size necessary. Most parcels will only need a standard septic system - alternate systems are more expensive, so the percolation test is very important.
How much does a percolation test cost?
The percolation tests are currently in the $700 range. At this time the county is allowing the results to be used for several years.
What about water?
Only a very few subdivisions in & around Sonoita have water companies & even fewer vacant parcels have wells on them. You will need to drill your own well in most cases.
How hard is it to get a good well?
The vast majority of the eastern valley is situated over an aquifer that is on the average 250 to 400 feet under the surface. It is critical that you find an agent that is familiar with the Department of Water Resources Well Registry System & knowledge of existing wells. We at Wildhorse Realty can help you select property in areas that have been historically strongest. We work with only the highest quality well drillers & pump specialists.
If we buy land, do we have to build on it within a certain time?
No you never have to build on your land if your plans change or you wish to hold purely for investment (unless specified in CC & R's which is rare.) Our clients find that land is not only an aesthetically pleasing, tangible asset, but that it is virtually worry-free. Most homeowner's insurance policies will allow you to add raw land to your existing policy, usually with no additional charge.
See our "Helpful Links" page for links to help you with further research. Feel free to call or e-mail us with any other questions or concerns.
Jim Davis, Designated Broker - Jim@Sonoitaland.com
Karen Howard, Associate Broker - Karen@Sonoitaland.com
520-455-0331
WILDHORSE REALTY
Located in the Crossroads Plaza, 3170 Highway 83, Suite H, P.O. Box 798, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Home Property for Sale & Recent Sales Rancho Milagro Sonoita Springs Ranch Helpful Links Why We Love Sonoita FAQ's Maps Photo Gallery