The “ORDINANCES” or local laws enacted to control the use of a property in a given location. Many people I talk to are offended that the governing body (towns in this case) set a boundary on private citizens and impede their use and enjoyment. My answer is if zoning predates your purchase than you assumed the current standards and should know or had the right to find out what these limitations are on the property you are buying.

Most zoning regulations were enacted to protect the public and by extension protect your property value as well. Some examples of this public interest being served is no adult book stores near a school, no gas stations in a federal flood zone, no go-cart track in a residential neighbor, etc.

The affect and control of general design criteria and development can come in the following areas:
1) Permitted use/commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural
2) Lot size or density; how many condos per acre, square footage of lot for a single-family home, etc.
3) Type of structure: multi-family, trailer park, retail space, etc. 4) Building height
5) Set backs (from street, neighbor, sidewalk)
6) Style and appearance: Towns can require a landscaping plan, minimum pitch of roof, no log siding or many other things
7) Protection of natural resources; no salt sheds in a wetland area, no tree cutting to close to a stream, or no neon signs on a nationally designated scenic highway.

Alpine Lakes has been through the development process for many clients and we are happy to represent your next project. Feel free to call us for any of your real estate needs.