Reply to Overriding local zoning to allow multi-family units in suburban neighborhoods in VA

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Can someone explain exactly what the fuss is? If zoning restrictions are loosened you can still live in a neighborhood is SFH - you and your neighbors just have to pay for it. Probably more, since it will be market rate. Do people really think that developers are going to put apartment buildings on 6000 sq ft lots? I could see how it would be more of an issue in further suburbs where lots are larger. FWIW I live in Arlington and I don’t think it would be the worst thing in the world if I lived next to a duplex...[/quote]

This would allow your nextdoor neighbor to change the dynamics, not just the developers.  So, you just purchase a house in a SF neighborhood on a small lot--less than .25 acre.  A couple of neighbors decide to expand to duplexes.  Parking?  Infrastructure?  etc.  Would you be happy?  [b]Remember, when you purchased, it was zoned SF.[/b][/quote]

When you purchase, you purchase the property. You do not purchase a guarantee that everything associated with your purchase will remain the same - including zoning.[/quote]

Technically, yes. But people also have a reasonable expectation that zoning in SFH will not change. It is not something done often or lightly. If homeowners no longer have a reasonable expectation that their neighborhood will maintain the zoning it has had for decades, the value of the entire neighborhood goes down. That is a problem, especially for areas where homeowners have not enjoyed the crazy appreciation of other neighborhoods, such as parts of south arlington. It will certainly make parking worse, which is a real problem for several south arlington communities.[/quote]

Not technically. Actually. Factually. That's the reality.

People may expect that the zoning won't change, but the reality is that the zoning can change. People should take that reality into account.

As for the idea that property values will go down if property owners are allowed to build duplexes instead of uniplexes? That's also factually incorrect. You, personally, may prefer not to live in a neighborhood that includes duplexes. But notwithstanding your personal preferences, the property values actually go up.[/quote]

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