Search by Year (of adoption, publication, etc.)(55)
Please click on the year you would like to explore further
1960 (1)
1961 (1)
1965 (1)
1969 (1)
1972 (1)
1973 (2)
1976 (2)
1977 (1)
1978 (1)
1979 (1)
1980 (2)
1981 (1)
1982 (1)
1983 (3)
1984 (2)
1985 (1)
1986 (7)
1987 (7)
1988 (3)
1989 (10)
1990 (8)
1991 (12)
1992 (7)
1993 (10)
1994 (14)
1995 (17)
1996 (15)
1997 (25)
1998 (27)
1999 (24)
2000 (42)
2001 (29)
2002 (51)
2003 (47)
2004 (88)
2005 (33)
2006 (23)
2007 (16)
2008 (24)
2009 (29)
2010 (21)
2011 (21)
2012 (27)
2013 (28)
2014 (18)
2015 (28)
2016 (35)
2017 (20)
2018 (8)
2019 (8)
2020 (19)
2021 (23)
2022 (3)
2023 (2)
Unknown (242)
Search Results
Planning: Build-Out and Capacity Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, October 7, 2015Smart Growth, Build-Out Analysis, Capacity Analysis
New Jersey
State
The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions put together a Smart Growth Survival Kit that includes documents on the Environmental Resource Inventory, Affordable Housing, the Master Plan, and using Ordinances to protect local natural resources. Planning: Build-Out and Capacity Analysis is a part of the Survival Kit which details what Build-Out and Carrying Capacity are as well as the steps that must be taken in order to complete the analyses.
A Build-Out Analysis helps determine what a municipality will look like if all the vacan..
Read More
Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Georgia
Municipal
Under the Doraville, Georgia buildings and building regulation, the City formally adopts Version 2.2 of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations rating system (LEED-NC), any future amendments thereto will be reviewed by the City before consideration is given to the adoption of such amendments. Doraville is a northern suburb of Atlanta and covers 3.6 square miles with almost 11,000 residents. The area typically has hot humid summers and mild, but occasiona..
Read More
County of Clark Stormwater and Erosion Control Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
Washington
Municipal
This chapter combines the county's stormwater and erosion control regulations are combined into one chapter, and apply to development or redevelopment activities that include adding 5,000 SF or more impervious surface in rural areas and 2,000 SF or more in urban areas. Stormwater requirements include off-site analysis of impacts _ mile downstream and conveyance standards. Erosion control requirements include variable requirements for small parcel and large parcel developments, signage at points of entry for subdivisions or short plats, and form..
Read More
Building a Transit-Friendly Community
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
New Jersey
State
This report is based on key findings and conclusions from NJ Transit’s “Transit-Friendly Communities for New Jersey” pilot community program. The report takes those lessons and translates them into helpful information to guide and assist other communities’ efforts for transit-friendly development, on topics such as access, development, and parking. The process used is broken down into steps to assist other communities in getting the process started...
Read More
City of Tuscon Transit-Oriented Development Handbook Final Draft
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Arizona
Municipal
This handbook outlines the City of Tucson’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan for the Tucson Streetcar Corridor. Its purpose is to guide planning and development around modern streetcar stops. Factors such as customer experience, land use, context sensitive design, pedestrian amenities, parking, and stop circulation and access are all addressed in relation to TOD along a streetcar corridor. A review of plans in peer communities is also provided to demonstrate successful implementation of TOD strategies...
Read More
Transit oriented Development Design Guidelines
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Florida
State
The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Design Guidelines developed by the Florida Department of Transportation to provide a framework for TOD development in Urban Core, Urban General, Suburban, and Rural transects. The document contains a chart detailing the type of transportation methods that are feasible in the different transects as well as a chart for each transect that contains design guidelines for gross density indicators, intensity/density of use, parking, mixed use and diversity, and street network to be used by communities in developi..
Read More
Town of Brookhaven Farmland Bill of Rights
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Farmland Protection & Preservation
New York
Municipal
Under the Town of Brookhaven’s Farmland Bill of Rights, Town bodies or officials that have land use or development responsibilities must notify applicants of proposed development projects of the existence of a protected farming operation within 1,000 feet of the development’s boundaries. The ordinance establishes that the benefits of bona fide agricultural production, both to the residents of the community as well as to the local government, outweigh the nuisances associated with farming operations. The ordinance defines the agricultural produc..
Read More
City of Annapolis Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Maryland
Municipal
The City of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is set in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. Only 29 miles east of Washington D.C., Annapolis has a population of 36,524 people, with a population density of 5,326 people per square mile. Annapolis has several public transportation options, including an eight-route bus system and railway connecting the city to nearby Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Annapolis uses an integrated approach in regulating the planning, design, and sustainability of buildings. The city’s sustainable building law manda..
