Is Getting Zoning Changed Difficult In SoCal?
Hello!
I 'know someone' who has a large amount of empty land in a relatively populated area. I believe it is zoned agricultural. How difficult, and how costly, would it be to get it rezoned? I know that's a broad question, but I'm not looking directly for the answer - I'm wondering where I would go to find the answers (city hall?)
Thanks in advance!
-e-
Changing the zoning from agricultural to whatever residential is done nationwide on the daily base. Would this be your lucky shot I can't tell but I know one thing, it will depend on who you now and how many years of tuition you can pay for someone kid college. Oops, I shouldn't say that but, it is common.
Try the building and safety dpt. of the City in which the parcel is located and do come back to tell us what you've learned.
Cheers, Alex!
Alex,
Thanks. This is a parcel from a member of the family. I'm really speaking out of class 'cause I'm not sure that the person who actually owns it would do anything with it if it required risk or capital on his part. Of course, if I could come up with a way to get it done (and I'm not completely without resources), it could be a good thing.
I'll follow your advice and let you know how it turns out.
-e-
EDIT: I think that a number of years ago, someone tried to get it rezoned, but to no avail. Not sure why - I'm going to investigate.
[ Edited by econrad on Date 02/21/2004 ]
econrad,
In addition to checking out the current zoning of the property, you might also want to review the Comprehensive or Master Plan for the municipality to see what type of land use the municipality has the property under and if it says anything about highest and best use for that property or the area in which it is located.
This is looking at the issue without regard to current zoning but rather just from a land planning point of view. The municipality may not be required to rezone property to conform to its Comp Plan, but it could be very useful to have if you contemplate going for a rezoning. Speaking of the latter, you might also want to consult a real estate atty who's "connected" and familiar with the players.
San Diego, a very very strange and wonderful Master Plan, the modifications to it seem to be daily and on going. I especialy like the limits to growth that they put on for the areas around Ramona.
A crying need for small one and two acre rancheros. Some already there, but all the 10 to 40 acre parcels cannot be divided into the smaller parcels. Why you may ask? Increased density? In a Agricultural area?
In this particular area the larger land owners who have horses are behind the no growth movement and have stopped it.
They do not want small Rancheros near them. The thought of someone having a small vegetable garden, a few fruit trees, perhaps a cow or a cooperative goat fills them with horror. They want room to fake a hunt with red coats, hounds and stirup cups.
Ah the Unspeakable in fast pursuit of the Unedible. They seem to have forgotten that sometimes society has other needs.
One of the beauties of the gentle rolling area around Ramona was the small Rancheros.
To obtain zoning changes. You start by making a map or getting a copy of it from the Hall of Records. You then go to Planning and ask to view the Master Plan of your area of interest. Based on this view you then ask how to obtain a change in zoning. Or, if you are cunning and clever, perhaps utilizing your existing zoning you may be able to obtain a Varience. If it falls within the intent of the Master Plan. Can be done.
So go try and post back. I am sure all on this Forum will be interested and, helpful.
Remember. Sticks and Stones.and oh yes, I believe there is a class action about to commence re: zoning shhh do not tell Planning they want it to be a suprise..
Lucius <IMG SRC="images/forum/smilies/icon_cool.gif"> <IMG SRC="images/forum/smilies/icon_cool.gif"> [ Edited by Lufos on Date 02/23/2004 ]
Lucius,
Are you saying that if the proposed rezoning falls within the intent of the Master Plan that the muncipality has to rezone accordingly, or are you saying that it may just improve the chances of success of the rezoning petition?
One thing that I know is that someone attempted to rezone it (unsuccessfully) many years ago. Said someone may or may not still have 'adversaries' at city hall (maybe he pushed too hard)?
-e-
econrad,
Absent a situation where a court has ordered rezoning, my understanding is that it's strictly up to the discretion of the municipality whether they will rezone a property. Thus, politics, quid pro quo's, and greed tend to rear their ugly heads. Players change and so do adversaries.
This is why I recommend you hook up with a real estate attorney who's in tune with the current municipal "agendas," hot buttons and players. The attorney may be able to give you some sense of what you'd be up against and the likelihood of achieving some sort of rezoning.