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.

Housing & revitalizationClear search

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 of
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 county
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.
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 · 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.
Guide · 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
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Accessory Dwelling Units Add Housing, Reduce Cost
Learn how accessory dwelling units aid housing affordability, help older adults stay at home, and increase efficiency in providing services and utilities.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Adaptive Reuse Re-Imagines Obsolete Buildings
Adaptive reuse, or converting old buildings to a new use, is an attractive means of adding distinctive and marketable housing or business to a community.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Adding a restriction to my deed
Visitor Question: How do I add a low income housing only restriction to my deed to thwart developers from calling me about my house in my quickly gentrifying
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Additional Set of Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: I am in contract to purchase a property here in Hays County Texas. The property in located in a subdivision with recorded Deed restrictions
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Amendment to Restriction Never Recorded
Visitor Question: We bought a house on 1 acre in a non-zoned county neighborhood which is just a street. Animals are restricted; however the real estate
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Are gun buy-backs a good program for crime prevention?
Our city council woman thinks that a gun buy-back program would solve everything. Like if we have no guns, we have no crime. That might do some good, but
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Ask Us Questions About Neighborhood Quality of Life
Get answers to your questions about neighborhood quality of life, including nuisances, vacant property, and much more..
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Assess Community's Housing Renovation Needs, Then Act
A lively housing renovation scene is key to maintaining viability of older neighborhoods. Where major revitalization is necessary, begin here.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Benefits of Beautification and Addressing Boarded-Up Housing
1.Where do I find the statistics and research to convince local officials of the benefits of town beautification? 2.Where do I find research and stats
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Brownfields Problems and Redevelopment Opportunities
Brownfields, or sites showing the real or perceived need for an environmental clean-up, have become a technical specialty. Learn how citizens can act too..
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Builder Does Not Meet Subdivision Restrictions
Visitor Question: We have a builder that continues to build houses that do not meet our subdivision's restrictions... for example: gravel driveway, non-brick
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Building Codes Versus Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: What power do building codes have over deed restrictions over a title? What power over a title do building codes have? Editors Reply:
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Building just a garage on a lot in a subdivision with an HOA
Visitor Question: Our HOA has CC&Rs stating one single family use. A lot owner built his house and just bought the lot next door but wants to build a garage.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Buying out of covered boat dock restriction
Visitor Question: I have purchased lake property. The owner placed a deed restriction on the parcel I bought. He sold the two parcels on either side
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Camps and Retreats Permit
Visitor Question: We live in a rural Montana neighborhood with 20 acres. There are 10 homesites back here ranging from 5 to 20 acres on a private easement
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can a Special Exception Be Exempt from Nuisance Laws?
I bought a historical home in a historical subdivision. Five years after I moved in I began to hear sounds of children screaming only to discover that
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can a town enforce deed restrictions
Visitor Question: Our town in New Hampshire has a Land Use Ordinance regarding RVs that reads: One recreational vehicle (RV) of any size may be parked
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can an HOA add a land use restriction by amending by-laws
Visitor Question: We have a complicated HOA, which oversees 13 subdivisions with each subdivision have its own deed restrictions, located in Michigan.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can deed restriction limit land use
Visitor Question: Can a deed restriction require the use of a piece of property only for a public park? Shouldn't the owner of the property have some
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can Deed Restrictions Apply to Only Part of Subdivision
Visitor Question: We live in a subdivision that has had several of the properties excluded or removed from the deed restrictions/covenants over the years.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can deed restrictions limit use allowed by zoning?
Visitor Question:>/b> Can a deed restriction (i.e. only single family residences) limit the use allowed by zoning (i.e. cluster homes allowed)? I was
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can Master Deed Violate Approved Site Plan?
Visitor Question: The site plan approved by the city for our condominium does not match the site plan filed with the registry of deeds with respect to
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can neighbors create an HOA to fight existing deed restrictions?