Read More
City of Albuquerque Solar Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Solar Energy
New Mexico
Municipal
This ordinance was created to clarify the rights people have in terms of using solar power. Specifically, there are limits to the creation of solar power rights, as well as a permitting and recording requirements...
Read More
County of Bay County Density and Intensity Bonus Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Affordable Housing , Density
Florida
Municipal
The Density and Intensity Bonus Ordinance encourages high quality affordable housing development and redevelopment in Bay County, Florida. This statute sets forth provisions for the calculation of density and intensity bonuses and establishes criteria for affordable housing and details about the application process for affordable housing...
Read More
County of Catawba Building Services Fee Schedule – Green Building Incentives
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
North Carolina
Municipal
Under the Catawba County Building Services Fee Schedule, the County provides owners of new construction with a rebate off of blanket permit fees if the structures achieve certification in a designated green building program. Catawba County, North Carolina, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which provide moderate winter temperatures and summer breezes. The County covers 405 square miles, consisting of 8 municipalities and an estimated population of over 150,000 inhabitants.
Under the fee schedule new structures are e..
Read More
Town of Chapel Hill Energy Conservation in Design and Construction of New and Renovated Town Buildings
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
North Carolina
Municipal
Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed an “Energy Conservation in Design and Construction of New and Renovated Town Buildings” ordinance to require the greening of public buildings. The ordinance makes it mandatory for new municipal buildings and additions greater than 5,000 square feet to achieve “Silver” level LEED certification. The ordinance also gives the Town Council authority to require buildings and additions smaller than 5,000 square feet to achieve LEED silver certification. The ordinance does not apply to retrofits or renovations of t..
Read More
County of Athens-Clarke Conservation Subdivision Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
Georgia
Municipal
This conservation subdivision ordinance establishes requirements for subdivision within the AR zone. These requirements include the retention of open space and the meeting of design standards. ..
Read More
County of Cook Building Construction Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Illinois
Municipal
Cook County, Illinois has over 130 incorporated municipalities, the largest of which is the county seat, Chicago, which makes up approximately 54% of the population of the county. The county of 5,294,664 residents is the second most populous in the United States after Los Angeles County, and is home to 43.3% of Illinois residents. Cook is on the coast line of Lake Michigan and has a total area of 1,635 square miles, 946 of which is land and 689 of which is water.
Cook County’s Building Construction ordinance requires that all newly constru..
Read More
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
New York
Municipal
Chapter 118 of the Municipal Code for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson is designed to prevent erosion and to protect property, roadways, and waterways from the negative effects of erosion, including deposition on roadways, creation of gullies, flooding, clogging of sewers, pollution, the increase of weeds in waterways, and the death of fish. ..
Read More
County of Douglas Single-Family Residential Drainage, Erosion, and Sediment Control Requirements
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Colorado
Municipal
This ordinance establishes minimum sediment and erosion control requirements in Douglas County to protect the “life, property and the environment.” It was awarded the International Erosion Control Association (IECA)'s Environmental Achievement Grand Award in 2004. It applies to all single-family and includes slope requirements for final pervious and non-pervious grades on the lot, and the installation of Best Management Practices before the Certificate of Occupancy can be issued...
Read More
City of Austin Land Development Ordinance - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
Texas
Municipal
Interested parties, as defined in the statute, are provided with a process to meet, discuss, and attempt to resolve issues raised by an appeal of an administrative decision in a “meeting to resolve issues.”..
Read More
City of Austin Save Our Springs Initiative Petition Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Aquifer Protection, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
Texas
Municipal
The purpose of the ordinance is “to preserve a clean and safe drinking water supply, to prevent further degradation of the water quality in Barton Creek, Barton Springs, and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer, to provide for fair, consistent, and cost effective administration of the City's watershed protection ordinances, and to promote the public health, safety, and welfare.” The ordinance limits impervious coverage on certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer watershed and establishes regulations for buffers around specific water quality zones of..
Read More
City of Boulder Green Building and Green Points Program
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Colorado
Municipal
The City of Boulder, Colorado, just 25 miles northwest of Denver, lies within Boulder Valley east of Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder is known for its outdoor activities, including cycling and running, and has earned a reputation as “green” city due to the City’s walkability, transit oriented development, green building techniques, and overall aesthetically pleasing design. The Green Points Program (“Green Points”), created in 1996, was the first mandated municipal residential dwelling building code in the country. Boulder’s green building..
Read More
City of Brandon Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Mississippi
Municipal
This ordinance is a means of controlling typical problems associated with erosion, and other land disturbances. Uniform permit standards apply to such projects that alter, improve, or disturb any natural drainage crevice, sinkhole, ditch, known subterranean water channel, closed systems, catch basins, dry wells or any other drainage facilities whether natural or constructed. (Ord. of 1-6-98, § 1)..
