Read an excerpt from this article below. You can download the full article by using the link at the end of the excerpt.

Consider the following scenario: you are approached by a developer who is considering acquiring a large parcel for development into a major retail facility. He asks if he can “bend your ear” a bit, and gain an understanding of how you might view a zone change on this property to permit the facility. Since he has not yet purchased the property, he requests that you keep his inquiry confidential so as not to inflate the asking price for the property. In the interest of wanting to be helpful, you agree to keep the information confidential. During the conversation, you indicate your belief that the zone change is a good idea.

Several weeks later, and before any application has been submitted by the developer you spoke with, a different developer applies for a zone change for property across the street from the parcel owned by the developer you spoke with.

What are your ethical obligations when you participate in the review of this proposed zone change?

End of excerpt

C. Gregory Dale, FAICP, is a founding Principal with McBride Dale Clarion, the Cincinnati affiliate office of Clarion Associates. He has managed planning projects throughout the country, and is also a frequent speaker at planning and zoning workshops and conferences.

Between 1991 and 2009, Dale authored 31 articles for the Planning Commissioners Journal, including 21 for our Ethics & the Planning Commission series, and others on a variety of transportation and zoning topics. Dale is also a co-author of The Planning Commissioners Guide (American Planning Association, 2013).

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