Zoning is a tool used by local governments to control the development of parcels, or sections, of land; i.e., to determine how the land can be used. Typically, when a community adopts a zoning ordinance, they are in effect dividing a larger piece of property into “zones,” or smaller pieces of property, each with its own particular rules for how that zone can be developed.

Obviously, property owners are highly invested in zoning decisions. For example, if you live in a residential zone and there is a proposal to convert a portion of the zone into an industrial zone, you are likely to be concerned with how the industrial businesses in that new zone will affect your residential property value.

Additionally, any such decisions regarding a potential negative impact on your property is serious business, because your property investment is likely the largest investment you have. If you are facing zoning issues in Colorado, you can access everything you need through the virtual services of the Law Office of Kim M. Dubois PLLC.

About Zoning

Typically, a large piece of property may be divided into any number of zone types, including:

• Residential zones,
• Commercial zones,
• Industrial zones,
• Agricultural zones,
• Rural zones,
• Historic zones,
• Aesthetic zones, or
• Some combination of zones, such as residential and home-based businesses.

Each of these zones may be further subdivided. For example, a residential property zone may be subdivided into:

• Single Family Residences,
• Suburban Homesteads, or
• Any number of other designations, including homes, apartments, duplexes, trailer parks, co-ops, and condominiums.

Zoning decision-makers are supposed to balance the general health, safety, and welfare of the public with private property owners’ rights to use their land to their best interest.

Types of Zoning

Among the several types of zoning practices, the most common and familiar type is “Euclidean Zoning,” commonly known as traditional zoning, validated through a U.S. Supreme Court case, Village of Euclid vs. Ambler Realty Co. (1926), where the village divided parcels into zone districts for residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. The Court found zoning to be a legitimate exercise of a local government’s police power, thus establishing the basis for traditional zoning in the U.S.
Other common types of zoning in Colorado include:

• Form-Based Zoning. This type of zoning focuses on the form of the zone rather than the permitted land uses of the zone. For example, in aesthetic zones, there may be limitations on:
  • Fences,
  • Decks,
  • Landscaping,
  • Mailboxes,
  • Solar panels,
  • Satellite dishes,
  • Color schemes, and
  • Material types.
• Planned Unit Developments. Also known as PUDs, this type of zoning sets out the development standards and land uses on a specific development property or subdivision, rather than an entire district.
• Hybrid zoning. This type of zoning allows a mix of traditional zoning and form-based zoning.

Contact the Law Office of Kim M. Dubois PLLC Today for Assistance

Zoning can have a serious impact on your real estate, which is one of the largest assets you have. If you are facing current or potential zoning issues, you should utilize the virtual services offered by the Law Office of Kim M. Dubois PLLC, which are affordable and comprehensive.

The Law Office of Kim M. Dubois PLLC is a virtual firm, with flexible hours and free consultations. We always return phone calls and email messages on the same day. Our virtual services provide convenient and affordable options for everything you need right from your computer.

Contact us to learn more and schedule your free consultation.