Search This Site:
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.
Does approved site plan have to conform with new zoning code
Visitor Question: A storage facility submitted a site plan in 1996. They are going to erect the final building this year, 2019. We are being told that
Continue reading "Does approved site plan have to conform with new zoning code"
Spring Newsletter Ideas to Brighten Up Your Neighborhood Messaging
These spring newsletter ideas are clustered into nine themes to make your neighborhood e-mail chores easier.
Continue reading "Spring Newsletter Ideas to Brighten Up Your Neighborhood Messaging"
Maker Space Idea Promotes Creativity for Youth, Entrepreneurs
You can apply the maker space concept to youth and others seeking a designated space for tinkering, leading to homegrown economic development.
Continue reading "Maker Space Idea Promotes Creativity for Youth, Entrepreneurs"
Streetscape Programs for 21st Century Business Districts
Streetscape consists of positive design between the street and a private property line. We discuss advantages and challenges of common elements such as eye-catching sidewalks, landscaping, street trees, benches, lighting, good-looking signs, and other amenities.
Continue reading "Streetscape Programs for 21st Century Business Districts"
No Building Permit
Visitor Question: A residential homeowner and their contractor built a patio roof onto an existing detached garage. And an extension of the patio roof
Sign Regulation to Phase Out Visual Clutter
Sign regulation, within the zoning ordinance or as a stand-alone law, can improve the appearance of a city's commercial streets dramatically. Here's your starting point to increase visual appeal.
Continue reading "Sign Regulation to Phase Out Visual Clutter"
Abandoned Homes Are Both an Opportunity and a Frustration
Find out how a neighborhood or concerned individual can deal with an abandoned homes problem. Housing vacancy can decrease property values, increase the likelihood of vandalism, and provide thieves with a convenient storage unit.
Continue reading "Abandoned Homes Are Both an Opportunity and a Frustration"
Deed Restriction Just Became Known After Six Years
Visitor Question: What if a two acre piece of land was purchased, and the seller and the title company stated the land had restrictions. Also on the land
Continue reading "Deed Restriction Just Became Known After Six Years"
Re-Zoning Opposition: A Quick Lesson
Re-zoning opposition is easier if you have some tools in addition to your anger. Learn enough about municipal zoning law to be effective.
Small Cell Technology and the Impact on Neighborhood Design
Small cell technology supports broadband access and connectivity among devices and objects that can bring many advantages to your community. However, the aesthetics are and will continue to be troubling.
Continue reading "Small Cell Technology and the Impact on Neighborhood Design"
Community Attachment: Factors in Wanting to Stay in A Community
Paying attention to community attachment can help you retain talented residents. This term means how much people value your place over others and would be sad to leave it. Big factors are social offerings, openness, and beauty.
Continue reading "Community Attachment: Factors in Wanting to Stay in A Community"
Most influential factors in neighborhood attachment
Visitor Question: An article about beatification said that beauty is one of the three most influential factors in neighborhood attachment. What are the
Continue reading "Most influential factors in neighborhood attachment"
Sale to Town with Deed Restriction
Visitor Question: I am one of 27 owners of a condo complex near the beach. The complex owns a sizeable lot in front of the building which protects our
Village created dumping ground
Visitor Question: We were annexed into the village and then the village created a dumping ground for dirt piles with dump trucks going in and out next
Zoning setbacks for replacing a structure
Visitor Question: We are planning a remodel of our home and part of our plan is to rebuild our garage and make it wider. The garage would not move closer
Continue reading "Zoning setbacks for replacing a structure"
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, which provides you with articles or tips about topics timely for neighborhoods, towns and cities, community organizations, rural environments, and our international friends. Unsubscribe at any time of course. Give it a try.