Visitor Question: I live on a street that was once land owned by a family that lives nearby. When they created the lots, they attached sweeping deed restrictions
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can Rezoning Overturn Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: The Planning and Zoning Committee denied a request to change the designation of a lot to allow two homes instead of one on a lot. As
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can Successor Developer Ignore Covenants
Visitor Question: We have an unusual situation where the community prior to completion was foreclosed and resold to a secondary developer. The developer
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Can you add a deed restriction on only one lot already covered by covenants
Editors Note: The visitor question below was received several months ago, and we failed to answer at that time. We offer our apologies to our site visitor,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Cars Parked on Narrow Residential Streets
Visitor Question: Our neighborhood of one and two family homes on small lots (5000 square feet on average) was developed 100 years ago when more people
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Changing the CCR document in a non HOA neighborhood
Visitor Question: We have a 40 year old ambiguous CCR (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) initially created by the community developers that was
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Chickens and an HOA
Visitor Question: If there are no chickens allowed in an HOA development but we are zoned Agricultural, does this mean that my daughter cannot have them
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Choosing a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy
Choose one of four potential neighborhood revitalization strategies to prioritize problem solving and redevelopment, housing, and infrastructure projects.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Church noise and traffic are too much
Visitor Question: Well, it's Sunday here, I guess it's Sunday everywhere. One more time those church bells at 8:00 in the morning make me crazy. It's the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
City requiring deed restriction before final inspection
Visitor Question: OK, here is a quick run down. I purchased a property two years ago to put a barn on the back. I went back-and-forth with the city for
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Co-Housing Presents Finance, Organizational Challenges
Co-housing offers the chance to create intentional community with shared facilities, custom home designs, and sustainability features.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Community Cultural Development: Where Arts and Civic Structure Interact
Solid community cultural development practice both promotes traditional arts while using their shared meanings and experiences to strengthen social capital.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Concentration of Poverty Leads to Poor Outcomes
Making a dent in the concentration of poverty improves neighborhoods, interrupts intergenerational low-income patterns, and helps children thrive. Start today.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Conflict about whether we should be upscale or down to earth
Visitor Question: The weather is warming up here, and so is the temperature of our neighborhood disputes. It seems like everyone is angry about something,
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Consistent Small Town Character Helpful
Small town character requires the hard work of blending historic appearance with a homemade mix of new shops, homes, artwork, and programming.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Construction business operating in residential area
Visitor Question: Is a construction business with trucks, boats, and earth moving equipment allowed in a quiet residential neighborhood? Editors Reply:
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Could Residents and Landlords Collaborate to Plant Shrubs
Visitor Question: My city has no requirement for shrubs on residential properties, and rental properties often have none. At least one block in my neighborhood
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Covenant Protecting Mountain View
Visitor Question: I have owned my property for 15 years. We have a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. The original owner of my property owned 10 acres
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Covenants Not Listed on My Deed
Visitor Asks: I am trying to understand how CC & R's that were provided to me when I purchased my home can be enforced if they are not listed on my Deed?
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Covenants Require Approval But Do Not Set Up an HOA
Visitor Question: Hi - I'm considering buying a lot in a development. The deed restrictions state that if lot owners want to put up structures including
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions Expired
Reviewed: June 17, 2024 Visitor Question: We moved to our neighborhood in Florida in 2012 and were told we are in a Deed Restricted community. Title Insurance
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Criminals in your neighborhood
Visitor Question:> How can you deal with criminals in your neighborhood? My neighborhood is being terrorized by a relatively few bad buys (and one bad
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction Based on Race
Visitor Question: If you have a deed restriction based on race would it be A. Voidable but the conveyance is still valid Or B. Void but the deed is
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction Enforcement Without HOA Management
Last Updated: August 7, 2020 Visitor's Question: I have a buyer who is interested in purchasing a home in a neighborhood with 2006 deed restrictions and
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed restriction for veterans only
Visitor Question: Is it possible to create a deed restriction to allow only veterans or people living with (married to or children of) veterans? Editors
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction Just Became Known After Six Years
Visitor Question: What if a two acre piece of land was purchased, and the seller and the title company stated the land had restrictions. Also on the land
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction on Property Deceased Relative Once Owned
Visitor Question: Someone contacted me about an old deed restriction on a property no longer owned by my grandfather, who passed away many years ago. The
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction Requires 30 Foot Setback
Visitor Question: A deed restriction on a particular lot recorded in the 30-s provides for a 30 foot setback. All homes on the street are built and have
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restriction Setbacks Stricter Than County
Visitor Question: Are front, rear, and side lot setbacks enforceable if deed restrictions are stricter than county rules? Editors' Reply: Yes indeed,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restrictions Contradictory and Not Being Enforced
Visitor Question: Our Deed restrictions were written by the developer for lots consisting on no less than 5 acres in a rural area (zoned agriculture).
