A buyer plans to make an offer on a rural property and use it as a horse sanctuary.
The buyer already has an email from the county zoning department confirming that the intended use is currently permitted.

The agent’s goal is to protect the buyer in case the county changes its position, neighbors object, or additional permits or variances become necessary before closing.

County email approvals are not binding forever; a formal determination or business license may still be required.

Zoning designations, environmental rules, or stable-size limits may affect use.

If the buyer closes and later discovers restrictions, they could be forced to cease operations or apply for a costly special exception.

The agent should ensure the buyer’s intended use is documented, disclosed, and protected.

Verify the approval — Confirm the county department issuing the approval (Zoning, Planning, or Animal Control).

Attach documentation — Print or attach the county’s email or letter to the addendum.

Include a contingency — Give the buyer the right to terminate or renegotiate if the use is later denied or restricted.

Disclose the intended use — Protects the agent and ensures transparency.

This Addendum is made part of and incorporated into the Agreement between Buyer and Seller for the property located at ______________________.

Buyer intends to utilize the Property as a horse sanctuary (“Intended Use”). Buyer has received preliminary written confirmation from the ___________________ County Zoning Department indicating that this use is currently permitted for the subject property.

Buyer’s obligations under this Contract are contingent upon:

Final confirmation from the County or other applicable authority that the Intended Use is permitted without variance or restriction; and

No objection, restriction, or revocation of such approval prior to Closing.

If, at any time prior to Closing, the County or other governmental authority revokes or restricts approval for the Intended Use, or additional permits or variances are required that Buyer deems unsatisfactory, Buyer may, in Buyer’s sole discretion, terminate this Contract and receive a full refund of earnest money.

Buyer and Seller acknowledge that the Intended Use has been disclosed to Seller.

All other terms and conditions of the Contract shall remain the same.

Always ensure zoning and intended use approvals are verified in writing and attached.

Advise buyers to check for animal limits, fencing, runoff, and waste management requirements for horses.

Reinforce to agents that due diligence must be used to confirm intended use and that any “specialty” buyers should not rely solely on a single county email.

This clause also protects the brokerage by proving full disclosure and buyer advisement.