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.

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.