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed restrictions imposed for city code violations
Visitor Question: What authority does a city have to require a code offender to agree to a new deed with onerous restrictions and for how long? Editors
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restrictions Next Door Being Violated
Visitor Question: My neighbor and I have the same deed restrictions. (1) Restrictions say no business is allowed. However, he operates and they advertise
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restrictions on Parking on Street
Visitor Question: I have lived in our home for 18+ years not knowing there were deed restrictions about parking cars on street in front of a home. The
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Deed Restrictions Requiring Residency
Visitor Question: Our neighborhood organization (not an HOA) has sold some property with a deed restriction requiring that the owner either maintain a
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Density credit assignment
Visitor Question: I have been living in my home for 4 years. This lady shows up wanting me to sign some legal paperwork release of covenant and density
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Developer influencing vote on restrictive covenant
Visitor Question: A developer is trying to develop a golf course and green space which is protected by a restrictive covenant in the deed. We are soon
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Developer Revising Covenants
Visitor Question: We are in a subdivision of five lots. The developer sold the fifth lot to a charity that builds houses to donate to wounded veterans,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Developers plan approval
Visitor Question: Can a developer enforce restrictions that aren't deed recorded when approving a home plan for building? Editors Reply: We are sorry
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Dissolved Village District; What's next?
Reviewed: May 31, 2024 Visitor Question: Our Village District, located in Campton,NH, was recently dissolved by the county. There was no longer any interest
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Do Colorado HOA covenants ever run out and are major revisions allowed
Publish Date: June 19, 2024 Visitor Question: We live in an HOA whose covenants date back to 1977. In the covenants it states that they run with the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Do I follow original deed restrictions or all future changes too
Visitor Question: I just want to know if I have to follow and obey all deed restrictions and bylaws that I originally signed with my deed OR all the ones
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Do our deed restrictions supersede a spot zoning
Reviewed: June 17, 2024 Visitor Question: My neighbor has received a spot zoning change based on the fact that his converted garage was used as a rental
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Does a foreclosure void a deed?
Visitor Question: It looks like a friend of mine is headed toward foreclosure. He hasn't been able to pay his mortgage regularly since this epidemic began
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Does civil rights violation make all covenants void
Visitor Question: Do all covenants become void if one covenant is now illegal? The City Council is telling me that since our documents still have the Caucasian
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Does Foreclosure Erase Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: If a piece of undeveloped rural property had deed restrictions placed on it and was then foreclosed on and later re-sold, are the deed
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Downtown Redevelopment Needs Government, Business
To jump-start an aging town center, a plan, organizational structure, realistic expectations, and plenty of patience are required. Here are the major tenets of downtown redevelopment.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Enforcing Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
Visitor Question: How do you enforce a subdivision's Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions absent a Homeowners' Association? Editors Reply: If there
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Excavations next door
Visitor Question: We purchased our property and moved in one year ago. Although there is no active HOA, there are CCRs that do run with the land. The
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Existing barn and application of deed restriction
Visitor Question: We’re in Texas. We owned a home and a property across the street from the home for 19 years, and built a 2400 square foot barn across
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Expired covenants and no HOA
Visitor Question: Our rural Colorado subdivision let the HOA expire after 20 years in 2000. But the covenants are still publicly recorded. How do these
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
File a Neighborhood Complaint
Visitor Question: How does one go about filing a neighborhood complaint? My wife and I live in a medium-sized city in a nice neighborhood. Most of the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Filing a Deed Restriction
Visitor Question: Can an individual homeowner file his own Deed Restriction or is it always necessary to have a lawyer do it? I was under the impression
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Flag violates deed restrictions
Visitor Question: We live in a development that has deed restrictions and community standards. Isn't that their job to enforce the restrictions and standards?
