Community Compass library
Look it up before the meeting
Plain-language explanations and real questions from residents, volunteers, and local officials about zoning, codes, housing, neighborhoods, organizations, and local economies. Laws and programs change and vary by place, so confirm anything time-sensitive with your local office or the current official source.
Browse everything, A to Z
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
"Front of lot" Interpretation
Visitor Question: Hello. I have some deed restrictions on my property. One of which says no residence or outbuilding can be 50 feet from the front ofVisitor question · Economic & rural development
"Rocky" Small Rural Town Makes Big Splash and Brands Weldon NC
Reviewed: June 4, 2024 Website visitor writes: By Michael Smith (Rural Ethnography Solutions Website) As a independent Qualitative Ethnography Researcher,Visitor question · Planning, zoning & codes
100 foot setback requirement for churches
Visitor Question: Our city has a 100' encroachment rule for new churches. They measure the furthest edge of the building to the nearest property line.Guide · Organizations & leadership
13 Spring Newsletter Ideas to Keep Your Communications Fresh
These spring newsletter ideas are clustered into thirteen themes to make your neighborhood e-mail composition chores easier.Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
1960s Rental Unit Found Unpermitted
Visitor Question: Hello there, I currently live in a downstairs unit of a duplex in an unincorporated area of our county. Long story short, the countyVisitor question · Environment, transportation & sustainability
1960s Suburb Needs Refreshing
Visitor Question: Our 1960s suburb used to be the envy of the city. Our reputation was of great homogeneous neighborhoods, a wonderful place to raise aGuide · Neighborhoods & public spaces
21 Favorite Community Development Ideas to Inspire Both Small Actions, Big Projects
These starter community development ideas serve as examples of activities your neighborhood can begin now.Guide · Neighborhoods & public spaces
4th of July Blow Out!
Last summer for the weekend of fourth of July, my family and I went up to celebrate my Tiiti and my daughter's birthdays which fall a day apart. This festivalGuide · Community development basics
7 Ways That Racial Equity and Community Development Issues Interact
Many people think racial equity and community development are already well linked; this page points out 7 areas where the relationship should be stronger.Guide · Economic & rural development
A "Vibrant Downtown Ordinance" Is New Approach
We propose a vibrant downtown ordinance, requiring landlords to fill vacant space to make a lively and vital central business district or shopping area.Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Bikeable Community Attracts Residents, Visitors
A bikeable community offers increased quality of life for all residents. Bikes are earth-friendly, and promote health mobility for kids and seniors..Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Building Code Makes Residents Safer
Enacting a building code to cover new construction spells safety for current and future residents, as well as their visitors.Guide · Economic & rural development
A Community's Entrepreneurship Definition Should Focus on Business Success
The entrepreneurship definition we like is the process of becoming a successful business owner, who shows innovation, action orientation, and creativity.Guide · Organizations & leadership
A Good Homeowners Association Solves Problems Quickly and Calmly
When a homeowners association board is chosen carefully, receives training, and treats residents respectfully, all HOA members benefit.Guide · Housing & revitalization
A Housing Condition Survey Can Help You Visualize Areas Needing Most Attention
A housing condition survey helps communities or neighborhoods quantify and visualize housing quality issues. Your group can do it youselves.Guide · Housing & revitalization
A Neighborhood Watchdog Notes Progress or Problems
We promote a neighborhood watchdog program with a structured checklist of potential problem items that volunteers who walk the neighborhood should observe.Guide · Neighborhoods & public spaces
A New Streetscape Can Create an Attractive and Memorable District
Tailor a custom streetscape with eye-catching sidewalks, landscaping, street trees, benches, lighting, good-looking signs, and other pedestrian amenities.Guide · Economic & rural development
A Night Mayor Position Helps Cities Cope with Night Life and Night Shift Challenges
A night mayor is a city or downtown association employee who improves both the employment and recreational aspects of a city after dark. We explain advantages.Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Planning Charrette Requires Preparation and Focus
The charrette is a technique from architecture often used in planning. This page helps you succeed in design collaboration between professionals and residents.Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Property Maintenance Code Is Good for Your Town
Learn how to implement an appropriate property maintenance code, which promotes economic viability, safety, and attractiveness of your community.Guide · Organizations & leadership
A Rural Neighborhood Should Involve Everyone
Learn how a rural neighborhood can achieve important results through organizing, mobilizing, and resolving conflicts.Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Temporary Use Permit Expands Zoning Flexibility
A temporary use permit adds flexibility to the zoning ordinance while still assuring appropriate safeguards over sales, fairs, and seasonal uses.Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
A Transit Oriented Development Fable
Last Reviewed: August 13, 2024 Website Visitor Writes: Once upon a time there was a little light rail system that didn't think it was anything special.Guide · Planning, zoning & codes
A Walkable Community Is Safe, Fun, and Healthy
Devising a walkable community promotes health, sociability, and efficient transportation. Walking also supports local businesses.Guide · Neighborhoods & public spaces
Abandoned Buildings and Lots Require Swift Action
Abandoned buildings and vacant lots threaten the integrity of neighborhoods. Learn about the best steps the community might take to find relief.Guide · Housing & revitalization
Abandoned Factories Present a Challenge for Communities
Embrace these ideas for reuse of abandoned factories, which quickly become dead zones discouraging investment and attracting trash and illegal behavior,Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Abandoned home in the village
Visitor Question: We live in a small village (pop. 3500) about 20 miles east of Buffalo,N.Y. We have had an abandoned house in the village for 15 years.Visitor question · Economic & rural development
Abandoned Homes in a Village
In our tiny Village we have so many homes that have been abandoned. There are no jobs available in our area and the few jobs that there are pay such lowGuide · Housing & revitalization
Abandoned Homes Threaten Neighborhood Stability and Image
Learn how a neighborhood or concerned individual can address abandoned homes. Housing vacancy decreases property values and may increase crime.Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Abandonment of Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: I live in a subdivision in a county that has 49 plots. The original covenants were written in 1976 for a period of 20 years with an
Original guidance from A Good Community: How to Make and Keep It, owned and edited by Nancy Thompson (formerly Useful Community Development), shared with permission. Community Compass notes and updates are our own and have not been reviewed by Nancy Thompson.