Dealing with city planner's office?

Question

Hi all.  I am thinking of purchasing a SFH.  The multi-units didn't work out for me like I had hoped it would.  I am thinking about purchasing in a neighborhood in what is usually the worst possible area to buy...the main road right outside of a military base.  Right now, the majority of it is undeveloped, and what little developments there are, they are mainly new home neighborhoods going up.

My question is, is there a way possible for me to get in touch with the city planner's office and ask if there are any current plans on their books for development on this stretch of road?  My main concern is the highway is going to look like a typical highway right outside of a military base and it will end up with strip clubs, tattoo shops, etc and might kill the resale value.  That might be the dumbest question in the world to you guys with all kinds of experience, so I apologize if it is.  Thanks for any advice.

Theresa W. · Answer

Former city planner here. If you can drop in and talk to a planner, you'll get way better info than over the phone.  Ask for a copy of the city's master plan or comprehensive plan which will describe the 3-5 year goals for the area.  If you can chat up a planner that's been there a while, they'll clue you in to the history of the area; what's been tried, what's failed, what never got off the ground and recent applications for development.

Get a copy of the zoning map and learn about what's possible in that area.  SFRs are great, but they're even greater when you find a property that leverages multiple benefits - maybe it's a home in a commercially zoned area, maybe it's on the edge of another district, giving you options to rezone in the future, maybe it allows mother-in-law apartments, generating more income for you.

Ask them for a meeting, you'll get great info. Good luck!

Robert P. · Answer

thanks for the quick replies.  I'll give them a call tomorrow Jon.  Thanks again!

Elizabeth, I will say that I grew up on army bases. I guess not every base has that typical "strip" that I am hesitant about.  Thanks!

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

@Robert P.

Honestly it really depends on the area. My husband is active duty. At NAS Kingsville, the most popular houses and rentals were "right" outside the base. The military/dod "need" had created this area. Also the way the town was laid out, there was no "typical" strip area. So honestly it REALLY depends on the area.

Jon Klaus · Answer

Not dumb at all. Drop by the planners office and ask. They work for all of us. I've done it and have learned a lot.