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
For sale sign in motor coach
Visitor Asks: We live in a deed restricted community in Citrus County. We are allowed to store our motorhome on the lot. I have a for sale sign in the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Funds to fix up an abandoned house
Last Reviewed: August 13, 2024 Visitor Question: We found an abandoned house that's in not too bad of shape. The former owners left quite a bit of junk.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Garage violates deed restriction
Reviewed: June 17, 2024 Visitor Question: We have a neighbor that is putting up a huge garage on a property that has a deed restriction. He received a
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Government Housing Assistance Overview
Learn how each major government housing assistance program can help you find solutions for your community.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Grandfathered deed restrictions
Visitor Question: There is a 450 square foot home in a neighborhood where the homeowners association (HOA) just updated deeded restrictions on house size
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Green Home Construction Provides Lasting, Pretty Housing
If you can’t find an existing home to meet your needs, learn about the many emerging green home construction options are available.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Handling Homelessness, Both Occasional and Chronic
Improve neighborhood image and help people reclaim their lives by understanding more about homelessness. Learn how to help individuals and improve systems.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Hazardous tree
Visitor Question: My neighbor has a hazardous water oak tree that is over 100 years old that is 15 feet from my small house. I paid for two separate certified
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Heir Property Owners Need Clear Title
Heir property is common in some American neighborhoods. When a person dies without a will, heirs probably lack clear title. Houses in limbo harm neighborhoods.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
High taxes but no traffic or code enforcement
Visitor Question: Why does the intersection of Fleetwood Avenue and Gramatan Avenue not have a traffic sign? Cars speed up that road and NEVER stop at
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA board getting too powerful
Last Reviewed: July 4, 2024 Visitor Question: What is the best way to campaign for being elected to my HOA board? I think the board we have now is making
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA inconsistent on setback
Visitor Question: As we are about to start building in a neighborhood with 60 year old restrictions, a new POA (property owners association) has been formed.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA jurisdiction over backyard
Visitor Question: The Board Members of my HOA (home owners association) say they have no jurisdiction over people’s back yards. A neighbor had a junk yard
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA Restriction Requiring a Golf Course
Visitor's Question: I live in Michigan in a community covered by an HOA and a restriction agreement. The property was developed in 1956 to include 400
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA Review of Window Replacement
Visitor Question: I live in an HOA with deed restrictions in Florida. We have one Master Association with rules that we have to abide by. Our Master Association
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
HOA versus basketball goal
Visitor Questions: Q1. How can I get a provision for basketball goals changed from the deed? I asked my HOA and they told me they didn't know! Q2. I heard
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Homeless Person Unable to Save for Permanent Housing
Visitor Question: I am a homeless recovering addict that is bettering my life, but do not even know where to begin in my search for housing. I am currently
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
House Exempted from HOA
Visitor Asks: Hello, I just bought a house in a subdivision with an HOA (homeowners association). The owner told me the house is not a part of the HOA
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Housing Affordability Requires Community Resolve
Housing affordability, where rents and home buying costs match wages, is a moral obligation. Equity will come when all communities show a healthy income mix.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Housing Decline Needs Quick Neighborhood Attention
Leaders can’t neglect housing decline or allow property owners to postpone maintenance.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Housing help for people on disability
Visitor Question: Does the government help single moms that are disabled get a HUD home? Editors' Answer: Most likely the fact that you're a single mom
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How can we discourage groups of teenagers in the mall?
Visitor Question: We have too many big groups of teenagers traveling in packs in our shopping mall. They are loud, they run over old ladies, and they
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How does the capital magnet fund work?
Published: July 5, 2024 Visitor Question: I am new on the board of a fairly large nonprofit community development and housing organization. At our recent
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How HOA Can Enforce Covenants
Visitor Question: I'm under contract to purchase a property in a gated community that has an HOA (homeowners association) and have actually read all 42
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to Abolish Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: In 1968 the subdivision that I live in filed a Declaration of Restrictions. In the restrictions it states, Restrictions shall be automatically
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to add deed restrictions
Visitor Question: How can we add restrictions? Editors Reply: Generally speaking, the process should be deciding exactly what you think you want to add,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to Be Sure House Not Covered by Restrictions
Visitor Question: The house I am buying is the only house built on estate land. The owner of the house bought this lot and another 24 acres of land from
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to Change Covenants
Visitor Question: We live in an enclave of 8 homes with a loosely created covenant system from 1995 when the homes were built. Many of the covenants are
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to get more fixed income housing built
Visitor Question: My mom, Edith Metzger Booser, organized a team in Middletown PA which succeeded in changing a junk yard into a lovely high-rise apartment
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to get our city to condemn an empty building
Visitor Question: I live in a very rural town in North Eastern Washington State. There is nothing for the children (or adults) to do. We have found the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to get our city to fix the sidewalks
Reviewed: May 31, 2024 Visitor Question: One of the best virtues of my hometown is that it is very easy to walk to stores, restaurants, bars, and all
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to own an abandoned house
Visitor Question: If you can't afford an abandoned house and it's an eye sore to the block how can you purchase the house or assume ownership? Editors'
