In California, every home buyer receives a Natural Hazards Disclosure Statement and they carefully check if the home is in a Flood Hazard Area, a Dam Inundation Area, a Fire Hazard Area, an Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone or a Geological Hazard Area (landslides) because they could have a significant impact on the homeowner's insurance expense. Less carefully reviewed are the Supplemental Disclosures.
What if the home is located in a Habitat Sensitivity Area?
Does it really matter if the property has the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse or.........
the California Tiger Salamander or . . . . .
the Red-Legged Frog?
After all, you can be environmentally sensitive and keep an eye out for the little critters while moving your lawn. Nope, not good enough! If the property is in a Habitat Sensitivity Area, you could have restrictions on the improvements you are allowed to make to the home or landscape in order to protect the Habitat. Any changes may require an Environmental Impact Statement (expensive, ouch!) or the scope of your improvements could be restricted.
The Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement only specifies that the property is IN a Habitat Sensitivity Area but doesn't specify the potential property restrictions. If your home purchase is in such an area, it is important to contact the Department of Fish and Game and the local Planning Commission to determine the impact, if any, on your intended use and plans for the home.
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