Unbuildable lot, any ideas?

Question

Hey guysI just had a meeting with the zoning and planning here in west haven ct. they denied my application of having a vacant land permitted to build a small house. I needed a variance because the lot was too small. Even if my case was strong and the board admitted it they said NO WITHOUT ANY REASON AT ALL

Is there use for a not buildable vacant lot? It’s about 6000sq feet. And .14 acres.

Storage? farm? Any suggestions will be appreciate it!

James Mc Ree · Answer

Your posting appears like you had an informal discussion with the local board and they said, "No." Is that the case or did you formally apply for a variance and your application was denied? If the latter, I think the board must provide a reason for the denial. Hopefully, you went to the hearing with an attorney who can help. If not, consult one as you should have an appeal available to your local court system.

In my area, all official lots are considered buildable or they aren't lots. CT may be different in that regard. If not, you should have a good chance for a dimensional variance, but it obviously wouldn't work if most of the lot is a swamp. The challenges on the lot or reason for the board's denial is lacking here and is very important. 6000 Sqft seems plenty large to build a house if it is all flat, dry and unimpeded. A caveat is that it would be an interesting discussion if the minimum lot size is 5 acres in that area, for example.

As to other uses, first check the approves uses for the property's zone. It is difficult to imagine how another valuable use would fit, but a house would not. Donating or selling development rights or the entire lot to conservation groups is an option along with selling to your neighbors.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

yup neighbors are usually best bet in this scenario..  its to small for anything else unless maybe in a super high density area and a little park but city has to take it and it would be a donation and write off

Robert Dobbs · Answer

Try to offer this parcel to one of the adjoining land owners at "below wholesale" pricing !!!

"One man's rhinestone, just might be another man's diamond?" LOL!!!

Good luck!

Aaron K. · Answer

You may be able to donate it to the city as a park or something similar, however there are often good reasons that are not immediately obvious as to why a lot isn't buildable.

Clint Shelley · Answer

Its hard to advise without specifics, but with sewer and water 6000 sq ft is buildable. Was the denial due to topography, setbacks, minimum lot frontage? Could your lot by be used for parking or access to a new development adjacent to you? Lastly, would the neighbors purchase to keep you from putting an "undesirable" business next door? You can find a way to make this dirt desirable.

Clint

Canesha Edwards · Answer

@Andres Bernal

How’s the tiny house market in your area? Not sure if you want to go through the application process again, but it’s an idea.  Other than that the park idea or selling to the neighbors are your next options.

Canesha

Andres Bernal · Answer

@James Mc Ree I apologize that I didn't specify. I applied for variance and it got denied. It was dumb to apply without my lawyer over there. He was just advising me but couldn't go to the meeting because he was so busy. West Haven is a city without too much land. The lot is .14 acres.

Unbuildable lot, any ideas?

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