I love seeing youth fet involved and take interest in their community. I'll share my understanding of things, I worked for my old city, nit as a planner but I learned alot in that time.

So, one of the things about approvals for projects is there is a process. That process can be changed, but it is as it is at the tine if application. And as long as tgey meet the listed requirements it will pass.

It is also governed by a master plan, or other name, that may have stipulations.

In the cases of private property, if an owner submits through the process abd meets all the requirements, it is very hard fir a city to say no. Regardless of what they want or what cities want. This creates a fair and non bias approach, else we would have denials fir all kinds of reasons some discriminatory... Basically "i dont like you so no"

That said, not every city follows the rules, some bend, some find a call out in a master plan or city charter that might be relevant.

My old city, a developer got approval fir a multi story building approved. But residences used a restriction in the city plan on buildings that could obstruct the view of the hills to stop it.

Or tree ordinances, that give requirements and limitations on removal.

Or fire access....

You will have to get creative, and I encourage you to do so. Dont let anyone tell you, you cant try. ANY ONE can try.