Raleigh, N.C. — In one of the city's largest rezoning requests in recent memory, a community group wants to limit what types of homes people are allowed to build in two neighborhoods north of downtown.
An organization known as Community Scale wants to rezone 141 lots – nearly 66 acres – in the Fallon Park and Anderson Heights neighborhoods from R-10 and R-6 to R-4. The move would limit efforts to subdivide lots to build additional houses by requiring larger lots and setbacks.
Larry McBennett of Community Scale said the change, which will be debated in a public hearing Tuesday, would help preserve the integrity of the neighborhoods.
"All we're asking for in scale is that, as things change, the neighborhoods be taken into consideration – that the end result be a win-win for everybody," McBennett said. "We're not talking about changing the status quo, but confirming it."
A city report released Friday showed that almost 600 homes had been torn down in neighborhoods inside the Interstate 440 Beltline and replaced by houses that were usually much larger.
McBennett and others backing the rezoning said the change would limit additions and tear-down replacements that encroach on neighboring yards. It also would reflect a comprehensive approach for the Fallon Park and Anderson heights neighborhoods, parts of which were rezoned R-4 about 20 years ago.
"We object to nitpicking a neighborhood – taking one house here, one house there, bit-by bit, just nibbling the neighborhood to death – so that it's no longer desirable," he said.
If the zoning were changed, 11 property owners would find their homes out of compliance with the new regulations, according to the city Planning Department. Another 30 homeowners would be denied the right to subdivide their lots, the Planning Department said.
Foster Sikes said he would like to build two small homes, including one for his mother, on a lot he owns in the neighborhood.
"I'd much prefer to put two houses that would be more in character with the neighborhood," Sikes said. "Taste is subjective. How do we legislate taste? That's what they're trying to do right now with the zoning is a step toward trying to legislate taste."



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September 18, 2007 5:08 p.m.
I petitioned to have my original zoning reinstated for two houses .22 acre lots with a max. of 2990 sq ft and offstreet parking, 28 ft high etc... and the Scale members said this would ruin the area. Please don't lecture me on big,, that is subjective as you say and shouldn't be legislated unless you can prove a devaluation in your property.
Again take emotion out of it and look what is best for the whole as a city instead of what is best for your taste.
September 18, 2007 5:06 p.m.
I guess it depends on what your definition of "big" is. If you're plopping a 4500 sq. ft. house on a .10 of an acre where before sat a 1500 sq. ft. bungalow, I'd consider that 3x is "big." It is funny that 4500 sq. ft. houses have a parking pad for ONE car. Smarts!
September 18, 2007 3:58 p.m.
When you put more restrictive limits on homeowners you are hurting people not builders. Homeowners can't afford to fight city hall builders can. This REZONING is a small group with a napoleon complex. They won't debate me, nor engage others with any sort of compromise. They spin they want a win-win situation when they don't even speak with people who have a differing opinion.
I would love to have a public debate with SCALE. Any takers?
September 18, 2007 3:19 p.m.
September 18, 2007 3:01 p.m.