Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

Where: Colorado Springs, CO How is Colorado Springs choosing to define owner occupied? An owner must inhabit the property for more than 185 days per year What if an owner does not occupy property for more than 185 days per year? Not be allowed in single-family residential or single-family planned unit development zoning districts In […]

Where: NYC What is a bird friendly building ordinance? An ordinance that reduces the number of birds injured by flying into buildings How? the use of special materials along facades to avoid avian strikes applies to under under 75 feet, the maximum height of most bird flight What construction projects will it apply to?  all […]

Where: Texas Who: Texas State Representative Burns Why? Division and partisanship accomplish little How does this relate to eminent domain? He will continue to push his eminent domain reforms HB 991 (2019 | TX) Cleburn Times Review | State Rep. Burns calls for more considerate discourse

Who: Airbnb What is Airbnb doing to address short term rental nuisances? prohibit “open invite” parties at all of its accommodations Open invite parties are open to anyone and advertised on social media prohibit large parties at apartment buildings & condos identifying listings globally that may be violating the party house ban issuing new guest […]

Where: Ontario Province, Canada What: Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act increases fines and penalties for people who trespass on farms or interact with livestock being transported. How would the farm trespass enforcement be enforced? $15,000 fine for first offenders $25,000 for subsequent offenses Do farms get increased liability protection too? Yes increased protection against […]

Where: Missouri The legislation: Pre-filed HB 1412 (2020 |MO) What attorney fees would be awarded? Fees incurred by a property owner Actual reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred Webster County Citizen | Solon filing bills ahead of next month’s session

Who: Ikea Where: East Texas What: 42,000 of acres of pine forest Why: “high standards related to responsible forest management” & the company goal to become self-sustaining  Dallas Morning News | Why is IKEA buying up thousands of acres of forestland in East Texas?

Where? Jersey City, New Jersey What happened? After $4.2M spent on a local elections, formed a PAC called Keep Our Homes, and this week voters approved short term rental restrictions What’s the background between the city and Airbnb? 2015 they reached an agreement on short term rentals in the city In 2015 there were 300 […]

Who: RealX Ventures Inc. What: An online database of available property rights  How does it work? Owners list their property rights & offers can be made and accepted through the platform Expansion: other states, timber rights, solar rights Pittsburgh Business Times | Startup takes high-tech approach to a low-tech industry

How much time is too much time to have no enforceable conflict of interest in Nevada? 2 decades What changes are being considered? Part ways with the developer who also employs all the board members of the water district Establish procurement procedures Clear conflicts of Interest Disclosures Nevada Independent | Water district linked to developer […]