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How to remove a 30 year old deed restriction
Visitor Question: The deed restriction prohibiting commercial development on property I bought in 1993 seems to no longer apply and appears to be an unfair
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
How will we know when we have enough affordable housing
Visitor Question:I'm an elected city councilperson in a smallish suburb; I'm in my first term in office. We have some people complaining about not enough
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Huge increase in condo fees
March 15, 2025 Visitor Question: Our COA has recently raised our assessment drastically. We have been used to paying $104 per month, with a small discount
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Impact of developer out of business on deed restrictions
Visitor Question: If the original incorporation, that established a deed restriction when it sold off land to new buyers years ago, has been shut down
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Importance of Community Beautification
Why is community beautification important? Editors Reply: If the street, public area between the street and the private property line, and all of the
Guide · Housing & revitalization
In Small Towns, Rural Areas, and Large Vacant Land Parcels, Try Cluster Housing
Cluster housing groups homes into a cost-effective conservation subdivision that preserves open space.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Inclusionary Zoning Keeps Housing Costs Down
Inclusionary zoning means assuring that the local zoning ordinance is flexible enough to allow production of new below-market-rate housing.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Indoor Sprinkler System Required in Covenants
Visitor Question: I recently purchased a complete subdivision in Idaho. On the cc's&r it states each facility must have an indoor sprinkler system. The
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Infill Housing Increases Neighborhood Vitality
Infill housing replaces vacant lots with scattered new construction. It improves the look of the block, uses existing utilities, and builds market for retail.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Infrastructure and Subdivisions
Reviewed: May 31, 2024 Visitor Question: Does the infrastructure have to be installed before lots can be sold in a subdivision? Editor's Reply: The answer
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Is it legal for town to buy vacant building
Is it legal for a town or city to purchase a vacant building within its city limits, or do they need to form a committee to make this purchase? Editors'
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Junk yard in the city limits
Visitor Question: I'm just at the end of my rope trying to figure out what to do about a junk yard that is down the street from me. It isn't a surprise
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Lack of Enforced Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: A double wide mobile home was put on property that wasn't supposed to be there. It's been there for fifteen years and owned by two different
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Lack of Enforcement of Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: If Deed Restrictions have not been enforced, do they lose their validity in California. There is no HOA; it is simply a height of a
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Landmarks and city development
Last Reviewed: June 14, 2024 Website Visitor Wrote: Are landmarks essential the city's development? What happens if a city seems to have few landmarks?
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Lifting deed restrictions on rural property
Visitor Question: I want to buy a piece of property in metes and bounds in the country. There are now three tracts: (1) 32 acres of woods, (2) 12 acres
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Limit on Subdivision
Visitor Question: A deed states: ... the premises herein conveyed (can) not be subdivided or utilized for the purpose of multi-family dwelling(s)....
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Locating Vacant Properties and Owners
Visitor Question: HOW DO I LOCATE VACANT PROPERTIES AND THEIR OWNERS (IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA)? THANK YOU. Editors' Reply: We don't know of a foolproof way
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Management company hired by HOA did not respond
Visitor Question: We purchased a new home with CCRs. We sent a certified letter to the HOA company asking for a waiver on the jet ski being parked in the
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Mixed-Income Housing Leads to Vibrant Neighborhoods
A mixed-income housing stock increases equity and makes a neighborhood accessible to young and marginalized people, renews street life and energizes civic life.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Moving into an Abandoned Home
Can you move into an abandoned home and assume the taxes and mortgage? It seems like a good way to make sure the houses that now are abandoned are getting
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Multiple Gas Leaf Blowers
Visitor Question: What should you do when your quiet urban/suburban community allows landscaping services to operate two or more gas power blowers along
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Must heir sign to change deed restriction
Visitor Question: I was approached by a realtor who sold property beside my parents' home. There's a restriction saying no mobile home. I was asked to
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Must Screened Porches Be Clean
Visitor Question: Can I be told I have to clean up my screened-in porch? Editors’ Reply: Yes, both your neighbors and your homeowners’ association, if
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Neighbor repairing multiple vehicles in back yard
Visitor Question: My neighbor's new husband began towing multiple vehicles to her home. We stopped him from placing one car on the street in front of our
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Neighbor Singles Me Out on Infraction
Visitor Question: The deed restriction states that we cannot have a fence on the front yard of the house. Various neighbors have fences on the front yard
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Neighbor's Deed Restriction On My Property
Visitor's Question: My neighbor subdivided his Massachusetts lot 40 years ago creating my adjacent lot. His deed restricts my building any structures
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Neighborhood Break-Ins
Visitor Question: My normally quiet neighborhood has experienced one actual day-time break-in and one rattling of the door to see if it was locked. This
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Neighborhood HOA FL
Visitor Question: My neighborhood association deed of restrictions indicates no signs (realtor, etc) can be displayed in front yards. Is this really enforceable?
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
New Construction Causes More Noise, Emissions and Traffic
Visitor Question: We need help against having all this construction. Once these buildings are finished we will have more people looking for parking, as
Guide · Housing & revitalization
New Urbanism Ideal for Redevelopment, Infill
New urbanism, also called traditional neighborhood development, makes great communities through better design, walkability, neighborliness, and job-housing fit.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
No animals except pets?
