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Are NNI Overlay Areas the same thing as a zoning overlay?
Despite the similar name, a zoning Overlay District (such as the Airport Overlay or the Gaines School Road Corridor Overlay) and the NNI special interest overlay areas are apples and oranges. The NNI overlays are geographic interest areas that might overlap different neighborhoods or might correspond to areas where there are no real neighborhood organizations but local interest nonetheless is strong. These are typically transportation corridors or centers of activity like downtown. Listservs are created for these areas on the basis of recommendations.
Zoning Overlays are a whole different animal. They are regulatory in nature and so carry with them additional development or use standards tailored to the protection or enhancement of an area's particular characteristics.
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For what types of projects do I receive notification?
Planning Commission applications include all Rezone, Planned Development, and Special Use proposals. Historic Preservation Commission applications include Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes to properties in locally designated historic districts or to locally designated historic landmarks. Hearings Board applications are for variances to the zoning and development standards. Finally, Plans Review applications include all administratively reviewed commercial and multi-family projects, as well as the subdivision of five or more lots. Each of these applications generates an e-mail notification.
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How can I provide input about a proposed project?
Provide written comment or input at the public hearing that corresponds to the application. Prior to a meeting, contact the applicant/owner to gauge interest in a scheduled meeting to discuss concerns or questions about the project. The Neighborhood Planner can help coordinate meeting space.
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How do I register my neighorhood?
Fill out a registration form and turn it in to the Planning Department along with a map of the neighborhood boundaries and a copy of your neighborhood's organizational documents (i.e. articles of incorporation, by-laws, covenants, etc.) For newly organizing groups, a petition signed by at least 20% of property owners or residents endorsing the group formation and the designated Contact Person substitutes for the organizational documentation.
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What information is included in the notification?
Project name, if applicable, address, proposed scope of work, and owner/applicant contact information is included along with a location map and information on public hearing date and location.
***Please note: Plans Review notifications do not correspond to a public hearing date because the permitting process for administratively reviewed applications does not require a public hearing.
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What is Early Notification?
Some applications, specifically Re-zones, Planned Developments, and Special uses, require a Pre-Application Conference with staff at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. For these projects, early notification is sent to designated Contact Persons by the Pre-Application date to encourage communication between applicants and neighborhoods in advance of submittal deadlines. This notice is limited to Contact Persons because many Pre-Application conferences never materialize in an application, and Contact Persons are encouraged to use their own discretion in further disseminating information.
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What's the difference between NNI Neighborhoods & NNI Overlay Areas?
NNI Neighborhoods are formed when organized or organizing neighborhood organizations register to participate in the NNI. Functionally, the difference between the NNI overlay and the NNI neighborhood group is that there is no Contact Person for an overlay--it is simply an e-mail notification group for which anyone can sign up, whereas an NNI Neighborhood has a designated Contact Person who receives Early Notification about certain proposals.
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When do I receive the notification?
This varies depending upon the application deadline. Planning Commission and Hearings Board applications are due once a month, either the last or first Friday of the month, depending upon their varying calendars. Historic Preservation Commission deadlines are also monthly, falling typically on the third or fourth Monday. Plans Review deadlines fall weekly on Tuesday. Each deadline will generate a set of e-mail notifications within several days of the deadline.
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When is a petition required to register a group?
When a group is just beginning to form to participate in the NNI and does not have an established leadership structure or organizational history, a petition endorsing the group's formation is required. This step is important to ensure that a reasonable consensus exists regarding the proposed boundaries and designated Contact Person.
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Who can sign up for notification?
There are no restrictions on listserv sign ups for either Neighborhood Areas or Special Interest Overlay Areas.
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Who defines the neighborhoods' boundaries?
Neighborhood boundaries are often organic and can change over time depending upon the age of the neighborhood, changes in surrounding development, and perceptions of its residents; therefore, it is entirely up to neighborhood organizations to establish their own boundaries as they see fit. Sometimes these delineations correspond directly to original subdivision plats, but just as often they may not. Talk to your neighbors about how boundaries are perceived.
Because boundaries are self-defined for participation in the NNI, there are no exclusionary rules. Boundaries of different neighborhoods may overlap, or smaller neighborhoods may form entirely within the boundaries of a larger group.
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Who should sign the petition?
At least 20% of the tenants or property owners within a proposed boundary area. If a proposed neighborhood area includes 100 properties, signatures from tenants or owners of at least 20 properties should be included.
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Will my e-mail address be accessible to all members of the NNI listserv group for which I am signed up?
No, listserv communication is one-way only. Replies may be made to the Neighborhood Planner for further information or clarification but replies cannot be addressed to the entire listserv. Many neighborhoods have established independent listserv groups for communication with fellow neighbors through web services like Yahoo! See our Neighborhood Resources page for information on how to establish your own listserv outside of the NNI.