🛠 Local and state land-use proposals can emerge quickly—and often impact real estate. The Land Use Initiative provides free, expert legislative analysis and custom talking points to state and local REALTOR® associations facing legislative or regulatory proposals that could impact the transfer, use, or value of real property.

🆕 What’s New:
LUI now covers recently enacted laws—if no public comment opportunity was provided, and local officials are open to amending the measure.

🧩 What Can Be Analyzed?
From zoning to rental regulations, LUI provides expert support on a broad spectrum of proposed measures, including:

  • General and Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Ordinances, and Subdivision Regulations
  • Moratoria and Downzoning Proposals
  • Environmental Setback and Historic Preservation Policies
  • Short-term and Long-term Rental Regulations
  • Vacant Property Standards, Property Maintenance Codes, and Community Character Guidelines
  • Signage Restrictions, Impact Fees, Transfer Taxes, Point-of-Sale Requirements, and more

⏳ How It Works

  • Submit your request via the Land Use Proposed Measure Analysis Request Form  at least 15 business days before you need the analysis. (If the critical deadline is less than 15 business days, we’ll contact you to discuss the timeframe and whether a limited verbal analysis can be completed.)
  • Include the proposed and introduced ordinance or legislation, your concerns, and the specific sections to review.
  • If analysis was previously conducted on a proposed measure, a new analysis may only be requested if the measure has undergone substantial rewrites or additions since the original review.
  • If eligible, the request is sent to Robinson & Cole for expert review.
  • Receive a legislative analysis memo and talking points within 15 business days.
  • Follow up with your results once an outcome is known via a quick evaluation form.

🔍 Want to See Past Analyses?
Search LUI’s database by keyword, issue, date, or state on M1 (login required) to see how others have used this tool.

🎯 Success Stories
REALTOR® Associations have used the LUI to:
Advocate for Passage of Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Oklahoma City REALTORS)
Defeat Onerous Proposed Development Fees (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS)
Minimize Impact of Proposed Rental Regulations (New Orleans Association of REALTORS)
Improve flawed proposed zoning codes (East Tennessee REALTORS) 
Defeat Costly Development Regulations (St. Louis REALTORS) 

📚 Related Resources
Check out the Growth Management Fact Book – your go-to guide for land-use policy context.

Questions? Contact Christine Windle cwindle@nar.realtor, 202-383-1135