Zoning, in plain language
Got a zoning question? Ask Chimmy.
Zoning decides what you can build, how you can use your property, and where a business can open. The rules can read like they were written in another language. Ask Chimmy translates them.
Chimmy is the friendly face of Chimmy Consulting, run by an AICP-certified urban planner who has worked on both sides of the counter: reviewing applications for cities and guiding property owners through them.
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Zoning 101 on YouTube
Short animated videos that explain one zoning idea at a time, no planning degree required.
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EPISODE 1
What is FAR?
Floor area ratio, and how cities use it to measure how much building fits on a lot.
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EPISODE 2
What's a setback?
Why buildings sit back from property lines, and how that distance gets set.
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EPISODE 3
What does maximum building height mean?
How cities cap building height, and what actually gets measured.
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COMING SOON
More episodes on the way
New topics are added regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss one, or send in a question you'd like answered.
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Ask Chimmy
What's your zoning question?
Wondering whether you can add a backyard cottage, run a business from home, or build a taller fence? Send it in. Chimmy reads every question, and the most common ones become future Zoning 101 videos.
Ask Chimmy shares general information, not advice about a specific property. Because we can't reply to every question individually, check with your local planning department before making decisions about your project.
Ask Chimmy is for entertainment and general informational purposes only and is not intended to be advice. Zoning rules vary by city and county, so always confirm requirements with your local planning department.
Need professional planning services? Visit Chimmy Consulting →