Field Guide to Downzoning
(Updated October 2008)
The practice of downzoning is used to restrict the amount of development a property, usually by reducing the allowable density of the property. It holds a number of advantages and disadvantages for both communities and REALTORS®. Find out more about what downzoning is, the issues behind it, and its impacts on property values with the material on this page. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Information Specialist)
Downzoning
"A change in zoning from a higher to a lower or from a more active to less active classification... In these cases, there is no taking under eminent domain and thus no compensation paid to the affected landowner who helplessly sees the property reduce in value."
Source: The Language of Real Estate, (Chicago, IL: Real Estate Education Company, 2000).
General Information
Valley's zoning plan draws fire: Part of Sprague-Appleway revitalization would include 'downzoning', (Journal of Business (Spokane), Sept. 11, 2008).
Downzoning blues, (Rocky Mountain News, May 5, 2008).
Berkeley: downzoning for affordable housing?, (Future Oakland, Apr. 22, 2008).
Downzoning gets final OK in Staten Island's Westerleigh Avenue, (www.silive.com, Apr. 17, 2008).
EDC to consider Westwood downzoning, (Building Cincinnati, Jan. 15, 2008).
Downzoning debated, decried, (North Denver News, Jan. 5, 2006).
Rezone or dezone? Sometimes it makes sense to start from scratch, (Planning, June 2000). Q
eBooks & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
The Complete Guide to Zoning, (Adobe eBook).
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Zoning Laws & Ordinances
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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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