In a piece of property we are looking at in an agricultural town, this deed restriction was placed on this and several other properties on the street by
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
No current HOA board members
Visitor Question: Our deed restrictions have no expiration date and run with the land. But the starting board retired and a new board was never installed.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
No Successor Developer so there is no architectural control
Visitor Question: I live in a neighborhood in Texas that was developed 30 years ago. The original deed restrictions state that changes to the property
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Nonprofit Housing Developers Fill Market Gaps
Nonprofit housing developers, or community housing or development corporations, build or renovate housing where markets fail to meet community needs..
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Not Informed About Covenants and Restrictions
Visitor Question: What happens when the sellers check the box on the sellers disclosure that says there are no covenants and restrictions and then you
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Opposing a Proposal for Apartments and Businesses
Visitor Question: We live in a new residential neighborhood. Now a developer wants to rezone to commercial. He wants to add apartments and businesses on
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Opposition to Deed Restrictions
Last Reviewed: June 17, 2024 Visitor Question: I'm against deed restriction rules. Because I don't believe people should be forced to do things around
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Ordinance says zoning cannot interfere with deed restriction
Visitor Question: There is a provision in our township's zoning ordinance which states zoning regulations cannot interfere with or impair a deed restriction.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Percentage of home owners needed to extend restrictions
Visitor Question: I live in a deed restricted neighborhood. In Florida what is the lowest percentage of owners needed to extend the restrictions? Ours
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Percentage required to extend or renew deed restrictions
Visitor Question: My neighborhood deed restrictions expire next year. I am writing from Florida. How many of my neighbors must vote Yes in order to keep
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Plan for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Naturally occurring retirement communities result when people of similar ages remain in a neighborhood they grow older. NORCs raise new public issues.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Planning and Implementing a Local Historic District
Preserving a local historic district improves the odds that a neighborhood will retain its historic, cultural, and architectural context. Property values rise.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Planning Commissions and Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: Should Planning Commissions ignore deed restrictions, since they are agreements between private properties and the Town Government is
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Power of HOA after covenants expire
Visitor Question: Where does an HOA derive its authority/powers? Does the HOA have any authority or powers if the land covenants expired? Specifically,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Process for Updating Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: Are there specific requirements that need to be followed when getting a home owners approval on updating a deed restriction, i.e., signature
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Proposed new regulations contradict covenants
Visitor Question: We have Deeds and Restrictions set up in our community currently. Our new board members will not pay to have them rewritten; however,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Quit Claim Deed Received for Adjoining Lot
Visitor Question: I purchased a neighboring piece of property from the county at auction. Though the advertisement did state that the lot could not be
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Recycling Buildings Through Re-Use Makes Great Spaces
Recycling buildings may sound strange, but the practice of finding an adaptive reuse of vacant structures prevents demolition, reduces solid waste, and enlivens an existing community asset.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Redevelopment of Obsolete Land Uses in Your Community
Redevelopment of vacant, abandoned, or underutilized land can bring economic and social benefits to a neighborhood or city. Here we introduce the potential.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Removal of deeded basketball court
Visitor Question: I live in a townhouse development in which a basketball court was originally in the property deed. The court had been a huge nuisance
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Reporting no hunting deed restriction violation
Visitor Question: When the Deed Restriction states that there shall be no hunting on the properties connected to the covenant what agency do you report
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Resolve Your Deed Restriction Question Right Away
This page provides a form for visitors to send their HOA, deed restriction, or covenant questions. The editor will answer on this website.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Responsibility for Outlots in a Subdivision
Visitor Question: I am a second owner in a 52 house subdivision created 18 years ago. I have lived here 10 years and just received information from the
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restriction may prohibit son from building house
Visitor Question: My question deals with a restriction which apparently will prohibit my son from having a house built on my property. My wife and I bought
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restriction on Commercial Use Versus Rental Property
Visitor Question: In our HOA we have a covenant against commercial use of a lot or home in our neighborhood, which is in Kentucky. This is a lakefront
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restrictions differ within the development
Visitor Question: Can the HOA restrict homeowners whose back yards face a street by not allowing fences, sheds etc., and not restrict other home owners
