Wetlands, Endangered Species & Land-Use Limits

Environmental laws can freeze development entirely. Wetlands under Clean Water Act jurisdiction need federal permits (Army Corps of Engineers) to fill or dredge — buying 'buildable' acreage that turns out to be wetland is a classic due-diligence failure worth disclosing. The Endangered Species Act can bar disturbing habitat. Coastal zones add state commissions and setback lines; septic systems need percolation tests; wells need water-rights confirmation. For the exam: these are material facts when known, they run with the LAND not the owner, and 'the county approved my plans' never overrides federal environmental jurisdiction.