Read More
Village of Bronxville Controlled Development District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Site Plan Approval, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
New York
Municipal
In order to facilitate planned and controlled development in accordance with the Village Comprehensive Plan, the Village of Bronxville establishes Controlled Development Districts too allow for possible development on a scale and with a flexibility that could not otherwise be achieved in the Village’s present zoning districts. The newly established districts recognize that some developments require specialized consideration and treatment by providing for the establishment of separate and distinct substantive standards for planned and controlled..
Read More
County of Fairfax Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Virginia
Municipal
This ordinance not only requires that land disturbing activity meets Virginia best management practice guidelines, but lists several more stringent controls. For instance, the use of brush or rebar-enforced straw bale barriers is not allowed. Additionally, this ordinance lists a number of fees which must be paid prior to the issuance of any land disturbing permits including: soil report fees, drainage study fees, and water quality fees...
Read More
City of Doraville Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Georgia
Municipal
Under the Doraville, Georgia buildings and building regulation, the City formally adopts Version 2.2 of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations rating system (LEED-NC), any future amendments thereto will be reviewed by the City before consideration is given to the adoption of such amendments. Doraville is a northern suburb of Atlanta and covers 3.6 square miles with almost 11,000 residents. The area typically has hot humid summers and mild, but occasiona..
Read More
City of Greensboro Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
North Carolina
Municipal
The purpose of this ordinance is to “regulate certain land-disturbing activity to control accelerated erosion and sedimentation to prevent the pollution of water and other damage to lakes, watercourses, and other public and private property by sedimentation”. Permits for land disturbing activity are required for properties that meet certain conditions. Generally, a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan is required and must contain the control objectives including identifying critical areas, limiting time of exposure, limiting exposed ar..
Read More
Town of Hilton Head Fees and Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Affordable Housing
South Carolina
Municipal
According to the Fees and Permits Ordinance, construction permit fees are reduced by fifty percent for any project that has qualified for affordable housing financial assistance from any government or non-profit entity. Proof of funding must be provided in the form of legal documentation. Rental residential construction fees are reduced by the percentage of affordable housing units provided. ..
Read More
Town of Kent Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
The Town of Kent’s Freshwater Wetlands ordinance contains enforcement provisions which specifically related to the protection of this natural resource. ..
Read More
Town of Limington Article VII: Performance Standards, Specific Activities, and Land Uses – Aquifer Protection Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Aquifer Protection
Maine
Municipal
This ordinance regulates those who use the aquifer for the purpose of water extraction and prohibits the extraction of water to the extent that it causes undesirable changes in groundwater flow, pollution, and sedimentation or erosion. The ordinance is designed to provide general provisions that maintain safe and healthful conditions associated with groundwater use and extraction...
Read More
Town of Morristown Transit Village Core Zone (TVC)
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning
New Jersey
Municipal
The Code of Ordinances for the Town of Morristown, New Jersey, provides for a Transit Village Core Zone (TVC), which is aimed at creating a livable, walkable community that decreases the need for cars. The town was the first of five transit villages designated in 2000 by New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit, as its downtown includes a New Jersey Transit station on the Midtown Direct Line that connects commuters to New York Penn Station. In September 2009, the town unveiled a $75 million, 217-unit condominium project kn..
Read More
Town of North Castle Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
New York
Municipal
Through Chapter 101 of the Town Code for the Town of North Castle, the Town Board declares that the purpose of this law is to safeguard persons, protect property, prevent damage to the environment and promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development or other activity which disturbs or breaks the topsoil or results in the movement of earth on land situated in the town. ..
Read More
New York State General City Law: Chapter 21; Article 3 Official Maps and Planning Boards; § 28-a. City Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning
New York
Municipal
This law authorizes city governments in New York to develop comprehensive plans and to regulate land use for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and general welfare of their citizens. The law identifies several items which these comprehensive plans should include: (a) General statements of goals, objectives, principles, policies, and standards upon which proposals for the immediate and long-range enhancement, growth and development of the city are based, (b) Consideration of regional needs and the official plans of other governm..
Read More
State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Comprehensive Planning
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning
New York
State
This instructional paper gives local leaders an overview of ways in which to implement comprehensive planning in their communities. The paper covers such topics as: a definition of comprehensive planning, the purpose of developing a comprehensive plan, how and when to implement the plan, the authority under which communities are able to implement the plan, and a description of what limitations and concerns may come up. ..
Read More
State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Moratorium on Development
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Local Boards, Moratoria
New York
State
This instructional paper gives local leaders an overview of ways in which to implement a moratorium on development in their communities. The paper covers such topics as: defining moratoria on development, the purpose of creating a moratorium on development, how and when to implement the moratorium, the authority under which communities are able to implement the moratorium, a description of what limitations and concerns may come up, and examples of municipalities putting moratoria into action.
