To facilitate discussion about which species might be considered for protection, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with members of the local science community who have expertise in the areas of birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, plants and plant communities, and reptiles and amphibians.

Review of existing ordinances, studies, and articles indicates that costs associated with making homes more accessible are minimal, yet jurisdictions in other parts of the United States have tended to limit the application of "visitability" ordinances to housing that is funded by a government entity.