What is a Green Alert?

Low risk of inappropriate development. Zoning properly reflects residential density, and the neighbors have likely joined in a covenant to further protect the neighborhood's character. Historic preservation zoning or conservation districting will also make a neighborhood 'green'. Property values are preserved and will continue to grow as the housing market recognizes that this is a healthy community, with neighbors that respect each other and protect each other's interests.

What is a Blue Alert?

Guarded risk of inappropriate development. Although properly zoned, and lot splits are unlikely, more needs to be done to protect the neighborhood. Original houses may be replaced with oversized, unattractive, or lesser-quality construction. Even when houses are not torn down, budget remodeling jobs can add out-of-character touches like unpainted aluminum window frames and vinyl siding. In some cases, front yards have been replaced with 50-foot-wide driveways.

What is a Yellow Alert?

Elevated risk of inappropriate development. The neighborhood may be zoned inappropriately, allowing developers to split lots in half and build oversized structures over the objections of the community. INCOG and the City Council both have mechanisms to prevent this, but neighbors must be organized, and the best chance to fix the problem is BEFORE a developer moves in.

What is an Orange Alert?

High risk of inappropriate development. In addition to the yellow alert conditions, a house may be up for sale. Often, midtown houses are actively marketed as good candidates to be torn down and re-developed.

What is a Red Alert?

Severe risk of inappropriate development. Usually, a home in the neighborhood has been sold to a teardown artist, a developer, a profiteer, or anyone who intends to exploit the zoning problem, tear the house down, split the lot in half, and build too densely for the neighborhood. Neighbors need to organize, contact INCOG or their city councilor, and consider hiring an attorney in order to preserve their property values. But once the foundation is poured, it may be too late.