Zoning Forms of Action Zoning Forms of Action Forms of action: Different methods of procedure which involve different theories of the existence and extent of liability…
Dec 15, 2015
Zoning Forms of Action Zoning Forms of Action
Forms of action: Different methods of procedure which involve different theories of the existence and extent of
liability…
SLAPP SuitsSLAPP Suits Strategic Lawsuits Against Public
Participation (SLAPP) Used by developers to seek damages
against communities that fight their projects
Pome v District Court – First Amendment defense
Several states have passed anti-SLAPP statutes protecting the right of citizens to petition the government without fear of retribution
MediationMediation Used as an alternative to law suits
because it is less time consuming and more cost effective
Process guided by neutral third party to reach consensus in resolving dispute
Does not necessarily result in a binding decision
Most useful in cases where parties want to work together to settle the dispute
Legislation and Legislation and Administrative ActionAdministrative Action SSZEA empowers the legislative
body of a locality to zone Legislative bodies have the power
to adopt and amend zoning ordinances Required by the SSZEA to appoint a
zoning commission to make recommendations
Delegation to Delegation to Administrative BodyAdministrative Body SSZEA allows delegation of power
to an administrative body by establishing a board of adjustment.
Board of adjustment/appeals has the power to: Hear and decide appeals, exceptions
and variances.
Delegation to Property Delegation to Property OwnersOwners Provides an opportunity for those
residents most directly impacted by project to make decision
Allows legislators to avoid making unpopular decisions
Has the potential of subjecting community to arbitrary whims of a select few
Raises due process concern
Initiative and Initiative and ReferendumReferendum In some states the electorate can
use initiative and referendum powers to carry out or veto zoning changes Concern that ballot box zoning masks
illegitimate exclusionary zoning, makes planning superfluous, and undermines due process
City of Eastlake v Forest City City of Eastlake v Forest City EnterprisesEnterprises
Amending the Zoning Amending the Zoning OrdinanceOrdinance SSZEA – “regulations, restrictions, and
boundaries may from time to time be amended, supplemented, changed, modified, or repealed”
Amendments must be in accordance with the comprehensive plan
Initiated by property owners, government officials, or legislative bodies May be procedural or substantive Site-specific Requires public notice
Grounds for RezoningGrounds for Rezoning Comprehensive plan differs from existing
zoning Interim zone Along boundary of adjacent zone Convert nonconforming uses, special uses
and variances to permitted uses Change in conditions from last zoning Public interest Existing zoning unreasonably burdensome Robinson v Los AngelesRobinson v Los Angeles
Legislative or Legislative or Quasi-Judicial ActionQuasi-Judicial Action Zoning changes considered legislative
acts with presumption of validity Unless arbitrary and capricious Change and mistake rule
Some courts have held that rezonings are quasi-judicial Shifts burden of proof and subjects action to greater scrutiny
Fasano v Board of County CommissionersFasano v Board of County Commissioners
Spot ZoningSpot Zoning Most frequent charge levied against
rezonings Occurs when zoning power is applied to a
small area in a way that is different from the surrounding area
Term is legally neutral but used to convey negative sense that rezoning act is invalid
Must be in conformance with comprehensive plan and serve public interest
Bartram v Zoning CommissionBartram v Zoning Commission
Contract ZoningContract Zoning Government and landowner enter into a
private agreement as to how zoning power will be exercised
Agreements usually based on conditions Example: rezoning in exchange for public
park Illegal in most areas because zoning
power should be exercised for public good not as a bargaining chip
Tests of ValidityTests of Validity Validity lies in whether the court
feels that the rezoning serves the public interest
Conditional zoning v Contract zoning v Incentive zoning
Bilateral v unilateral contract decision
Church v Town of IslipChurch v Town of Islip Dacy v Village of RuidosoDacy v Village of Ruidoso
VariancesVariances An administrative authorization to use
property in a manner otherwise not allowed by the zoning ordinance
Considered only when zoning requirements result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships
Two kinds: Area variances Use variances
Area and Use VariancesArea and Use Variances Area variances usually involve lot
size and shape and building location issues.
Use variances concern uses inconsistent with permitted uses by right
StandardsStandards Vary among enabling acts Generally require four parts:
The land cannot yield a reasonable return under current zoning;
Landowner’s problem is unique; Variance will not alter character of
neighborhood; Variance is not contrary to public interest Topanga Assoc. v County of Los AngelesTopanga Assoc. v County of Los Angeles
Self Created HardshipsSelf Created Hardships Occur in two situations:
Owners who build in violation of zoning law and then seek variance based on hardship of removing illegal structure
Person who purchases land with knowledge about how it is zoned then seeks a variance based on hardship of compliance
Reasonable ReturnReasonable Return Before variance can be granted on
the ground of unnecessary hardship must show that land cannot yield reasonable return Not whether land is more valuable if
granted variance Takings test – no economically
viable use
Characteristics of the Characteristics of the PropertyProperty
Characteristics that are unique or unusual to the property must cause the hardship for the variance
Widespread problems are better solved through rezoning
ConditionsConditions Can grant variances with conditions to
prevent or mitigate adverse effects Conditions must relate to property not
applicant Typically include landscape buffers,
screening, height limits, off-street parking
Conditions on variances run with land Cannot be used to exact land for public
use if no nexus exists