Michelle Ye Michelle Ye

What is zoning and why does it matter for my property?

Generally, zoning refers to a set of local regulations enforced by your municipality (city, town, county, etc.) that outlines what can and cannot be done on a piece of property.

Generally, zoning refers to a set of local regulations enforced by your municipality (city, town, county, etc.) that outlines what can and cannot be done on a piece of property. These regulations (may be called “zoning ordinance,” “land development regulations,” “zoning code,” “development code,” or similar variations) attempt to balance various needs within a community:

  • Supporting overall growth and flexibility of improving or developing properties to respond to ever-changing socio-economic conditions

  • Limiting negative impacts of land use on neighbors

  • Creating minimum design standards for general character, public safety, and maintenance procedures

Zoning regulations are often available on your municipality’s website or can be obtained from your municipality’s planning and zoning office. Each property within a municipality is assigned a zoning district on a zoning map. The zoning regulations contain general requirements for all zoning districts and specific requirements for the district that your property is in.

Whenever you are thinking about making changes to either the way you use your property OR the physical environment of your property (even if it’s just adding a fence), you should first consult the zoning regulations. Otherwise, you risk getting fined or having to stop work.

However, zoning is not perfect – it does not capture every possible scenario, may be confusing to interpret, or no longer reflects the community’s current needs or priorities. There are many situations where exceptions or changes to the zoning may be warranted for a piece of property, and those processes are outlined within the zoning regulations as well. Getting exceptions and changes officially approved requires collaboration between the owner/developer, professional consultants, municipal staff, and the appointed/elected approving body.

Other local regulatory and guiding documents that should be referenced, particularly when developing a property, include:

  • Comprehensive Plan

  • Future Land Use Plan

  • Subdivision Regulations

  • Design Guidelines

  • District Plan / Small Area Plan

 Quick links to Memphis-area zoning regulations:

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Michelle Ye Michelle Ye

What does a typical development process look like?

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

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Michelle Ye Michelle Ye

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More
Michelle Ye Michelle Ye

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More