..
Read More
State of New York Series I: Basic Tools and Techniques Issue Number 3 Local Boards and Practices
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Land Use Planning, Local Boards
New York
State
The New York state legislature has created a system of local boards to govern the use and conservation of land and the quality of life as it is affected by land use. The local legislature adopts zoning and land use regulations; after a zoning code is adopted by this first group, a zoning board of appeals is created to perform quasi-judicial and administrative functions; and a planning board is created to perform advisory and administrative functions related to community planning and land use decision-making...
Read More
How Can a Community Create Affordable Housing Opportunities?
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Affordable Housing
New York
State
New York does not allow municipalities to use zoning laws to discriminate on race or socioeconomic standing. Analysis of case law shows a trend of encouraging development of affordable housing, though New York does not expressly forbid exclusionary zoning...
Read More
New York State Town Law: § 272-a. Town Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016New York
State
This ordinance authorizes Town Boards in New York State to create comprehensive plans. Legislative findings and intent are given along with a description of the content of a town comprehensive plan, preparation of such a plan, referrals of comprehensive plans, public hearings and notice, adoption of town comprehensive plans, environmental review of plans, agricultural review and coordination, periodic review, effect of adoption of the town comprehensive plan and regulations for filing a town comprehensive plan. ..
Read More
State of Pennsylvania Right-to-Farm Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Right-to-Farm
Pennsylvania
State
This statute sets forth Pennsylvania’s right-to-farm policy. The statute describes the issues that excessive development poses for agricultural areas and establishes goals to decrease the loss of farmland and prevent nuisance lawsuits against legitimate farming land uses...
Read More
Town of Pawling Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Enforcement, Timber Harvesting
New York
Municipal
The Town of Pawling’s Timber Harvesting ordinance contains enforcement provision related specifically to harvesting issues and protection of natural resources. ..
Read More
City of Rahway Mixed-Use Zone
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
New Jersey
Municipal
The City Code of Rahway, New Jersey provides for an “M-X” zoning district (mixed use zone) that aims to create a high-density area near the Rahway Train Station (which underwent a $16 million renovation, including a public plaza in front of the station) by providing for multiple uses and pedestrian linkages to the waterfront and downtown areas. The renovation of the train station has led to an increased effort in downtown revitalization, with new residences, restaurants, and art galleries being constructed in the downtown area.
The M-X ordin..
Read More
Model Active Use Conservation Easement for Western United States
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
U.S. Federal
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement, specifically the easement address provisions that may be relevant for properties that intend to stay as working farms or ranches. The source of this sample is the Red Lodge Clearinghouse, which seeks to resolve resource conflicts in the western U.S. ..
Read More
Salem Area Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
Oregon
Municipal
Identified as a model for Oregon by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, Salem’s comprehensive plan identifies specific areas called public investment areas (PIAs) where improvements are focused. Their purpose is to coordinate and concentrate investments for urban services, such as sewer, water, drainage, streets, parks, and schools, to provide full-serviced land for development, and to reduce the amount of dispersed development. Salem’s focused public investment plan (FPIP) ensures that planned projects are timed so that services..
Read More
City of Santa Fe Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Water Conservation
New Mexico
Municipal
This ordinance is from the Santa Fe Code of Ordinances. It requires all new building to use “low flow” water conservation fixtures in bathroom and kitchen areas, also all residents must retrofit their homes to include these devices by Jan. 1, 2003. All eating establishments will provide water to customers only upon request. Outdoor irrigation is prohibited during the mid-day hours. Use of greywater (recycled water from sources other than the water closet or kitchen sink) is encouraged for landscaping purposes as in compliance with New Mexico st..
Read More
City of Santa Fe Water Harvesting and Irrigation Standards
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Landscaping, Water Conservation
New Mexico
Municipal
This ordinance discusses ways of harvesting water for irrigation. The goal of the ordinance is to preserve potable water as much as possible by making use of water gained from other sources. Water sources encourages are passive water collection techniques such as surface water collection, in-ground storage collection, and active water collection such as storage and distribution systems...
Read More
Town of Bedford Community Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
Massachusetts
Municipal
Bedford’s Community Preservation Ordinances adopt the Massachusetts General Law Ch 44B, Community Preservation Act. Article 2 levies a 3% property tax surcharge, to be set aside for activities outlined in the Community Preservation Act, including open space preservation; and Article 6 establishes a Community Preservation Committee. The Community Preservation Act is a state law designed to encourage open space preservation by authorizing communities to raise funds through a property tax surcharge, as well as offering potential matching state fu..
