Re: Need Zoning Law Expertise - random thoughts | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
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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Re: Need Zoning Law Expertise - random thoughts Alan O'Hashi, March 29 2019
- Re: Need Zoning Law Expertise - random thoughts David Heimann, March 30 2019
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