As the population has grown in Raleigh, so have the prices of many of the homes --- but so has the size of homes.  This is a nationwide trend - as people have become more affluent, they have desired to indulge in luxurious homes that often have 4 bedrooms or more! 

One Wake County group (see N&O article) is raising an eyebrow to the trend and is seeking to limit the number of permissible tear-downs in their neighborhood; or, to allow the teardowns to continue, but the replacement homes would be required to be much smaller than the huge trendy $300,000 to well over $1 million homes that are being built all over the city.

The group's point is well taken. After all, we shouldn't destroy every cute old neighborhood just because we want to build a mansion in the middle of it, should we?  Property values have increased, so many argue that it is not worth having to fix up old homes when you can start over (and with something larger).

Raleigh Rezoning

What do you think?  Does rezoning go too far?  Many times people who have lived in a home for 50 years suddenly find their property rezoned - much heartache can go into it.  On the other hand, sometimes a home has clearly seen better days, so the rezoning can allow a dream home to go onto the land. 

Is downzoning a viable option? Does limiting the size of homes on land create better neighborhoods?

In Cary, zoning is a constant hot topic because the town is known for its carefully planning.  Right now, Cary residents grapple with the pluses and negatives of urban shopping centers - Fortunately, Cary has not in any way lost its charm. 

We at ListWise like to hear your opinions so we can better serve you.  Whether you're looking for a McMansion or a quaint southern home, we can help you find the real estate you're looking for.  Check out our mortgage payment calculator - you can get an idea of your closing costs before you even step into our store.  Our website has featured listings and information local schools, business, and restaurants, as well as information about the different cities and towns we serve. 

Let ListWise Realty Services help you save money and buy/sell your home fast!

 

3 Comments on Your Opinion: Rezoning or Downzoning?

AUG
08
2007
130,011 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Here in Portland Oregon we have been subjected to a lot of re-zoning. Part of it is that we have a Urban Growth Boundary, An artificial line that has been drawn around the City where growth is not permitted outside of that boundary. With tens of thousands of people pouring into the Portland Metro area it does present a problem for growth.

It has however had some positive effects. Many of the derelict neighborhoods have now been revitalized with renovation of existing homes and new construction on vacant lots that have far to long collected garbage and drug paraphernalia.

I think that with design review and public participation through the neighborhood associations as they have here, you can control the necessary expansion without creating chaos.

9:09am • #1

Do you find that within the Urban Growth Boundary the house sizes are smaller (maybe in an effort to build as many homes as possible within the boudary) or are they very large homes?

9:22am • #2
130,011 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog
The size of the homes are dictated by the city's re-zoning standards. Here they have  what is called FAR which is a Floor to Area Ratio. That and the number of lots per acre will determine what you can build. Yes you could build one house on several contiguous lots but with the competition for buildable lots pushing up prices it is really not that praciticle. After all the builders prices are fairly fixed. The cost of a 2X4 costs the same for a large house as a small house etc.
9:34am • #3

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Chas Morgenstern

Cary, NC

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ListWise Realty

Address: 117 Crossroads Blvd, Cary, NC, 27518

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