Read More
Town of North Hampton Open Space Acquisition Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition
New Hampshire
Municipal
This is the text of the ordinance that was brought to vote to allow North Hampton to authorize the issuance of bonds and notes and allow the selectman to use them toward the acquisition of property or easements. This ordinance, along with the open space committee, North Hampton Forever, has been working to acquire land...
Read More
New York State Constitution Article I Section 7
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition
New York
State
Article I Section 7 of the NY State Constitution relates to eminent domain. Along with eminent domain and private property in general, the legislature establishes that private roads may be opened upon a jury determination. In addition, Article 7 establishes that construction and maintenance of the drainage systems for swamp and agricultural lands is permissible even when those lands are privately owned. Rules regarding compensation under these circumstances are also presented in this article...
Read More
Town of Apex Exterior Lighting Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Lighting
North Carolina
Municipal
While the primary purpose of the ordinance is for human safety and minimizing the negative effects of lighting disturbance to neighboring properties, reducing excessive lighting not only conserves energy, but also increases visibility of the night sky resource...
Read More
New York State General City Law: § 21 Public or Municipal Purpose & General Welfare Defined
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This law sets forth the definitions for “public or municipal purpose” and “general welfare.” ..
Read More
Town of Brookhaven Required Attendance at Public Meetings for Members of Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
The Town of Brookhaven created this local law to establish minimum attendance requirements for all Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board members...
Read More
New York State Constitution Article IX. Local Governments
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
Article IX of the Constitution of the State of New York defines the peripheral rights delegated to local government. The local government shall have a legislative body, controls the election planning elected by the people or appointment, allocate funding for the local government, and confer powers to the local government regarding enactments of laws and statutes...
Read More
New York City Housing Development Corporation Act
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
Legislation creating and empowering the New York City Housing Development Corporation. ..
Read More
New York State General City Law: Article 2-A. Powers of Cities; § 19 General Grant of Powers
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
According to this New York State law, every city is granted the power to regulate, manage and control its property and local affairs...
Read More
New York State General City Law: Chapter 21; Article 3 Official Maps & Planning Boards; § 27 Planning Board, Creating & Appointing
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This law authorizes cities in New York State to create Planning boards, and describes the appointment procedures for these boards. The law specifies such things as what persons are eligible for positions on the Planning Boards, what the term of service should be for these positions, the size of the Boards, and the voting procedures. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law: § 267-b. Permitted Action by a Town Board of Appeals
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This law describes the procedures to be used by Zoning Boards of Appeals in towns within New York State. The topics covered include: orders, requirements, decisions, interpretations, determinations, use variances, area variances, and imposition of conditions. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law: § 282. Court Review
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This law describes the procedure for appealing an adverse decision made by a town zoning board. All appeals are reviewed by a special term of the supreme court in the manner provided by article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules. ..
Read More
City of Lenexa Pedestrian Oriented Design Standards
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD)
Kansas
Municipal
The City Code of Lenexa, Kansas, provides for Pedestrian Oriented Design Standards in order to encourage people to walk, rather than drive, for short trips. Lenexa is located in northeastern Kansas, and is considered to be part of the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area. With a population of about 46,000 people, Lenexa was voted the #26 best American small town to live in by Money magazine in July 2009. The city is part of the region that is serviced by Johnson County Transit (the JO), which is a bus rapid transit (BRT) service that runs..
Read More
New York State Town Law: § 283. Issuance of Licenses and Permits in Certain Towns
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
In towns which have a building department, which has been set up as an adjunct of the town planning board, this law gives authority to that department to issue all license or permits, and to collect whatever fees are required by law. ..
Read More
Village of Port Jefferson Required Training for Members of Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
The Required Training for Members of Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Law (or § 250-54) of the Municipal Code for the Village of Port Jefferson recognizes that the training of planning board and zoning board of appeals members is essential to allow them to carry out their duties. Minimum training requirements are set out and reimbursement provisions are provided for cost of training as well as travel, lodging, and meal expense...
Read More
Town of Yorktown Article II: Conservation Board; § 10-7. Creation; Powers & Duties; Membership
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
The Town of Yorktown has created a Conservation Board pursuant to General Municipal Law section 239-x. The Town Board appoints ten members to the Conservation Board and the conservation board members serve for three year terms...
Read More
County of Blue Earth Livestock Manure Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Local Environmental Law, Agriculture, Manure Management
New York
Municipal
The goal of this ordinance is to minimize the pollution from domestic manure. Standards have been set to control methods of storage, distribution, spreading, and animal confinement, in order to minimize impacts on land, water, and air...
