How hard is it to rezone residential property?

Question

We have to have 5 acres to build one dwelling where we live. We live in the one house on our 5 acres. However we do have 3 mobile homes on the property that was grandfathered in. One of them burnt beyond repair, and one other that is close to falling down. I called the county and asked them if we could tow the old ones away and put new mobile homes thier. She told me we could, however the dwellings could not be any bigger than the size they are now. Well they are terribly small singlewides. We would like to move double wides onto the property where the old ones are. I was wondering how hard it is to change the zoning just so we could put bigger dwellings on these lots. I do not see the county's problem with this since the old ones are eye sores, especialy the one that is burnt, that no one can live in. We live in the sticks ( the middle of nowhere) so could we just not get a building permit and maybe get fined later? My co-worker suggested this. What is your experiance with this?

Answer 1

You would have to apply to the planning commission - they notify the neighbors and have hearings etc.  It is not as easy as you may think - you will be going for a multi family zoning - not just 3 mobiles - meaning you could put up an apartment.  You may have to divide the property into different lots - which may mean you have to be re zoned to smaller lot size.  You could call a land engineer in your area and quiz them - since you may need their services to get this re zoning done anyway.

Answer 2

Well, the problem with just going ahead and "Doing It" is that the county "Could" actually make you remove the new doublewides .....

Think of the expense and trouble then ???

The best thing to do is to file a petition with the zoning board to allow the three double wides ....

When the hearing to make a decesion  is held ... take your surveys , lots of pictures ect ..with you , so you can present evidence as to why it would not effect anyone else and how it would improve the looks of the area .....

it cost us about $100 to have an attorney file a zoning change ..... BUT it CAN be done by yourself ...

Answer 3

You are talking about at least 2 years and lots of money to change zoning laws.     Something like that, which changes the housing density for the community will require public hearings.