How to Change Local Zoning Laws
- 1). The first thing you need to do is to get a written copy of the ordinance, not only from the local level but also from it's highest level of conception. For instance if you want to change a city ordinance, it might have been written to be in compliance with a county ordinance or a state law so you will need a copy of these to know what your next move should be. For complete success, plan your attack from the highest level necessary to get the results you desire. Much of this kind of information can be found online but for older information, you may have to go into old records to find the information you're searching to obtain.
- 2). The second step is to actually read the ordinance. Make sure that you can't get the results you want with the ordinance the way it is already. Someone may tell you that you can't do something but until you know what the law actually says, you don't know for sure if what they are saying is true. See if there is any exceptions or waivers already on the books. that will allow you to do what you desire. Sometimes all that is required is a simple permit.
- 3). The next step, if you really do need to change the ordinance, is to find out exactly what steps you need to use in your local municipality to change an ordinance. If you haven't started already, now is a good time to get to know the local municipality staff. develop a good working relationship with them. Treat them like gold because if you have them on your side, your task will be a lot easier to achieve.
- 4). If possible go back into the records of the minutes of the meeting where the ordinance was voted into effect. Find out who the participants were and find out whether they still live in the area. (or even if they are still alive.) If possible interview them to find out there side of the issues. This is not a time for confrontation. This is a fact finding mission.
- 5). Since the ordinance involves your neighbors, go to your neighbors and explain what you'd like to do to change the ordinance. Find out what objections they would have to you changing the ordinance. Again do not make this confrontational if their ideas disagree with yours. Write down the objections. Your goal is to work with the neighbors, not to start a war with them.
- 6). During your talks with your neighbors, you should find like minded individuals who are willing to help and who know of others who are willing to help. From these people, from a team to assist with actually creating the ordinance. Discuss with the team objections and brainstorm among yourselves ways to deal with the objections. Address the objections in your changes to the ordinance.
- 7). With your team's help, do the other necessary steps to be able to bring this issue before the deciding committee or board. Assign well qualified individuals to write the actual revision to the ordinance. If you need a petition signed, have members assigned to handle that. Whatever hoops you have to jump through to make this thing happen, make sure there is someone assigned to handle that step. Never assume anything. Assign people to do any necessary additional research.
- 8). When it comes time to present the change in the ordinance, determine who on the team is best qualified to present it before the committee or board. That person might be you but it might not. This person must be professional and well respected by the voting body. This person must be a good public speaker and businesslike in their presentation.
- 9). Have as many people at the meeting supporting your issue as possible. Have several individuals ready to reinforce the presentation and to address, in a businesslike fashion, any objections. If you've researched properly, there should be no surprises at this point. The issues will be heard, and the proposal will be voted on and with any luck, you will have fought City Hall and won!
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