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restrictions Not Listed in Deeds for Last 30 Years
Visitor Question: Our planned community had a land owner who filed for plats and recorded covenants and restrictions that govern the property. This happened
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restrictions on renting
Are there restrictions on who I could rent to? Editors' Reply: First, our answer will pertain only to the U.S. Other countries will have different laws.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Restrictions unknown for six years
Visitor Question: Hi We purchased our home six years ago. We were told by our real estate agent (friend) and the sellers (new friends) that there were
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Rezoning directly conflicts with deed restriction
Visitor Question: I own a single family home in Los Angeles. Recently, because the home is close to a recently completed urban rail line, the city, as
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Right to stay in same government housing apartment
Let's say a tenant has been living in government housing and the management had stopped the tenant's mail coming to the tenant apartment that she has lived
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Rights of Property Owners Next to Deeded Subdivision
Visitor Question: We live next to a deeded subdivision. The property that adjoins ours in the back has numerous poultry. Their deed says no poultry. Since
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Rule Breaking Neighbors Going to Sell
Visitor Question: How do I get the neighbors to fix /comply with our rules before they sell? I do not want to start any bad relationship with the next
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Rural Housing Challenges Include Quality, Quantity, Cost
Rural housing issues and solutions are discussed, including cluster design, farmworker shelter, and increased supply and affordability.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Sale to Town with Deed Restriction
Visitor Question: I am one of 27 owners of a condo complex near the beach. The complex owns a sizeable lot in front of the building which protects our
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Saving Abandoned House from Demolition
Visitor Question: Hi. My in-laws have been taking care of the house next to them for the last 15 years, as in keeping the yard mowed and trimmed. This
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Selective enforcement of deed restrictions
Visitor Question: I live in Gulf Gate, Sarasota. After living in this neighborhood and the same house for 20 years we decided to replace an old 4 foot
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Senior Care Home in Subdivision
Visitor Question: Hello we are planning to open a licensed home for seniors. We have been told it is allowed in subdivisions that have covenants/restrictions
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Shopping Center Redevelopment Usually Should Focus on Mixed Use
Mostly vacant malls are candidates for mixed-use shopping center redevelopment. Make your community less vulnerable to passing trends by diversifying land use.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Should the HOA board give notice of meetings?
Visitor Question: Some of my neighbors and I are having an issue with our HOA. They are threatening to make new rules that pertain to only the six or seven
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Should you always remove graffiti in your neighborhood
Visitor Question: In the past I've always regarded it as a necessity to get rid of graffiti as soon as it happens. I thought it signals a low-quality neighborhood
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Shrinking Cities Can Make Abandoned Homes an Asset
Shrinking cities face population loss and abandoned buildings. Serious economic reinvention, interim land use changes, and aggressive leaders are needed.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Signing Deed Restriction
Visitor Question: Does the new owner of certain property especially in a subdivision need to sign the Deed of Restriction for it to be enforceable? I am
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Signs of neighborhood decline
Visitor Question: What are the signs of neighborhood decline? I have been in a nice enough neighborhood for about 25 years. My next door neighbor has been
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Slum Lords Took Over Our City
I live in a small town, Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Our city government has been run by the Good Old Boy network for many years now, with special interest
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Solutions to Concentrated Poverty Require Smart Programs
Solutions to concentrated poverty fall into two broad categories: lower-income people moving to mixed-income areas, or raising neighborhood quality of life.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Special assessments for capital expenditures
Visitor Question: Our master deed states that a majority of owners must be present to vote on special assessments. Proxy voting is not in our master deed
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
State Law Versus HOA Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: Our HOA wants to change our deed restrictions. There's a chapter in our present deed restrictions that states that it takes a majority
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Strangers Using Common Ground by Lake
Visitor Question: I want to know do you have any suggestions on how to curtail this problem? We are one of 10 homeowners along a small lake in Illinois.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Strip Mall Redevelopment To Become an Even Bigger Issue
Strip mall redevelopment will increase in importance for residents and neighborhoods, as vacancy rates and suburban blight increase. Read what to do next.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Suburban Retrofit Retains Property Value, Residents
Suburban retrofit means revamping outdated 1950s and 1960s suburbs, with their run-down strip centers, dying malls, cul de sacs, and traffic gridlock, to give them a viable future.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Tear Downs and Out-of-Scale Replacement Homes
Before the recession, tear downs in modest neighborhoods often allowed large new out-of-scale homes to be erected in their stead. Here's what to do if this fits your locale.
