Useful Community Development: What's New
Here are the most recent important changes to our website, including new articles, visitor questions, and editors' answers. You'll also find links to significantly revised pages and time-sensitive or short items we want to bring to your attention. Sometimes we also add short items of interest, especially time-sensitive notes about conferences, webinars, or seasons.
Code Enforcement and Standing Water
Website Visitor's Original Question: A family purchased a small inflatable swimming pool during the summer, and placed the pool in the backyard. Children
How Far from Property Line Should Trees Be
Visitor Question: How far from someone’s property line does someone have to be in order to plant large growing trees? Editors Reply: In most places, the
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Feel harassed by code enforcement officer
Visitor Question: I was given a code violation for graffiti on my fence. Every year I have had to correct this. This year in around April I had to paint
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Can a church meet in a building that is zoned industrial?
Visitor Question: I am a member of a local church congregation (less than 100 people) that has been meeting in a school gymnasium. Due to Covid-19,
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Signs of neighborhood decline
Visitor Question: What are the signs of neighborhood decline? I have been in a nice enough neighborhood for about 25 years. My next door neighbor has been
Racial Equity and Community Development Must Progress Jointly
Many people think racial equity and community development are already well linked; this page points out 7 areas where the relationship should be stronger.
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Planning Commissioners, Decisions and Conditional Use Permits
Visitor Question: Can Planning Commissioners legally reference the General Plan as a basis for their decisions on a conditional use permit? Editors Reply:
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Special exception for commercial tree company
Visitor Question: A commercial tree company has filed for a special exception next door to me in our rural residential town. It would be completely out
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How Community Engagement Builds a Better Plan
Community engagement and public participation for city planning processes may include meetings, open houses, charrettes, surveys, focus groups, and more.
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Code Enforcement in Rural Areas
Visitor Question: Is there any code enforcement in rural areas? I'm tired of living around junked cars, rusting machinery, old couches on the front porch,
Community Anti Drug Coalitions Bring Many Stakeholders to the Table
Community anti drug coalitions encompass representatives from prevention organizations, education, law enforcement, business, and others. Learn how one works.
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Difference between open space and preserve
Visitor Question: What is the difference between open space and a nature preserve? We have what the neighbors call a preserve behind our house. It is just
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Is a gate a fence
Visitor Question: We purchased a one acre home lot. In our deed it states no fence across the 20' pipeline easement on the back of my property. If a 20'
Planning Commissions and Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: Should Planning Commissions ignore deed restrictions, since they are agreements between private properties and the Town Government is
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Alley Clean Up or Re-Use Stories and Illustrations
Alley clean up improves safety for curious kids and for cars that might be driving through. It also reduces problem animals, vegetation, break-ins and graffiti.
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