Are landowners given the right to do whatever they want with the property that they have purchased?

Answer 1

Answer 1:

No. A "Landowner" is basically renting the land from the government. A given rent is paid each year called "property tax", the landlord (government) retains interest in various parts of the property such as mineral and any other rights they like, and (with notice) they can take it back by giving you an amount of compensation they find to be fair (eminent domain).

Answer 2:

No. In the United States the purchaser owns the land but the land is subject to local, state and Federal Laws. The property owner can do anything they want with their land as long as it doesn't violate any laws and doesn't affect the right of their neighbors to the peaceful enjoyment of their own homes. In fact, property laws and city ordinances have been devised in many respects to protect homeowners from those who do think they can do anything they want on their own property. Everyone has been bothered by a neighbor's dog barking all night or amplified music blasting from that one house in the neighborhood. Many people would be disturbed by pigs and goats kept in a neighbor's yard. Most communities have laws that address that kind of behavior and a complaint can be made to the police.

Some communities maintain strict property laws that govern almost all exterior aspects of private property. Those communities have leaders who think that is the way to protect property values and maintain a well kept community. It's the reason every new subdivision has restrictive covenants. If a person seeking a home doesn't like the control they can look elsewhere. Other communities are more lax. Properties in a historic district or abutting a wetland or waterway are subject to very stringent control.

Property taxes pay for community services, schools, police, fire, parks, athletic fields, city services, street lighting, road repair, civic improvements, public libraries, health department, city employees, maintaining public records, waste disposal, special events, youth sports, after school programs, snow plowing, street cleaning, crossing guards, school buses, school libraries, etc., etc., etc.

Answer 3:

No. Property belongs to the people, and must conform to laws, rules and codes that benefit the good of the whole. Society thus has the just right to mandate what is and is not done with the land. Of course, the "landowner" has the right to do anything he wants with his land, so long as it does not violate any of that. A "landowner" should think of himself more as a steward than an owner, a person who has the duty, care and privilige of maintaining a property for society and future generations.