Guide · Housing & revitalization
The Problem with Gentrification Is Displacement
Gentrification is the process of neighborhoods becoming unaffordable to those who currently live there. This page shows strategies to prevent displacement.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Too Many Apartments and Group Homes
Visitor Question: Our County and City have repeatedly put sober living homes, homes for the previously chronically homeless and mentally ill along with
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Toxic Waste Scary, But Cleanup Is Possible
If you understand the term toxic waste and learn about their cleanup, your community can overcome problem sites over a period of years.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Unenforceable Parking Restriction
Visitor Question: My condominium association is a two unit association within a two-family home. I am the Declarant who created the association and still
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Unkempt businesses
Last Reviewed: August 13, 2024 Visitor Question: How do you get a business owner to take some pride in their property and make it look presentable.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Unknowingly purchased a rental home with a deed restriction
Visitor Question: I purchased a home that I was using as a rental with cash. Everyone knew I was an investor and how this house was going to be used.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Validity of Unenforced Covenants
Visitor Question: If a violation of a covenant is allowed to exist without any action on the part of the HOA, is the covenant still valid the next time
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Village created dumping ground
Visitor Question: We were annexed into the village and then the village created a dumping ground for dirt piles with dump trucks going in and out next
Guide · Housing & revitalization
Waterfront Redevelopment Usually Takes Years But Pays Rich Dividends
Waterfront redevelopment requires careful planning, but making your waterway a focal point instead of a grungy back door creates a new amenity and new wealth.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What are the rules for an eviction
Visitor Queston: I'm the new director of a struggling neighborhood organization. This past week I had two questions about how an eviction happens, one
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What can we do about a problem gas station
Visitor Question: Our neighborhood is experiencing a crisis because we are so very tired of a service station half a block from my house where every kind
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What can we do about people selling drugs in our neighborhood?
Since the people hanging out and selling stuff in our neighborhood don't live here, how can we handle this? They just walk around, avoid the police, and
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What is a capital stack in community development?
Visitor Question: I'm on a committee the mayor appointed to look into what we need to do to get more moderately priced housing built in our little city.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What is abolitionist housing policy
Visitor Question: Last night I attended my second meeting as a member of the city's community development advisory board. One woman is quite knowledgeable,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What is the smallest lot size we should have in our suburb?
April 15, 2024 Visitor Question: We are a typical American suburb developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Our climate is moderate and our city is thriving economically.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What to do about feral cats
Visitor Question: My very small town, population around 300, is being overrun with cats that are not taken care of. Some call them feral cats. I don't
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What to do after deed restrictions have expired
Visitor Question: I purchased a home 2 years ago here in Florida. I was told it was deed restricted until about May of 2018. That's when through social
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What's the best way to get a grocery store?
Visitor Question: What can we do to attract a real grocery store? Most of us are kind of poor, so it's several miles. Editors' Reply: First of all,
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
What's Up with Choice Neighborhoods?
Reviewed: June 4, 2024 Editor's Note: Obviously this question is a few years old, but the information in our answer is still pertinent. Visitor Question:The
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
When a bicycle trail must cross a major road
Reviewed: May 31, 2024 Visitor Question: Our group of cycling enthusiasts is pressuring our city government to extend a popular bicycle trail for some
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
When deed restrictions and HOA rules contradict
Reviewed: May 31, 2024 Visitor Question: My deed restrictions clearly state I can position a structure to the front lot line, provided I follow the defined
Guide · Housing & revitalization
When to Start an Urban Community Land Trust
The urban community land trust is a perfect tool for boosting home ownership in lower-income areas or for countering rapidly rising housing costs.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Where to build my house
Reviewed: June 17, 2024 Visitor Wrote: I recently stumbled upon this website that sells plans for small homes. I found one that I want to build. It is
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Where to Find Deed Restrictions
Visitor Question: Others have mentioned deed restrictions, such as you can't park you camper in your driveway, or boats, or utility trailers. My question
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Who is responsible for knowing deed restriction rules
Visitor Question: I live in a deed restricted neighborhood, and when I first moved into the neighborhood I had Culligan's water softener company come out
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Why is a fire damaged house taking so long to demolish
Visitor Question: A house down the street caught on fire, and because nobody was around at the time, it was burned really badly. Clearly it cannot be repaired
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Young For-Profit Housing Developer
Visitor Question: Can a for-profit housing developer build and manage both market rate housing and low-income government subsidized housing? Editors'
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Your Housing Questions Answered
Answers to visitor-submitted housing questions, whether oriented to rental or ownership, are provided in one convenient location.
Visitor question · Housing & revitalization
Zoning Administrator Splits Lot Contrary to Covenants
Visitor Question: Can a municipality's employee (the zoning administrator) subdivide a lot within a PUD (Planned Unit Development)? Our covenants state

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.