Honors Theses
Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Jody Holland
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This research examined the real estate zoning laws in the United States and their impact. Zoning policies regulate land use by codifying land parcels. These zoning policies dictate what type of construction, commerce, activity, etc., can happen where in a community. These policies are intended to protect the common welfare and provide a stabilizing force in the real estate market to protect property values and create predictability. Nevertheless, these policies sometimes fall short of these goals and cast inequities into the community. By focusing on residential zoning policies, the researcher was able to examine these resulting inequities. The researcher utilized a systematic literature review. The researcher performed this search using Google Scholar and One Search. A detailed filtration process was performed, which is described in the Chapter 3 Methodology and Research Design. This process developed organically and produced significant themes which guided the research. These themes produced five key findings: (1) a hierarchy of intensity orders land use classifications, (2) rezoning is the source of most contention regarding zoning, (3) mixed-use zoning is a common solution but it has its drawbacks, (4) zoning impacts human health, and (5) market trends generally guide zoning policies. Therefore, it was determined that residential zoning policies can perpetuate historic inequities.The key results are the basis for which the researcher suggest to restructure the framework of current zoning policy. With understanding of the nuances and challenges facing the community, planning and zoning commissioners can structure and implement zoning policies while alleviating the inequities. Moreover, implementing revitalization projects and subsidies can resolve some of the debilitated conditions previous zoning policies created. Crafted in this manner that adjusts for the ever-evolving changes to a community, this policy recommendation recognizes the need for zoning policies and sustainably ensures equitable impacts. When these policies institutionalize historic inequities, they fail to achieve their intended purpose: to protect the community in regards to safety, public health, economic conditions, and landscape. By implementing these recommendations, zoning policies can make equity a reality.
Recommended Citation
Heavey, Caroline, "Zoning Policies in the United States: An Inquisition into the Inequities and Solutions" (2019). Honors Theses. 1205.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1205
Accessibility Status
Searchable text