Rate My Zoning Assessment
A fast, objective review service that evaluates your existing zoning regulations, identifies where updates are needed, and shows how your community compares to others. By understanding what is working and what is not, you can prioritize improvements, avoid unnecessary costs, and move forward with confidence.
How The Process Works
Step 1
Fill out our intake form with as much detail as possible.
Step 2
Our team reviews your submission over 10–14 days, analyzing your inputs, identifying gaps, and developing clear, actionable insights.
Step 3
Follow up with a consultation where we provide a prioritized roadmap so you know what to fix first, what can wait, and how to plan your next steps efficiently.
Clearer Enforcement, Fewer Disputes
When standards are easy to interpret, staff can enforce regulations with confidence and consistency, reducing confusion and minimizing challenges.
More Predictable Development
Clear, consistent regulations help applicants understand expectations upfront, reducing delays and creating a smoother path from proposal to approval.
Smarter Code Updates
Focus your time and budget where it matters most with a prioritized approach that targets high impact improvements first.
What’s Included in Your Rate My Zoning Review
Clear, practical guidance, without a full code rewrite.
Analysis of your zoning ordinances
Review of definitions, permitted uses, and use tables
Evaluation of dimensional and design standards
Assessment of administrative and approval procedures
Review of enforcement tools and clarity
Alignment check with your comprehensive plan
A clear enforceability score
Annotated sections highlighting problem areas
Model amendment language where appropriate
The Tool You Need
Many zoning codes are technically adopted but difficult to apply in practice.
Over time, regulations can become outdated, inconsistent, or overly complex, making it hard for staff to enforce standards and for applicants to navigate the process. This leads to confusion, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs for communities trying to manage growth and development effectively.
Rate My Zoning gives you a clear, objective understanding of where your regulations stand today.
Through a structured review, we identify areas that need improvement, provide practical recommendations, and deliver a comparative rating so you can see how your community measures up. With a focused roadmap, you can prioritize updates, make informed decisions, and invest your resources where they will have the greatest impact.
What Our Clients Say
Thank you Jacob Barnes and Zoning Solutions for your expertise when our Township was working on re-writing and updating our Zoning Resolution and our Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Your knowledge, feedback, and support during this labor-intensive process was valuable and greatly appreciated. You came highly recommended to our Township and we couldn’t be more grateful.
P.B.
Township Trustee
I have known and worked with Jacob Barnes with Zoning Solutions for over 20 years. He is a strong, effective, and knowledgeable professional that develops sound Zoning Resolutions for communities. Jacob provides expert, reliable, and evidence-based guidance to navigate complex land-use regulations that are critical to the Comprehensive Plan of a community and essential for common sense and enforceable Zoning Resolutions. His understanding of local ordinances and zoning laws, combined with a professional demeanor, ensures a fair and thorough process, making Jacob and his company an indispensable asset to any zoning-related matter.
P.E.
Senior Associate, Private Engineering Group
Working with Jacob Barnes to update our Zoning Ordinances was a fantastic experience. He was incredibly patient and took the time to explain every detail, making a complex process easy to understand. Jacob stands out not just for his technical expertise but for his extraordinary patience and communication skills. He went above and beyond to break down complex zoning laws into language that actually made sense. His willingness to explain the “why” behind the changes made a world of difference. If you are looking for someone knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely helpful, I highly recommend Jacob Barnes and Zoning Solutions.
K. O.
Village Official
Ready to See How Enforceable Your Zoning Code Really Is?
Get a clear, objective review of your zoning regulations and a practical roadmap that helps you prioritize updates, reduce costs, and support consistent, predictable development.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does 'Rate My Zoning' review?
Who is this service designed for?
Is this a full zoning rewrite?
What do we receive at the end of the process?
How long does the review take?
Will this help with zoning enforcement and appeals?
Do you provide implementation support after the review?
Can this be used before a comprehensive plan or zoning update?
Disclaimer
*Our reviews, recommendations, and ratings are for informational purposes only and shall not be considered legal advice. For any legal advice, you are encouraged to speak with your Attorney, Law Director, or County Prosecutor.