Clearzoning Launches New Interactive Zoning Map Feature; New Tool Makes It Easier to Access Zoning Information and It Increases Governmental Transparency
Lathrup Village, Michigan (PRWEB) August 18, 2014 -- Getting the answers to basic zoning questions quickly and easily, day or night, has just gotten easier. Clearzoning, Inc., based in Lathrup Village, Michigan, has developed a new interactive zoning map that works with its Clearzoning product (a user-friendly zoning code) to not only help users find the zoning classification for individual properties, but also quickly access applicable zoning standards in a colorful, easy to understand format.
Many communities struggle with conventional zoning codes that are confusing and complicated. These old codes sometimes discourage development or result in unintended consequences. For example, some quality developers avoid communities with complicated, burdensome regulations and out-dated zoning codes.
The planning and zoning experts at Clearzoning want to change all that by revolutionizing the way local codes function. Clearzoning's president Rod Arroyo says, "Our idea is to transform zoning codes into easy-to-read, better organized, digital documents. Black and white text is replaced with colorful graphics, and hyperlinks make it easier to find just the right ordinance section that applies."
And now, the community's zoning map can also be made available online, with zoning standards just a click away. This saves staff time at the counter and adds transparency to government regulations.
Clearzoning's CEO Dave Birchler is excited about the new interactive zoning map, noting that, "Tying these two tools together will make them even easier for officials and citizens to use on a daily basis, and it can guide the development community in a more effective way."
Lathrup Village City Administrator Matt Baumgarten agrees, "Lathrup Village is on the verge of an economic development boom and being able to communicate this much information in a single click is a great advantage for us. Clearzoning remains on the cutting edge and our community is benefiting from their expertise."
Clearzoning believes that with advances in technology and widespread accessibility of the Internet, every community should be able to make their zoning ordinance, zoning map and other codes available online for easier access for the public as well as staff and officials. Clearzoning's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist Sheila Starks points out that, "we developed this new mapping tool so that it can be used by any community-even if they do not currently use GIS or publish their GIS data online." Highlights of this new tool include:
• A community zoning map with an underlying aerial, parcel lines, and street names
• The ability to zoom in and select just the right parcel of interest.
• Basic information, such as parcel id number, size, and the name of the zoning district.
• A hyperlink that takes the user directly to the zoning ordinance section that applies to that property.
To see an example of the interactive zoning map and the Clearzoning product, visit http://bit.ly/LVMap14 or http://www.clearzoning.com.
About Clearzoning
Clearzoning is a 25-year old planning consulting firm that was originally established as a subsidiary company of Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. Founders David Birchler, AICP, PCP, and Rodney Arroyo, AICP, established Clearzoning as a firm that provides planning, zoning, and transportation services. Based in Lathrup Village, Michigan, the mission of Clearzoning is to help municipalities improve customer service and attract economic development by utilizing clear, easy-to-read master plans, codes, online resources, guides, and reports.
Clearzoning, its logo, and the mark “clear and connected” are registered trademarks. The Clearzoning zoning ordinance format is copyrighted by Clearzoning, Inc.
Clearzoning is located at 28021 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, MI 48076. For more information, contact Rod Arroyo, President at 866-271-ZONE or rod(at)clearzoning(dot)com.
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Rod Arroyo, Clearzoning, Inc., http://www.clearzoning.com, +1 (248) 423-1776, [email protected]
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