Not for realtors only

Just had a chance to read through a book by John Lewis, Land Use Controls and Property Rights: A Guide for Real Estate Professionals. Lewis is a former Loveland, Colorado, planning commissioner and zoning hearing officer who understands the nature of subdivision ordinances, development proposals, and comprehensive plans. And as a real estate professional, he also recognizes how these complex -- and sometimes confusing -- concepts affect potential home buyers and property owners. 

As the title suggests, this book is not specifically intended for planners or planning commissioners. However, most of the chapters thoughtfully cover issues that are at least indirectly related to the work of commissioners and zoning board members.

Lewis delivers information in a well-written and easy-to-read format that includes "Practice Pointers" within each section to reinforce the material. More often than not, he offers suggestions for planning professionals as well as citizen board members in these sidebars, which put a practical spin on sometimes abstract concepts. 

For example, one chapter concentrates on regulating uses in residential districts (such as family definition or home-based businesses) --  guiding real estate professionals in the necessity of understanding their city ordinances and accurately informing potential buyers of any restrictions. It is essential that citizen planners understand the practical ramifications of such ordinances when rewriting codes or comprehensive plans.

Lewis' publication warrants a broader audience than just real estate professionals. In fact, his book may be of especial interest to both citizen and professional planners since it covers many of the practical land use issues realtors find of particular significance -- topics often not covered in much detail in books written by planners (such as chapters on: title insurance; land surveys; the role of appraisers from a land use perspective; and on private land use controls, i.e., CC&Rs and homeowners associations).

Note: related to homeowners associations, we ran an article not long ago in the Planning Commissioners Journal focusing on the substantial "regulatory" role increasingly played by homeowners associations. See Alan Weinstein's, Homeowners Associations.