Extended families residing together were commonplace in the early 20th century at the outset of zoning regulation in the U.S. In the 1920s most earlyzoning ordinances allowed rooms in single family homes to be rented to boarders. It was also … Read more

The town council has just voted to approve a highly controversial special use permit for a new apartment complex. Getting to this point was a long process – two lengthy hearings and a third night of debate and deliberation by … Read more

Simplicity and clarity are laudable objectives when drafting a zoning ordinance or other development regulation.  One way this is accomplished is to cross-reference other material rather than repeating it in the ordinance.  This is often referred to as “incorporation by … Read more

Betty Draper owns a single-family residence.  She rents the property to four tenants.  The zoning ordinance does not allow parking in the front yard and limits the number of cars that can be parked on the property to four vehicles. … Read more

Local governments make hundreds of decisions every day under local development regulations.  Permits are issued or denied.  Enforcement actions are initiated.  Ordinance provisions are interpreted.  Property is rezoned.  Ordinances are amended.  When a local government is considering these, does it … Read more

Consider these three scenarios regarding potential appeals to the zoning board of adjustment.  Scenario 1.  Marge Simpson has worked for decades to improve her neighborhood.  Several years ago the town adopted a new plan that called for the neighborhood to … Read more

You know the old Jones house down on 4th Street in the town’s historic district, don’t you? Well, it’s a real shame that it is in such bad shape. I remember when that house was right at the center of … Read more

The city will soon be making a major land use regulatory decision.  There is a 15-acre site in town that is mostly vacant, but has a few modest, outdated commercial buildings.  The site fronts a major street, so more intensive … Read more

Imagine a balmy autumn evening. You and your family or friends have plans to go out for dinner. The restaurant that you have in mind offers you the chance to grab a table outdoors on the sidewalk. Have you ever … Read more

Hector Peabody is fuming.  Several months ago one of his neighbors called town hall and complained that he was running an illegal kennel in his backyard.  Sure, he raised plot hounds, kept them in a pen out back and the … Read more