Zoning Research for Commercial Property Next to Residential?
How can we find out the zoning issues for a commercial property – specifically, how much they could build on top of existing commercial one-story structure? This commercial property is right next to a residential property we are considering, so question is: could the commercial property one day build a huge structure next to the…
How can we find out the zoning issues for a commercial property – specifically, how much they could build on top of existing commercial one-story structure? This commercial property is right next to a residential property we are considering, so question is: could the commercial property one day build a huge structure next to the house?
Just be wary of what you’re paying for. I have a client who previously hired a zoning consultant, and for $3,000 she got little, or no more than I routinely provide in a five minute phone conversation. I’ve given away that amount of info here, and seen others do it as well. I found the whole thing offensive, that this expediter would dare to charge this much for so little information.
How do you avoid this?
Get an example of what the zoning consultant will provide for their service. If it’s REALLY complex, it might warrant that kind of expense, but I’m talking crazy complex, many overlapping issues to deal with. A zoning report of this type should be many pages of text, zoning section citations and diagrams specific to your building, not the generic crap anybody can pull off the zoning guide.
A simple analysis, like most of the stuff we deal with, can be summed up in a page or two. Again, however, it should have zoning sections cited and diagrams that are specific to your condition.
Be willing to shop around between different zoning consultants. Be specific about what you want and need.
If you’re considering hiring an architect for the renovations, then engage one now, and see if the analysis can be rolled into, or at least a phase 1 of a larger contract. You might get better rates that way.
Sorry about the rant. I just can’t believe how some people will take advantage of others, and hate to see that here.
You can hire a zoning consulant too.
jcarch –
There are plenty of other (and in some cases, better) options for a zoning analysis other than an architect.
unless its in a landmarked area the answer is maybe. Even if there is current zoning people can buy FAR from others and request a zoning change or waiver. Even if its landmarked its always possible. Current zoning while helpful is no guarantee of any future situation.
As previously stated. Don’t try to do it yourself as it is very very complex. In general you have to know the maximum FAR allowable and height for standard buildings next to your building.
Agreed, and depending on the commercial overlay in proximity to residential, that may have a huge effect on the buildable FAR.
You have 2 options:
– Hire an architect to do a zoning analysis.
– Do it yourself by either going to the DCP website and slogging through the zoning resolution, or going to the City Book Store, and buying the zoning handbook which summarizes what you can and can’t do for each zone.
If you’re going to do it yourself, I strongly recommend using the handbook. Going through the zoning res. for the first time can induce migraines.
If the lot your concerned about is straightforward in zoning terms, the handbook should be fine. But zoning can be more complex than it seems to the uninitiated, so if you want 100% certainty, talk to an architect.