The first phase of the planning process involves gathering and analyzing background information about the neighborhood, such as demographics, land characteristics, existing conditions and other aspects of the area.  Public meetings and surveys can be used to get input on neighborhood concerns and identify issues and problems.

The planners, with the advice of the committee, write draft recommendations which address the issues and propose solutions to the issues and problems that were identified in the first phase of the planning process. The recommendations should reflect the neighborhood's own desire for its future.

After the recommendations have been drafted, the planners and committee discuss how to best implement the recommendations. Zoning, subdivision and capital improvements are typical implementation topics. The neighborhood plan can also recommend a change of zoning. One zoning change option is the Conservation District Overlay, which was created specifically to work with the neighborhood planning process.

Once the draft neighborhood plan is complete, public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council are scheduled. Before the hearings take place, the draft plan will be presented to all residents and property owners in the area. Once the plan is adopted, it becomes an element of the Comprehensive Plan.

What is a Conservation District Overlay?

Conservation District Overlay allows a neighborhood to achieve neighborhood goals through customized regulations intended to protect or enhance the character of a particular neighborhood. Existing structures or lots are not made nonconforming by a conservation district. The emphasis is rather on requiring new construction be similar in character with the existing neighborhood.

If the neighborhood plan recommends any type of zoning change, the neighborhood may apply for the change as part of the implementation.

Conservation District Criteria

To be considered for designation as a Conservation District, the area must contain a minimum of one blockface (all the lots on one side of a block) and at least 75% of the structures in the proposed district must have been built 25 years ago or more and are presently improved.