Understanding the motives of rural zoning decision makers

This study was designed to determine which decision-making criteria were used by zoning committee members in rural Wisconsin counties. Rezoning decisions were analyzed using survey, interview, and observational methods. Committee member decisions were motivated mostly by a desire to prevent harm to landowner health or safety as intended by zoning ordinances. Member decisions generally were not related to a desire for political advantage or a willingness to confer benefits on special interests.