The fact that land having structures that are "grandfathered in" is a major selling point for any piece of property with said structures tells you all you need

The fact that land having structures that are "grandfathered in" is a major selling point for any piece of property with said structures tells you all you need to know about how much of a success curtailing people's freedom to build what they want on their own property has been. >I looked into buying a lot and building, and estimates were showing that the permitting process could cost more than the lot itself. That's the point. The city is creating an artificial wealth minimum for people developing properties. If you don't have at least $X to burn on their whims then you are not allowed to build in their city.