Read More
City of Albuquerque Subdivision Plat Procedures & Submission Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Alternative Dispute Resolution, Local Boards, Pre-Application & Consensus Building
New Mexico
Municipal
There is a moment reserved in the process for subdivision plat approvals where the applicant may be advised to schedule a review session with the Development Review Board by the Planning Director. In addition, mediation is considered as one of several methods of resolving conflicts arising through the complaint process for regulations in the zoning code, including those for community residential programs and emergency shelters. ..
Read More
Town of Amherst Conservation Easement Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Land Acquisition, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
New York
Municipal
This ordinance allows the town board to take easements for the public use. It sets out a procedure to take the land and provide for compensation for the taking. There are penalties if the taking is done in other manners. ..
Read More
City of Amsterdam Development near Streams, Rivers & Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
Law requiring that any development near streams, rivers, and wetlands receive a special use permit and approval from the zoning board. ..
Read More
Village of Bronxville Planning Board Rule of Reason
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Boards
New York
Municipal
The Village of Bronxville Planning Board and Design Review Committee is guided by a rule of reason when discharging its duties. Provisions the board follows are in accordance with legislative intent and are applied on the basis of reasonableness, consistency, practicability, fundamental fairness and interest of the applicant and Village...
Read More
Village of Irvington Environmental Conservation Board Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Environmental Conservation Board section of the Irvington Code establishes the Irvington Environmental Conservation Board (ECB), which consists of up to nine members appointed by the Village Board to serve for terms of two years, two members of which may be selected from the sixteen to twenty-one year old age group. The ECB will work to increase resources and public programs concerning the preservation, development and use of the natural resources, features, and conditions of the Village of Irvington insofar as beauty, quality, biologic int..
Read More
Town of Southwest Harbor Shellfish Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Maine
Municipal
This ordinance works to balance the harvest of shellfish with the protection and conservation of the resource primarily by establishing restrictions on the size and amount of shellfish harvested each year...
Read More
Village of Bronxville Site Design Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Site Design Standards
New York
Municipal
The Village of Bronxville created site plan and approval standards for use by the Design Review Committee and the Planning Board in reviewing applications for development. These standards include regulations for: landscape and environment; relationship of structures and open space; circulation and parking; protection of neighbors; compliance with other laws and regulations; surface water drainage; and applications for accessory uses...
Read More
State of New Jersey Riparian Buffer Conservation Zone Model Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Buffer Zones, Local Environmental Law, Water Resource Protection
New Jersey
State
This model ordinance provides a template for New Jersey municipalities wishing to implement a riparian buffer conservation zone to protect water resources and control flooding. The riparian buffer conservation zones are divided into three categories based on the natural characteristics of the water course, and each offering varying levels of protection. An overlay to the existing zoning districts is created; the provisions apply to any activity requiring a building permit, zoning variance, special exception, conditional use, or subdivision/la..
Read More
Town of Guilderland Site Plan Approval Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
New York
Municipal
This law outlines the application procedures required for site plan approval in the town of Guilderland, New York. The topics covered by the law include: authorization to grant or deny site plan approval; time of submittal; preapplication sketch; application for preliminary site plan approval; factors for consideration; modification; action on preliminary application; application for final detailed site plan approval; and action on the final detailed site plan application. ..
Read More
New York State Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
New York
State
This law authorizes cities in New York State to undertake the process of Site Plan Review. The law sets forth criteria which city zoning boards may use when doing Site Plan Review, such as: parking, means of access, screening, signs, landscaping, architectural features, location and dimensions of buildings, adjacent land uses and physical features meant to protect adjacent land uses as well as any additional elements specified by the legislative body in such zoning ordinance or local law. The law also discusses other features of Site Plan Rev..
Read More
City of Bend Land Use Review & Procedures Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
Oregon
Municipal
The Bend Land Use Review and Procedures Ordinance requires developers to consult and plan with the City and the public in order to obtain development permits, and in so doing forces development to comply with zoning and land use regulations as outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan. ..
Read More
Town of Babylon Structures Over Water Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
Chapter 213, Article XXXII, allows building permits to be given for structures erected over water (which are usually banned under the zoning laws) if two criteria are met. Those criteria are: that the town board must find that (1) No discharges of pollutants or other activities of any kind deleterious to surrounding wetland and surface water shall be permitted to occur on the site, and (2) there shall be provision made for the safe collection and disposal of waste. ..
Read More
Town of Batavia Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Overlay District, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
This law is designed to protect those areas of the town which are important to ensuring a safe and healthful drinking water supply for the Batavia area, local residents, employees and the general public through the preservation of the town's groundwater sources. The designation of two Wellhead Protection Areas (WPA) within the Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone and the careful regulation of activities with these zones will reduce the potential for groundwater contamination. The Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone will preserve and maintain the exist..
