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Shovels Decisions are categorized by the type of municipal action they represent. Understanding these categories helps you filter for the decisions most relevant to your use case.

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Primary Categories

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Spot Rezoning

A zoning change applied to a specific property or small group of parcels. Spot rezonings are typically initiated by property owners or developers seeking to change what can be built on their land. Examples:
  • Changing a single-family residential lot to allow multifamily development
  • Converting a commercial parcel to mixed-use
  • Rezoning an industrial site for residential development
Why it matters: Spot rezonings often signal imminent development activity on that specific property.

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Area Rezoning

A zoning change applied to a larger geographic area, often initiated by the municipality as part of a comprehensive planning effort. Examples:
  • Rezoning an entire corridor for transit-oriented development
  • Upzoning a neighborhood to allow higher density
  • Creating a new overlay district for a downtown area
Why it matters: Area rezonings indicate broader market shifts and can affect property values across many parcels.

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Zoning Code Modification

Changes to the zoning regulations themselves, rather than the zoning designation of specific properties. These modify what’s allowed within existing zones. Examples:
  • Adjusting height limits in commercial zones
  • Adding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a permitted use
  • Modifying parking requirements citywide
Why it matters: Code modifications can unlock development potential across all properties in affected zones without individual rezonings.

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Special Use Permit

Permission to conduct a specific activity that isn’t automatically allowed in a zone but may be approved with conditions. Also called conditional use permits in some jurisdictions. Examples:
  • Operating a restaurant with outdoor seating in a residential area
  • Building a cell tower in a commercial zone
  • Running a daycare facility in a mixed-use building
Why it matters: Special use permits often precede specific business or development activity at a known location.

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Subcategories

Decisions may also include subcategories that provide additional context:
SubcategoryDescription
Inclusionary ZoningRequirements or incentives for affordable housing units
Conditional UseApproval contingent on meeting specific conditions
Planned Unit Development (PUD)Flexible zoning for master-planned projects
VarianceException to specific zoning requirements
Historic OverlaySpecial regulations for historic preservation

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Filtering by Category

When searching for decisions, you can filter by category to focus on the types most relevant to your needs:
  • Development tracking: Focus on Spot Rezoning and Special Use Permits
  • Market analysis: Include Area Rezoning and Zoning Code Modifications
  • Comprehensive monitoring: Include all categories
Category names may vary slightly by jurisdiction. Shovels normalizes these into consistent categories while preserving the original terminology in the decision details.