Resident Zoning Engagement Preferences Survey

Welcome to the Zoning Engagement Survey. This survey is being conducted to understand how residents learn about and participate in zoning and land use decisions. Your responses will help improve how engagement opportunities are designed and communicated. Participation is voluntary, and you may stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers — we are interested in your honest opinions and experiences. All responses are confidential and will be reported in aggregate only. Estimated time: 6–8 minutes.

Which of the following best describes your connection to the city or county where these zoning changes would apply?

• I live here
• I work or own property here but do not live here
• I have no connection to this area

In the past 12 months, how aware have you been of proposed zoning changes in your area?

Please rank your top 3 preferred ways to receive zoning updates (1 = most preferred).

1. Email newsletters or updates
2. Text/SMS alerts
3. Mailed postcards or letters
4. Social media posts
5. City website project pages
6. Signs or notices posted near affected sites

Which engagement format do you prefer for zoning topics?

• In-person meeting
• Virtual live meeting
• Hybrid meeting (in-person + virtual)
• Asynchronous online input (e.g., comment portal)
• No preference

How important is it to you that you receive clear, plain-language information about how zoning changes may affect your neighborhood?

Based on your responses in this survey, what would make zoning engagement more useful or accessible for you?

What is your age?

• Under 18
• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65–74
• 75 or older
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for completing this survey. Your responses will be analyzed in aggregate and used to improve zoning engagement outreach in your community. All individual responses are confidential. If you have questions about this survey, please contact [department name and email].

Which of the following have you done related to zoning in the past 12 months? Select all that apply.

• Attended an in-person public meeting or open house
• Joined a live virtual meeting
• Completed an online survey
• Submitted comments on a project website or portal
• Spoke with city staff or elected officials
• Sent an email or letter to the city
• I have not participated in any zoning engagement

For in-person engagement, which supports would make it easier for you to attend? Select all that apply.

• Weekday evening times (5–8 pm)
• Weekend options
• Locations near public transit
• On-site childcare
• ASL interpretation or language translation
• ADA-accessible venues
• Shorter meetings (under 60 minutes)
• Materials available in advance
• Other (please specify)

How important is it to you that you can see how community input influenced zoning decisions?

We'd like to learn more about your experiences and ideas for improving zoning engagement in your community. Please share your thoughts, and we'll ask a few brief follow-up questions.

How do you describe your gender?

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary
• Prefer to self-describe
• Prefer not to say

What, if anything, makes it difficult for you to participate in engagement about zoning? Select all that apply.

• Did not hear about it in time
• Unclear how to get involved
• Meetings at inconvenient times
• Childcare or caregiving responsibilities
• Transportation or accessibility challenges
• Language or translation not available
• Topics feel too technical or confusing
• Unsure my input will be considered
• I'm not interested in zoning topics
• Nothing — I have not experienced barriers
• Other (please specify)

For online engagement, which features would help you participate? Select all that apply.

• Closed captions or live transcription
• Mobile-friendly options
• Recordings available after live sessions
• Ability to comment asynchronously
• Short sessions (under 45 minutes)
• Low-bandwidth option (audio-only)
• Live Q&A with staff
• Tutorial or walkthrough of tools
• Other (please specify)

How important is it to you that engagement opportunities are offered at multiple times and in multiple formats?

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or GED
• Some college or trade/technical
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Postgraduate or professional degree
• Prefer not to say

How important is it to you that engagement materials are available in languages other than English?

What is your current employment status?

• Employed full-time
• Employed part-time
• Self-employed
• Student
• Homemaker or caregiver
• Retired
• Unemployed and looking for work
• Unemployed and not looking for work
• Prefer not to say

Do you rent or own your current home?

• Rent
• Own
• Neither
• Prefer not to say

What is your ZIP or postal code? (Optional)