Read More
County of Beaufort Comprehensive Plan – Affordable Housing Policy
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Affordable Housing , Comprehensive Planning
South Carolina
Municipal
The Comprehensive Plan of the County offers a complete summation on the need for affordable housing and the problems that accompany implementation. The plan contains several policies to facilitate an effective affordable housing program. The recommendations include: creating public/private/community consensus, the leveraging of resources and the encouragement of a variety of housing types. Policy Five suggests using high-density residential prototypes, expedited review and approval, and targeted financial incentives. ..
Read More
City of Belleview Trash Collection & Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
Nebraska
Municipal
This recycling ordinance contains a detailed description of both the type of materials that are to be recycled, and the form in which they are to be collected...
Read More
City of Bend Solar Setback Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy
Oregon
Municipal
Title 10-10 of the Bend Code attempts to provide as much solar access as feasible during the winter solar heating hours to existing or potential buildings by requiring all new structures to be constructed as far south on their lots as is feasible and necessary...
Read More
Plan4Health Food Systems (APA)
Date Added: Monday, June 25, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The Plan4Health American Planning Association Project released a report on Food systems. The Plan4Health coalition identifies the factors that impact a community’s access to healthy food, compiles Best Practices, and provides additional resources regarding these factors that impact food systems. The report provides information about and suggestions for community gardens, home gardens, healthy corner stores, mobile markets, food hubs, and food banks. The report also provides a list of communities with Plan4Health Cohorts. ..
Read More
Plan4Health Food Systems (APA)
Date Added: Monday, June 25, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The Plan4Health American Planning Association Project released a report on Food systems. The Plan4Health coalition identifies the factors that impact a community’s access to healthy food, compiles Best Practices, and provides additional resources regarding these factors that impact food systems. The report provides information about and suggestions for community gardens, home gardens, healthy corner stores, mobile markets, food hubs, and food banks. The report also provides a list of communities with Plan4Health Cohorts. ..
Read More
Plan4Health Active Living (APA)
Date Added: Tuesday, June 26, 2018Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The Plan4Health American Planning Association Project released a report on Active Living. The Plan4Health coalition considers how the build environment supports or hinders active living (incorporating physical activity into everyday activities). The toolkit provides several resources to help communities incorporate active living principles into their community planning. This report also provides examples of communities who have best practices regarding bike-friendly businesses, smart trips (framework encouraging people to reduce solo trips and ..
Read More
A Practitioner’s Guide for Advancing Health Equity: Community Strategies for Preventing Chronic Disease
Date Added: Tuesday, July 17, 2018Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The Healthy Equity Guide is meant to assist practitioners with promoting health and
preventing chronic disease in local communities. This information has been gathered from
local, state and tribal organizations as lessons on what to look for when addressing health
inequities. A major topic discussed is using green infrastructure and adopting bike/walking
paths to address disproportionate rates of obesity and create access to healthy food
resources. It also discusses creating safe and accessible streets for all users. In Section two,
the d..
Read More
Dobbs Ferry, New York Energy Task Force
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Local Boards, Solar Energy, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Dobbs Ferry Energy Task Force helps the Village of Dobbs Ferry become more sustainable through energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives; waste reduction and recycling; increased walking, bicycling, and transit use; and appropriate land use. The Task Force has:
• Obtained NYSERDA and NYPA grants to identify and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and continues to seek funding opportunities for similar measures;
• Published the Village’s 2017 Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing the Village’s greenhouse gas ..
Read More
County of Kent, Maryland Renewable Energy Task Force
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Local Boards, Solar Energy
Maryland
Municipal
In response to state and federal initiatives to reduce energy consumption and increase energy production from renewables, Kent County created its Renewable Energy Task Force to study and evaluate the benefits of renewable energy generation at multiple scales, make recommendations about appropriate renewable energy technologies, and propose policy changes and ordinance amendments. In 2011, the Task Force successfully proposed amendments to the County Code, adding both permitted use and special exception provisions for small-scale solar energy sy..
Read More
Borough of Naugatuck, Connecticut Code of Ordinances §4.16 – Street trees
Date Added: Tuesday, June 12, 2018Solar Energy
Connecticut
Municipal
Naugatuck, Connecticut’s subdivision regulations include street tree provisions that require a minimum amount of street trees in subdivisions but these provisions require street tree locations that avoid shading solar collectors and other passive solar access systems. ..
Read More
ICMA/ The Solar Foundation’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Encouraging Solar Development through Community Association Policies and Processes
Date Added: Tuesday, June 19, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
N/A
ICMA guidelines focus heavily on the visibility aspect of solar energy systems. Residential guidelines include that system panels should be mounted as close to the roof as possible, and no part of the installation should be visible above the peak of the roof to which it is attached. Panels also should not protrude above the roofline to be visible from adjacent properties, and pipes, wires, and mounting hardware must be unobtrusive...
