Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Google Maps

[Bruce Shimizu (bruce]

Yes, Google Earth and Microsoft's Virtual Earth are both useful tools in
looking for developable land. When used in combination with information from
local government websites that have Geographic Information System (GIS) maps
available i.e., Land Use, Zoning, Utilities, Community Amenities and
Assessor's Parcel information, it is possible to identify potential sites
from the comfort of your home/office. 

These are my standard tools in determining what sites I want to actually
visit. Sites that are properly designated for housing, vacant or under
utilized, adjacent to existing development with public utilities, on or
close to public transportation & services are prime sites to check out. 

With more and more information becoming available through GIS, your site
search time can be used much more efficiently. 

Determine your search parameters and be methodical in looking for sites and
by all means, keep all of the information you collect on potential sites.
One that may not be available today may become available tomorrow. Property
owners come and go, but the land doesn't generally go anywhere.

Look for the easy sites first and then work your way down your priority
list. Sites that are large enough, with the proper zoning & land use, and
services are your first priority. You can also look at adjoining properties
that are properly zoned and assemble multiple sites. Then look at sites that
have the right land use designation, but not the right zoning, these can be
rezoned. Then look at lower density residential sites that could be changed
to a higher density. Look for lower density residential sites that are
adjacent to higher density residential properties. This will require an
amendment to the local General Plan, will take more time, but can be done. 

If you get to this point, hire a planning consultant to help you out.
Actually, it would be really helpful if you hire a planning consultant
before you start your site search. They could help you understand what type
of zoning & land use designations will work for your proposed community and
will probably know of some areas that would be well suited for your project.
They will also have a pretty good handle on your local planning department,
planning commission & city council/ board of supervisors. 

In other words, pay the money to get professional help early. It will save
you time, grief & money in the long run.
 
Good luck,
 

Bruce K. Shimizu
bruce [at] cw-homes.com  
  
 Clearwater Homes
P.O. Box 1874  .  Windsor  .  CA  .  95492
(707) 837-9922  voice  .  (208) 975-9617  fax  .  (707) 696-9008  cell
-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon Villines [mailto:sharon [at] sharonvillines.com] 
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:03 AM
To: Cohousing-L
Subject: Re: [C-L]_ Google Maps


I wonder if anyone has tried using Google Maps to look for property  
for cohousing?

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing,Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org



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