As part of the city’s effort to update it’s zoning regulations they have put together the Zoning Redesign Pattern Book. Here’s my favorite trivia tidbit:
Percentage of property in Newton that is “non-conforming” to our current zoning regulations – 95%
Discusss
This is of course overwhelmingly due to the fact that the vast majority of Newton houses were built prior to the most recent zoning rules (1986).
Also, if you exclude public buildings which are exempt from zoning regs, the number drops to 87%
As far as I can tell, we barely have a zoning system, we have a permitting system.
Basically, there are no rules as long as you can get 13 or 17 or 19 votes on the city council.
That’s not surprising at all it and it’s no different with other codes including building, electrical and plumbing.
Like how many people have lights on their outdoor steps? That’s code now. Or copper rods driven into the ground connected your electric meter box ground, water pipe (both sides of the meter), grounding bus for the cable wires, to create a whole house ground? And your sink 1-1/4″ sink drain–too small. Lead water pipes, solder that contains lead? Mmmm, tasty. It goes on and on and on.
@Bryan I’m surprised at your comment. The writers of our code – Chapter 30 of the city’s ordinances, describes what can be done by right and what needs a special permit in the areas around our city. Those things requiring a special permit sometimes have clear criteria for the permit – others not so much. Most things are done by right – as the code allows, and never come to the City Council for a permit. To give more clarity and for many other reasons we are in the middle of a zoning redesign. I think you should have a look at Chapter 30 http://www.newtonma.gov/civicax/filebank/documents/69436 and see what our zoning code is all about. For you to say “there are no rules” makes no sense. And by the way – 16 votes are require to pass the Council for a special permit. 16 out of 24 votes – is actually a pretty high bar.