Use Local Ordinances to Block Building Permits and Zoning

I'm asking you to use local ordinances to block building permits and deny zoning approvals for developments that don't serve our community's interests. We have the legal tools to protect our neighborhoods, and we need to use them. Our existing ordinances give us leverage to stop projects that would increase traffic congestion, strain our infrastructure, or change the character of residential areas. Every permit approval sets a precedent. When we rubber-stamp applications without scrutiny, we lose control over how our community develops. Other municipalities have successfully used zoning restrictions, environmental reviews, and permit conditions to maintain local control. We should do the same. I want to see you direct staff to apply maximum scrutiny to every application and use every available ordinance to block permits that don't meet our standards.