Zoning, Smart Growth, Land Preservation vs. Property Rights

Written By: Jerry Hanson  |  Posted: Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

A few weeks ago the Eau Claire County Board approved a zoning variance to an Amish family so they could expand their small family owned business. Kudos to the County Board for approving the variance. However, this action made me question afresh the validity and constitutionality of zoning ordinances. It rekindled my thinking as to the nature of property rights, and who owns the land.

Where and when did zoning start? Who are the proponents of it? What organizations are behind it? What, if any, are the real advantages of zoning? Who really benefits from it? What are the good and bad consequences of it? How is zoning determined? Who determines the zoning of land? How does zoning affect you and me? How will it likely affect us and our children in the future?

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