Process to get zoned commercial?

Question

I have property that is zoned for multi-family...The 2 properties next door are residential.  What do I need to try to get this zoned commercial?

Thanks in Advance

Jon Holdman · Answer

Really, just all the P&Z commission and have a chat with a planner.  It could be what you want to do is consistent with their plans and can be done easily.  It could be both the city and the neighbors with fight you tooth and toenail.  The planners should be able to tell you both the actual procedures and costs as well as to give you some feel for the situation on the ground.  Anything any of us say here is just speculation.

Concrete examples.

I looked at one property that was half high density residential and half commercial. The planner agreed the zoning was screwy.  He saw no issue with getting it changed, though I would potentially run into parking issues if I tried to make it multifamily, which was my plan.  It would take two hearings, one with the P&Z commission and one before city council.  He didn't expect any issues.  About $1000 to do it.

That's from a 10 minute phone call.

My primary residence lot falls into an area where the city has a plan that designates this as "medium density residential, 11-20 units/acre".  So, I could theoretically have my lot rezoned, and build 10 townhouses.  The city wants this.  The neighbors do not.  So, I know, from watching this whole planning process, this would be futile, even with the city's support.

Jon Holdman · Answer

Contact the planning and zoning commission that covers the property.  They can walk you through the process, and probably give you a feel for the difficulty or ease of getting it done.

Will Barnard · Answer

By multi-family do you mean R-2 or R-4 meaning you can build a duplex or quadplex, or do you mean apartment zoning when you say multifamily?

As Jon stated, the planning and zoning department for your county is your first step. It is usually never easy to change zoning dramatically. Going from a residential zoning to commercial could be tough and the local residents could pose a potential problem for you if they complain.

James Hiddle · Answer

You're going to have to convince the zoning commission that it's feasible to zone it to commercial that means you need a solid plan of action to get them to even consider it and the zoning commission are very stubborn when it comes to zoning it to something different lots of paper work and red tape involved.

James Hiddle · Answer

Ditto on what Jon said.