Zoning. Get the Facts.

Over the years, commercial businesses have crept into areas of Nassau that have restrictive covenants limiting the property to single family use.

Some residents have accepted the commercialisation of neighbourhoods, such as Palmdale, while others have taken legal steps to uphold the single family zoning and block businesses from setting up. Montagu Heights off Village Road is one such residential area.

When buying property, make sure you know what the area is zoned for (or might be limited to by restrictive covenants) so you can protect and safeguard your investment.

For instance, a property advertised with a “superb road frontage” catch phrase may not necessarily be zoned for commercial use. Oftentimes this might require an application to Town Planning as far as the use is concerned.

A shop license will also be a separate issue.
Residential real estate zoning categories include both single-family and multi-family dwellings.

Multi family covers apartment buildings, townhouses, condos and duplexes. Some neighbourhoods are zoned to include both single family and multi-family use on different lots within the subdivision.

Typically, a building for commercial use cannot be constructed on property that's zoned for residential uses.

Getting the zoning changed on property can be a very difficult process, depending on the circumstances. It involves Town Planning Board approval and, if controversial, a public meeting.

Neighbourhood opposition can be fierce.
In addition to zoning, ask your Bahamas real estate agent to provide information about any restrictive covenants that may be attached to a property.

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