Land use planning shapes how we build and protect our communities. This process determines how to divide space among multiple competing needs, including housing, agriculture, conservation, transportation and infrastructure.
This work varies in scale, from national land policy to parcel zoning. It relies on data and analytical models based on satellite imagery, and translates policy goals into spatial decisions.
Types of Land Uses
Land use planning is a vital aspect of urban development. It ensures that cities function properly, and provides for the growth and stability of communities and neighborhoods. It involves the process of establishing areas where people can work, shop, and live. It also includes designing ways to make sure these areas can be used in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Some of the types of land uses that can be considered for land planning purposes include agricultural, commercial, residential, and open space. This type of planning often influences the size and density of housing developments, infrastructure requirements, and community destinations.
For example, it’s possible that a new residential area would not be compatible with an industrial area because the noise, odors, truck traffic, and air pollution may disturb residents. This type of incompatibility is often addressed by separating these areas with land use planning strategies. In addition, these strategies can help to prevent land erosion and protect the environment from pollutants.
Zoning
While the exact laws and regulations governing land use planning will vary by region, state, county, or municipality, the basic concepts are universal. The aim of land use planning is to protect property values while ensuring that growth and development coincides with a city’s goals for housing, commercial space, and greenery.
The way that these goals are achieved is through zoning. Zoning is the process of dividing a jurisdiction’s land into districts with specific rules and regulations that dictate how buildings, structures, and uses can be constructed or operated.
For example, residential zoning may dictate what types of homes can be built in an area, how many homes are allowed per acre, whether or not accessory dwelling units (commonly known as “granny flats”) are permitted, aesthetic guidelines (like what colors you can paint your home), and more.
Other zoning options include industrial, commercial, retail, and historic zones. Some zoning systems also feature mixed-use districts where a compatible group of uses are allowed in one district.
Planning Permits
Unlike zoning, which focuses on what can be built in an area, planning permits deal with how building or other construction is conducted. The process typically scrutinizes how your construction will affect the community’s general appearance and safety. For example, a skyscraper may need a planning permit to ensure that it’s constructed in accordance with local building codes and regulations.
Development approvals and planning permits ensure that a proposed project meets municipal planning standards, which promote safe and sustainable construction practices and address local concerns like heritage conservation, traffic, and environmental impact. They also prevent the construction of unauthorized projects.
For instance, a townhouse can’t be built in a flood zone or in an area that’s vulnerable to earthquakes, as this would threaten the safety of residents and alienate productive land from future use. Planning approvals and permits also help authorities plan and distribute resources to meet the needs of the community. This helps them avoid resource waste and inefficiency.
Land Surveys
Land use planning promotes economic growth, ensures ecological conservation, fosters resilience, and supports community involvement. It is a vital process that ensures communities can grow without damaging the environment and without sacrificing quality of life.
A land survey is a professional measurement and mapping of a property that determines exact boundaries, documents structures on the site, and identifies any legal restrictions on the land. This information is crucial to landscape architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
A detailed survey involves an in-depth analysis of the land, capturing highly-detailed 3D images and data on the soil composition and topography of the plot. This information can be used to provide an accurate representation of the land and help developers decide on a suitable building location for a commercial project or for residential construction. Wetland and environmental surveys are also important for ensuring that development projects do not harm the surrounding natural environment. These are conducted by specialists who assess the presence of wetlands and other natural resources.