Re: Need Zoning Law Expertise - random thoughts
From: Alan O'Hashi (adoecosyahoo.com)
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2019 06:52:06 -0700 (PDT)
Be careful what you wish - setting up a cohousing zoning district isn't 
necessarily a good idea because there are so many iterations of cohousing.

Housing is housing, but what differentiates cohousing from other housing 
configurations is the cohousing "secret sauce" which is more about the internal 
social fabric and less about the physical plant.

The primary purpose of zoning regulations is to protect the safety and welfare 
of the city. Those issues are density, parking, traffic flow, proximity to 
public services like water/wastewater police and fire protection.

Zoning officers could care less about what happens inside the community - 
shared meals, consensus decision making, etc. They are more concerned about 
what happens outside the community.


Most zoning codes include mechanisms that allow the highest possible 
flexibility through Planned Unit Developments, Development Plans - all codes 
call them something different. The downside to flexibility, it generally takes 
longer to figure out because it ends up being a negotiation around density 
bonuses, over sizing water lines, etc.

If you're trying to rezone existing property, find land that high density 
housing is complementary like in a mixed-use neighborhood, commercial fringe. 
My other suggestion is to choose property that already is designated with a 
high density zoning district and develop "by right" so that the path of least 
resistance is smooth.

Requesting a high density district in the midst of a lower/moderate density 
single family dwellings, regardless of what you call the district will be a 
path of lots of resistance.

The cohousing concept may have popular and political appeal, but a cool concept 
isn't what drives zoning decisions.

If you're developing in an urban area like Boston, there are plenty of examples 
of cohousing, including Phil's place in Cambridge that developed with a 
railroad be in the back. Jamaica Plains is another good example. Those two, I 
believe, developed under existing zoning.

For what it's worth
Alan O. *******************************************
Alan O'Hashi - ECOS
EnviroCultural Organization Systems
 http://www.alanohashi.com/ecos
Colorado 303-910-5782
Wyoming 307-274-1910
Nebraska 402-327-1652
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