AI not smarter than Fernando (human appraiser)

[Fernando]

I've worked in areas that may average one commercial sale in a year. I gain geographic competency by researching. Sometimes the zoning map is tucked into meeting minutes from a township. I use AI as a tool not as a crutch. I work in areas that fall into the same category you are describing but rural commercial can be difficult to the point where you are calling up the Planning Department and having them email you a scan of their zoning map that is hand drawn.

I had an idea but wanted to confirm with AI for quick answer.
When I got the wrong answer, I thought AI knew something I didn't know like the city boundaries have changed.

 

[djd09]

The last time I had to call for a clarification was at least 5 years ago when the published zoning code said no grandfathered use and subject could not be rebuilt. Something that was uncommon in my areas. Otherwise I just read the published code section that deals with non conformities.

i get lots that do not meet the zoning requirement size quite often...that means a call...you know setbacks and such

 

[George Hatch]

All RE is local, but in this region I always have access to their municipal code which will include a section on zoning inclusive of their densities and height limits and setbacks.

I actually do a screengrab of their zoning summaries and insert into my "Site" page. Except that the city of LA and a couple others don't actually publish a concise zoning summary, in which case I insert a link to their muni code. I still read up on those specifics when I need to know but that isn't usually necessary.

The screengrab is obviously overkill for 1-4s unless there's an HBU issue, but I still do it anyway. Personal quirk

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

Looking up the zoning of a property and catching a screengrab of the map shouldn't take you more than about 5 minutes.

. . . although IMO it's a love-hate relationship with maps without any street names...

 

[Dublin ohio]

i get lots that do not meet the zoning requirement size quite often...that means a call...you know setbacks and such

Typically in my areas the setback requirements are in the zoning code. Front, side and rear. Along with height restrictions and lot coverage

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

i get lots that do not meet the zoning requirement size quite often...that means a call...you know setbacks and such

Sometimes I wonder if appraisers define the status as "legal non-conforming" rather than downright "illegal." How is it possible to determine retrospective developmental standards when a 70 year old SFR was built, or the standards in effect on an unknown date when a reconfiguration was made. And, does "legal non-conforming" require the alterations to have been conducted with corresponding building permits, as per a recent interview with planning? And does anybody know how lending decisions are affected by illegal vs. Legal-non? Or... what's the flip side of the typical "50% damaged/destroyed" threshold that affects rebuild status? [Just curious...]

 

[djd09]

what's the flip side of the typical "50% damaged/destroyed" threshold that affects rebuild status? [Just curious...]

can they rebuild is the 64,000 dollar question.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

can they rebuild is the 64,000 dollar question.

I think the typical rebuild verbiage describes rebuild if . . . Damaged/ destroyed by more than 50%, e.g. by fire. Granted n reported according. But what if the impact affects LESS THAN 50%......?

 

[Dublin ohio]

I think the typical rebuild verbiage describes rebuild if . . . Damaged/ destroyed by more than 50%, e.g. by fire. Granted n reported according. But what if the impact affects LESS THAN 50%......?

The 50/50 thing is sometimes difficult to determine unless you read everything associated with non conforming lots or structures or a combination of them. In the majority of my areas, for a single family zoned area. If the lot is only non conforming they will allow reconstruction of the structure if it was a single family property and typically the same in areas zoned 2 family. It is the case of a non conforming structure that is usually subject to the 50/50 rule.

 

[djd09]

can you rebuild is a trick question...possibly with a variance...sounds like a zoning dept responsibility