The Core Facts Aging, sloped retaining walls holding back more than four feet of soil are evaluated as strict structural shoring systems, not simple aesthetic landscaping. Failing to address unpermitted or leaning walls early allows buyers to demand large repair credits during inspections. Sellers must proactively audit municipal permits to
The Core Takeaway Many cities no longer pay for local drainage repairs using general property taxes. Instead, they charge property owners a dedicated stormwater utility fee. The city uses aerial maps to measure the exact square footage of hard surfaces on your physical lot, including your roof, driveway, and concrete
The Core Takeaway In a growing number of cities, local rules require homeowners to get an official 1 to 10 Home Energy Score before putting a house on the market. Real estate data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that in cities with mandatory scoring, each one-point increase on
The Summary Owning a home in a designated historic district adds distinct architectural charm, but it also brings local rules that change how routine repairs work. Any exterior maintenance visible from the street typically requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from your local preservation board. Because these rules prohibit standard modern