Land use planning requires multiple critical steps and coordination with title services, land surveys and zoning regulations.
Economic efficiency and proximity to infrastructure are also essential aspects of planning. For instance, it would be more cost effective and prudent to locate heavy traffic generators near high capacity streets rather than line them with driveways and shopping centers.
1. Strategic Planning
Land use planning is an integral element of creating communities that are environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. This guide details the steps necessary for successfully navigating land development regulations, aiding NAHB members and HBAs in creating communities where present and future generations can flourish.
Strategic land use arrangement is crucial to stimulating local economies. This includes creating locations for commercial and industrial businesses, making sure there are sufficient housing options to meet demand, as well as protecting natural and cultural resources.
Environment Justice (EJ) refers to achieving fairness and balance in access to environmental resources, burdens and participation in decision making processes. EJ works towards eliminating disparities among different groups in society – people of color or low-income communities in particular may have less access to resources or bear greater responsibilities compared to others in their community. Land use planners can assist in alleviating imbalances by considering factors like accessibility and commuting patterns when designing land use plans.
2. Zoning
Land use planning often incorporates zoning laws to protect the environment while simultaneously offering opportunities for public engagement and improving community health.
Land use zoning can be divided into six major categories: agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, railroad and open land. Agricultural land is dedicated to growing crops and raising livestock while residential zoning allows for apartments or single-family homes; commercial zoning allows offices, restaurants and retail businesses; while industrial zones enable warehouses and manufacturing facilities; railroad and open land zones accommodate roads or rail lines and transportation infrastructures.
Land use planning helps communities optimize the Earth’s 57,308,738 square miles by determining what uses can be made of each area within their county and their impact on surrounding areas. Land use planning also ensures all necessary services are within reach for residents while encouraging economic development and supporting greater livability for its population.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental, social and economic impact assessments evaluate potential land development projects from an environmental, social and economic standpoint. Their purpose is to promote sustainable growth while meeting local or government regulations – including cost/benefit scenarios, environmental impacts and legal constraints.
For instance, a construction project which disturbs native animal species or generates excessive noise pollution may constitute an environmental concern and merit an EIS or Environmental Assessment Statement as outlined by its lead agency.
Effective planning takes into account the needs of its community, such as affordable housing options and access to open public spaces, while at the same time seeking to minimize negative environmental effects, including climate change mitigation efforts and adopting ecologically friendly development practices. Community-based adaptation strategies may include watershed protection and restoration, habitat connectivity and land conservation – this approach may even include environmental justice principles ensuring all people have equal access to environmental resources as well as participation in decision making processes.
4. Design Guidelines
Land use planning encourages sustainable development to meet the needs of future generations without depleting resources faster than they can be replenished, rather than engaging in unsustainable sprawl growth patterns that disperse residents over a large area and require excessive amounts of energy for transportation and utility systems to serve it.
Housing diversity and affordability is crucial to economic development, livability and sustainability. When residential and commercial uses are located near public facilities, amenities and services, an optimal environment is created.
Land use planning will also support commercial and industrial business expansion to foster an expansive economy. The County will aim to place various business intensities where they will best fulfill the objectives of its Comprehensive Plan; for instance, by situating higher intensity industrial and commercial developments near existing infrastructure it may be possible to maximize investments’ benefits and boost growth.