Dear Monty: Our neighbor petitioned for a zoning change on property he's owned for years. The city has grown past our homes. He says a developer wants to build a small strip center and convenience store, and the village claims residents complain they must drive too far for essentials. Many neighbors fear more traffic, loitering, crime and lower property values. We share those concerns but want to be objective. What's your opinion?

Monty's Answer: Zoning laws protect safety, health and property values while promoting the most appropriate land use. Yet zoning is often a flashpoint as cities grow. Neighborhoods can feel threatened when new services appear nearby.

I can't comment on the specifics of your city, but I've observed zoning from multiple perspectives: as a developer, homeowner, client representative and citizen. Understanding the typical players helps explain the dynamics behind nearly every zoning case.

Municipality

The city's role is to act for the public good and enforce its land-use plan. Typically, the planning department screens petitions and advises applicants before forwarding them to the zoning board.

Zoning Board

These boards, often volunteers or local officials, serve on the front line. Some requests sail through with broad support; others spark heated opposition. It's one of the most challenging civic assignments.

Petitioner

The applicant, often a developer or business owner, sees an unmet need or a competitive opportunity. Their motivation may be both practical and economic.

Competition

Existing businesses sometimes oppose rezoning, claiming the new entrant isn't needed or would create unfair competition. Objections like "We already have enough stores" or "They'll hurt our business" are common arguments.

Neighbors

Neighbors typically fall into three groups: those for, those against and the indifferent. A fourth, quieter group calls themselves "undecided" — a polite way to say "it's none of your business what I think."

A True Story

A small developer once turned a 40-acre farm, now surrounded by homes, into a mixed-use project. From the start, specific parcels were marked for commercial use. Years later, a convenience store applied to build on one of those sites. Some nearby homeowners, who'd known about the commercial zoning when they bought, protested bitterly.

After several tense meetings, the city approved the plan. One protestor vowed never to enter the store. Time proved otherwise; neighbors later noticed that the same homeowner was shopping there regularly.

The Epilogue

A rezoning meeting offers a front-row seat to local democracy. Many people dislike change; others embrace it and some want more facts. Often, opposition stems from rumor or myth. Watching a zoning hearing firsthand can be an enlightening lesson in how communities balance progress, fairness and fear.

Richard Montgomery is a syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur and the founder of DearMonty.com and PropBox, Inc. He provides consumers with options to real estate issues. Follow him on Twitter (X) @montgomRM or DearMonty.com.

Photo credit: Nick Morrison at Unsplash