Zone change and variance to reduce the tree replacement density factor.

[upendra]

What is the name of your state? GA
I live in GA (in Cobb county) in a new home community. Recently I received a letter from the city stating that they received a request to reduce the tree replacement density factor from 168 to 66 on the land (filled with trees) next to our community. In that letter it is also stated that the property was purchased about a month ago and it says L1 zoning. The neighboring property doesn't have any buffer zone between the residential community.

Apparently the builder's realtor has told a few home owners (when they were buying) that the land behind us is city owned/protected and the trees will not be cut down.
Is the builder liable for providing verbal promises like that?

I appreciate if someone could help on what might be the impact due to the change and how should we defend ourselves.
I appreciate your help on this.

-Jack

 

[lcannister]

Recently I received a letter from the city stating that they received a request to reduce the tree replacement density factor from 168 to 66 on the land (filled with trees) next to our community

Did they give you a date when the request would be address by a committee/board etc? That is where you would find out what is going on and how it is resolved and present a case against the action etc.

builder's realtor has told a few home owners

Told don't mean diddly.

Attend the meetings and collectively get an Atty to sort all the legal verbiage out for you.

 

[upendra]

Zone change approval

> Did they give you a date when the request would be address by a committee/board etc?
> That is where you would find out what is going on and how it is resolved and present a
> case against the action etc.

They did provide a date/time about the meeting. We are gathering enough people to represent our community.

> Attend the meetings and collectively get an Atty to sort all the legal verbiage out for you.
I am not sure what to expect during that meeting.

From your message it looks like we should go to that meeting and then get an attorney help?
Is that right? If so, how should we prepare ourselves for the meeting.
Thanks
-Jack

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: Is the builder liable for providing verbal promises like that?

A: No. So get totally prepared with all your good arguments.

 

[lcannister]

If so, how should we prepare ourselves for the meeting.

Armed with facts and written information. I do not think you will get far with "told" in this circumstance. It might be good to pick a leader, so to speak, who does the talking with the others being present as well. Be precise without any extra emotion, accusations and be concise.

The Atty is more or less to let you know what you hear means.