We are all familiar with the “McMansion Theory.” New, multi-thousand square foot homes built on lots the same size as the 1,000 square foot, 1950s bungalow next door. As you drive past them, it appears one is towering over the other, and essentially, this is the case.
In long-standing Charlotte neighborhoods such as Dilworth, Wesley Heights, Belmont and Wilmore, this fight between preserving homes’ history and charm and allowing for housing expansion and development is becoming more prevalent.
Members of the communities being affected by this imbalance are making their voices heard to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. As a result, officials are beginning to explore policies that would work toward historic preservation, zoning, new construction guidelines and other design regulations.
Included in their discussions are the reviews of standing zoning ordinances that would allow for updating the design standards for single-family, residential properties. This could affect home expansion in front and side yards, as well, meaning that homes could not sit too close to existing homes or the street.
Is government involvement in residential development a positive thing? Of course, some people are opposed and others supportive. In 2004, similar concerns about quality of life and zoning were brought to city planning departments. By tightening up design regulations, the intent is to preserve neighborhood character and the life of residents’ property. Yet, a smaller home sitting in between two larger homes may give the owner the option to sell for a much higher price. It is definitely a multi-faceted, multi-sided argument as to whether or not government regulation is appropriate in the neighborhood development sector.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department has a foreseeable, endless debate on their hands. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Charlotte’s historic communities do not decline in value, while at the same time, guaranteeing residents an equal quality of life.
