Navigating local zoning ordinances when building a new senior living community is a complex, yet crucial, process for getting a project done.
In a report published by Plante Moran, the consulting firm noted that there are different categories under which senior living construction might fall, and each has specific regulations concerning factors such as land use restrictions, building sizes, height restrictions, signage requirements, parking requirements and setbacks from property lines.
The most common categories that senior living developers might face are residential, which regulates land use for housing and some small businesses; mixed-use zoning; or special zoning, according to Plante Moran.
“Some larger senior living developments, especially communities that offer a variety of housing and care options, are master-planned communities and can include various zoning types within them,” the firm cautioned. “Every project within the master-planned community has to be confirmed it falls under the master plan use. Any major changes require a new master plan to be submitted and approved by the jurisdiction before a project can move forward.”
The importance of understanding the zoning criteria before starting a project cannot be overstated, according to the report.
“Even if a site requires variances or rezoning, it’s always best to understand what specific requests need to be made of the local municipality early on in the project. The last thing any owner wants is to work deep into the design phase of a project and then find out the planned building is too tall per local zoning constraints,” the authors said.
