The Compatible Development Controversy

In the city of Boulder, there has been growing dissent among homeowners since City Council proposed limiting the size of Boulder's homes. The plan came about because a number of residents were complaining about the steady increase in the number of "pops and scrapes" and "scrape offs" that are appearing in established neighborhoods.

"Pops and scrapes" involve remodeling an existing home—often to increase the size of the residence. "Scrape offs" are older homes that are torn down and replaced with larger houses.

Among those who support the City's initiative to limit the number of "pops and scrapes" in Boulder's neighborhoods is PLAN Boulder County, which is an organization comprised of Boulder residents who are actively making sure that policies in the area promote environmental responsibility. They are particularly concerned with maintaining Boulder's open spaces and natural scenery.

PLAN is against what they call "McMansions" that "loom over neighbors, present too much mass to the street, unreasonably cut off view sheds, compromise solar access, cut down far too many trees, and foreclose neighborhood open space." They also feel that today's mammoth houses alter an entire neighborhood's character and impose limitations on who can afford to live in the area.

With the wealthy moving in, those who could afford to live in the neighborhood only a short while ago can no longer afford to stay or to buy. Property values go askew thanks to the presence of McMansions amid older, smaller houses.

This affects the make-up of entire neighborhoods, and creates a great deal of resentment between homeowners.

Opponents of the initiative say that the regulations that the City has in mind are too strict, and will scare off future developers. They also feel that it limits homeowners' rights to do as they please with their own property. Finally, they believe that the initiative involves too-broad strokes, and that one set of rules isn't suitable for all neighborhoods.

While it's certainly true that people should be able to what they want with their own homes, large, imposing additions do affect those around them. Those living in smaller homes feel oppressed by the invasive character of many McMansions, and struggle with new limitations on their privacy. On the other hand, it's important for the City not to impose heavy-handed rules that may impede responsible growth.

The simplest solution is for everyone to follow the Golden Rule, and treat neighbors as they wish to be treated. The majority of residents said that they'd prefer people talk to each other before adding-on to houses, in order to get feedback about what is acceptable and what is not. People want to be treated with respect and consideration, and this is especially true in close communities, where neighbors know each other well. The simple act of consulting with one's neighbors before remodeling can create a sense of harmony that harsh regulations cannot.

It's also important, many argue, to create incentives for builders, architects, and developers to build according a set of guidelines that are created by the community itself. A development that will fit in nicely in one neighborhood will be an eyesore in another, so it's important that any regulations that are enacted are sensitive to the differences between neighborhoods. By providing incentives rather than making strict rules, the City will also help to encourage reasonable growth rather than stifle it.