Then zoning can have unintended consequences and actually prevent economic development, flexible provisions for affordable housing, and other things that are good for your community.
So what are the alternatives to zoning? The new one arising from the architectural community is called form-based code , and as the name implies, it relies on regulating building placement and building characteristics rather than the activity that is going to happen inside the building. Another alternative is simply to rely on private deed restrictions. Houston is the largest American city not to employ zoning as its primary land use control, although it has taken the unusual step of making some such restrictions enforceable by the city.
A deed restriction means that a property owner, such as the person who owns the land before it is subdivided, makes binding restrictions on future owners of the land. So a builder of a residential subdivision could prohibit any future owners from commercial development, for instance. Judging by the frequency with which this website receives requests for information about how to change deed restrictions, not all future owners are happy with this system, let's just say.
But it's an alternative. In sum, zoning is important only for those who want the most tried-and-true system of preserving property values by prohibiting inappropriate land uses and encouraging appropriate neighboring uses.
Communities needing greater flexibility should look instead at form-based codes. In rural situations where shared values are strong, zoning often is of no importance. Average Rating. Click here to add your own comments.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. Simply click here to return to Ask a Zoning Question. Unsubscribe any time. Give it a try. The implementation of zoning regulations allows specific areas or zones within a city or community to be designated for an explicit use. Thoughtful planning related to zoning regulations ensures the development of necessary and sufficient infrastructure to support residents, businesses, and industrial facilities.
Development within a specific zoned area can be bound by certain restrictions and rules. For example, an area that is zoned for residential use might only include the development of single-family dwellings. This protects residents and their families from unwanted commercial traffic and other environmental hazards from being built too close to them. Other restrictions can include the size, height, and type of building materials used to build a home within a zoned area.
Zoning laws, in general, are designed to separate residential properties from commercial properties. They are intended to prevent oil refineries, manufacturing plants, or other types of businesses from building in residential neighborhoods. These types of businesses can impact home values, noise levels , air pollution, and the safety of children in the area. Besides restricting the land use, zoning laws may also regulate the dimensional requirements of the lot and structure on the property. Such restrictions may include minimum lot area, off-street parking, the number of buildings on a lot, and the number of dwelling units in a certain area.
In areas of historic or cultural significance , zoning regulations may require that those features be preserved. The presence of zoning laws can also influence prices when purchasing a property. Commercial and residential property values can increase when businesses and new homes are allowed to be built or renovated within a certain area. Zoning can increase the cost of building new structures. Zoning can work against historic mixed use neighborhoods in older communities.
Properly enforcing a zoning ordinance involves a long-term commitment to a certain level of community spending. Need more information about zoning or feel that your community could benefit from our assistance. Contact us. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have and visit your community. C ONS.
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