Principle of Conformity

The principle of conformity states that conformity to land use objectives contributes to economic stability in a residential community. This is why homes are built in the same style as the other properties in that same area, because the values will go up.

In areas that were not developed all at once or well not planned, individuals purchase vacant lots and set about building their own homes on those lots. Very often, these areas suffer from not having a sense of conformity. Some of the residents have a lot more money or differing ideas of beauty than the others, resulting in an eclectic mixture of properties with different sizes and designs in the area, hence hurting values.

Conformity is important in commercial areas also. The stores in an area should appeal to the same types of people in order to be successful. For example, it is no mystery why you tend to see Starbucks and Subway near each other more often than not. They tend to appeal to the same type of clientele-hungry people. So having both near each other makes a great deal of sense. There is a reason there is a food court in the mall.

It is important that the principle of conformity not be taken too far, however. Imagine if Starbucks was between two other coffee shops. Similarly, while it is preferable that a residential neighborhood should have similar types of homes, that similarity can become a bit much. When all the homes on the street are exactly the same, not only does not raise the value, but it also looks like a horror movie.