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.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Primary Categories
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
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
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
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
Subcategories
Decisions may also include subcategories that provide additional context:| Subcategory | Description |
|---|---|
| Inclusionary Zoning | Requirements or incentives for affordable housing units |
| Conditional Use | Approval contingent on meeting specific conditions |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | Flexible zoning for master-planned projects |
| Variance | Exception to specific zoning requirements |
| Historic Overlay | Special regulations for historic preservation |
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.