Zoning reform is a climate solution
Zoning reform is a climate solution
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--- TLDR: scroll to bottom ---
How does zoning work?
How does zoning work?
The zoning code in a community consists of a map outlining areas -- "zones"-- and a list of rules-- called "code"-- about what can and cannot happen in each zone.
When someone wants to build, change, or expand on property they own, their plans need to conform to the code for their property's zone.
Fairport's current zoning map. Areas R-A (mint green), R-B (pink), and R-C (blue) only allow single family homes. And here's Fairport's current zoning code.
Is zoning only about single- or multi-family homes? Nope.
Is zoning only about single- or multi-family homes? Nope.
Zoning includes lots of other rules, some of which feel like common sense:
If your house is on a corner, you can't block view of traffic. (Chapter 550-16 Section G)
Cool.
and others that feel like a gripe between neighbors that grew into a rule for an entire community:
You can't have an outdoor miniature golf course. (Chapter 550-16 Section M(2))
Wha....?
So, though zoning has lots of parts, let's start with a focus on exclusionary zoning. Focussing on this small section of the zoning code can address many problems at once, from the housing shortage to climate change. It's also really personal for the people who live - and want to live - in Fairport.
Residential zoning in Fairport: one "yes" and many "nos" means we are excluding people
Residential zoning in Fairport: one "yes" and many "nos" means we are excluding people
Residential single-family zoning is also called "exclusionary zoning." If you want to live in one of the residential zones, here's your choice:
Yes:
single-family home with a lawn
No:
multifamily houses
condominiums
attached townhomes
lofts over shops and restaurants
efficiency apartments
garden apartments with communal spaces
The number of restrictions and the physical extent of the restrictive zones means that Fairport doesn't have many housing options for:
downsizing senior citizens
workers in our local businesses
young families seeking starter homes
individuals with sensory or mobility disabilities
Exclusionary zoning = environmental and economic problems
Exclusionary zoning = environmental and economic problems
Chances are you need a car in Fairport and Perinton because your house isn't close to where you work, shop, dine, or play.
Zones separate you. And that's BY DESIGN.
Most cars emit heat-trapping pollution. This is causing our planet to overheat and creating irreversible damage. Reckless.
Businesses in commercial zones have to provide parking when a community is zoned, taking up valuable space and reducing quality of life. Worse, they also have to follow made-up parking rules that prioritize cars. Here's some fun ones: Parks must have 5 parking spaces for each acre of land, and laundromats must have 2 spots for each washing machine. (Chapter 550-49, Sections B, 10 and 15). Weird.
Single-family households are spread out and homes are limited in number, so there's fewer people to share the cost of infrastructure like water pipes, sewer, and sidewalks. Expensive!
Spend 10 minutes understanding how places like Fairport got to where we are, and why we're paying for it now.
Fairport is stuck. Zoning has to change so Fairport can too.
Better zoning is a climate solution.
But don't take our word for it.
Better zoning is a climate solution.
But don't take our word for it.
Comprehensive, Sustainability, and Climate Action Plans agree. It's called: Smart Growth.
Comprehensive, Sustainability, and Climate Action Plans agree. It's called: Smart Growth.
Smart Growth preserves the things we love without excluding what's possible, and restores choice to property owners.
Things like being able to walk to shops or restaurants from home, keeping living expenses low, and having options on what you live in and how you get around make for great neighborhoods, and describe a lot of what people already love about Fairport.
Some benefits of Smart Growth:
Creates neighborhoods that welcome people at all life stages
Young single professionals, growing families, and downsizing seniors can find a place that's just right
Not everyone can or wants to drive a car. How you get around -- safely -- can be a choice.
Preserves the financial health of Village
Long term preservation of tax base as well as allowing us to continue to grow and evolve
Preserves green space and biodiversity
By minimizing the need to convert open space to housing (= sprawl. Yuck).
Protects air and water quality
By reducing vehicle-related air pollution and runoff
Preserves infrastructure
By reducing the miles of utilities and the amount of paved surfaces we have to maintain
Creates human-scaled, attractive communities
TLDR
TLDR
or, Too Long Didn't Read
or, Too Long Didn't Read
Restrictive single-family zoning keeps Fairport expensive, and continues to create the pollution that heats our planet.
The updated zoning code in Fairport needs to restore choice to property owners who want to welcome more families.
And just for you, a 30-second video about why Smart Growth is cool:
Spend 14 minutes learning how zoning affects places like Fairport and Perinton, and how they can grow into the places our grandkids and great-grandkids can also live in - or not.
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