Quote:
Originally Posted by LouisVanDerWright
Which she has already stated is her plan. She aims to create express zoning for projects that tick certain boxes. Not sure whether she will go for a reform of the entire code which is really what's needed.
At the end of the day it is correct that the city council will have to approve her proposed reforms. That's why it's important she capitalize on her mandate now and move quickly while she has the momentum.
Her executive order probably eliminates half of perogative, the rest requires legislative work.
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Why not just a comprehensive zoning map re-draw based on something resembling a comprehensive plan? The issue is with approving every individual project with a zoning action when such actions should be the exception for complicated cases (large 'planned developments', possibly for weird and unqiue parcels although for those the first step should just be the variance process, etc.). The zoning map could be re-drawn with the rest of the zoning code left as is to eliminate the run of the mill approvals (graft opportunities) for random mid-block 3-flats, changes between B/C zoning for some specific business use, approvals to legalize existing dwelling units or add a couple as part of a rehab, etc.
Many (not sure if all?) states grant municipalities zoning power with at least some sort of stipulation that such zoning is applied as part of some sort of comprehensive plan. It seems to me that the main issue is aldermanic spot-zoning (whether it's pre-emptive downzoning, or willy nilly approving up-zoning to favored donors), so the solution should be focused on curtailing spot zoning.
Shit like this is absurd:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9521...thumbfov%3D100
And if you check the zoning map, that whole block is zoned B3-1 for lowest-density business use (with ground floor residential not allowed), except for the one parcel that got upzoned. So every other property owner will have permit and zoning issues if they try to do anything. Obviously this block should just be zoned RT-4 for three-flats and that's that, rather than a mix of B3-1 with one lot spot-zoned at B3-2.
Oh, and the corner hot dog stand on the other side of the street? That's zoned RS-2 for low-density single family residential!