Visual Preference Survey

A visual preference survey is one type of public opinion survey. All of the principles and protocols, as well as design, content, and documenting considerations, for a public opinion survey also apply to visual preference surveys. See the page on public opinion Survey.

A visual preference survey is the same as a regular public opinion survey except that the questions ask the respondents to evaluate photographs or drawings of various types and ways of development. Often each visual image is …

Due Process Considerations in Zoning

The concept of Due Process in the United States flows from the Bill of Rights, as expressed by Amendment V to the U.S. Constitution: “…no person shall be… deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law…” (emphasis added). This right is re-stated in many state constitutions as well.

The “due process clause” has been vigorously enforced in a long series of court decisions and legislative actions at the state and federal levels which collectively work to limit …

Accessory Uses in Zoning

Generally, zoning ordinances state that landowners may use their land for a principal permitted use and for activities that are accessory to that use. Accessory uses are uses of land that are found on the same parcel as the principal use but are subordinate and incidental. The term “accessory use” also applies to accessory structures. For example, a detached garage may be accessory to the residential use of a property because it reasonably related to the principal use as

Permitted Uses, aka "Use by Right"

The term ‘Use by Right’ refers to a property owner’s use of property and structures in manners consistent with that which is listed as permissible in the zoning district in which his or her property is located. A ‘use by right’ is a use permitted in a zoning district and is therefore not subject to special review and approval by a local government. For example, the operation of a book store on property zoned for commercial uses would be considered …