Read More
Promoting Public Health Through Smart Growth: Building Healthier Communities Through Transportation and Land Use Policies and Practices
Date Added: Thursday, July 12, 2018Smart Growth, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
N/A
This document emphasizes how living smart growth communities leads to greater overall public health. It discusses practices that can be used in a variety of locations and focuses on how planners should create compact development that allow people to walk to their homes, supermarkets, schools and retail. These strategies are also used to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives goals, such as reducing climate change, air pollution and traffic congestions, increasing convenience and accessibility for people of all ages and increasing..
Read More
American Planning Association’s Solar Planning & Zoning Database
Date Added: Tuesday, June 19, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The American Planning Association hosts an online Solar Planning & Zoning Data Search database. From this portal, users can search hundreds of examples of solar-supportive plans, development regulations, and other planning-related implementation tools by place type, population range and density, tool type, and solar practice. The database includes example policies, plans, and regulations from communities across the nation...
Read More
Grow Solar Local Government Solar Toolkit for Minnesota: Planning, Zoning, and Permitting
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
Minnesota
N/A
The model addresses concerns that are primarily in counties, townships, and rural areas rather than cities and urban areas. The incentive portion of the urban model ordinance can be applied in rural areas, as are provisions addressing solar access and aesthetic considerations in those rural areas with development patterns at an urban scale (typically lots smaller than 1 acre). This ordinance addresses solar energy as both a principal use and as an accessory use to the primary residential or commercial use. The model outlines height restriction..
Read More
Health and Planning Roundtable
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
Oregon
State
This article discusses how the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is has focused on improving policies to advance community public health on the state-level and local-level. The Oregon American Planning Association is working with health-related organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the American Public Health Association, to improve health through planning practices. In Oregon currently, at the state-level, there is limited mention of the built environment’s impact on health. At the local-level, in places l..
Read More
Health and Planning Roundtable
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
Oregon
State
This article discusses how the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is has focused on improving policies to advance community public health on the state-level and local-level. The Oregon American Planning Association is working with health-related organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the American Public Health Association, to improve health through planning practices. In Oregon currently, at the state-level, there is limited mention of the built environment’s impact on health. At the local-level, in places l..
Read More
Healthy Plan Making (APA)
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
N/A
This document lays out a chart discussing important methods of integrating public health practices into comprehensive plans. Based on a study in 2010 by the American Planning Association, the organization generated a list of strategies used in the planning process to integrate public health. The major components of the list include community engagement, active living, emergency preparedness, environmental health, food and nutrition, public services and social cohesion and mental health. The document also provides examples of places where these ..
Read More
Health in the Development Review Process
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
N/A
This article discusses how design strategies of roads, buildings and public can be used to incorporate health. The document is split into four sections which discuss the detailed direction on how communities can consider their individuals must take into account the specific needs of the environment and what direction planners must take to generate a healthy community. The first section discusses how a community can use their comprehensive plan to envision and ensure healthy lifestyles by incorporating the importance of health into the planning ..
Read More
Healthy Plan Making Integrating Health Into the Comprehensive Planning Process: An Analysis of Seven Case Studies and Recommendations for Change (APA)
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
N/A
The purpose of this document is to identify specific tools and strategies used when incorporating public health policies and goals and the processes of implementing these goals. Based on a study in 2010 by the American Planning Association, the organization generated a list of strategies used in the planning process to integrate public health. This study provides an in depth, qualitative case study analysis of how public health became a part of the planning process” and background on what creates successful policies...
Read More
Daybreak Mews
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Utah
Municipal
Daybreak Mews Homes in South Jordan, Utah has 147 houses within 3.2 acres and was created to provide low- to moderate-income residents with an opportunity for home ownership. It is a townhouse community that is both walkable and near public transit...
Read More
Redbrook
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Mixed/Multiple Use
Massachusetts
Municipal
Redbrook in Plymouth, Massachusetts has a variety of housing types in a
1,000+ unit development project with 10% designated affordable. There is
single family, condominium, townhome, twin home, cottage, and apartment
housing. Redbrook is zoned for mixed use to provide residents with a
walkable space in which they may live, work, and recreate. There is an over
400-acre conservation area in Redbrook...
Read More
Redbrook
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Mixed/Multiple Use
Massachusetts
Municipal
Redbrook in Plymouth, Massachusetts has a variety of housing types in a
1,000+ unit development project with 10% designated affordable. There is
single family, condominium, townhome, twin home, cottage, and apartment
housing. Redbrook is zoned for mixed use to provide residents with a
walkable space in which they may live, work, and recreate. There is an over
400-acre conservation area in Redbrook...
Read More
Article XVI.II. ADAPTIVE REUSE
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Zoning
California
Municipal
Santa Ana Municipal Code §41-1650 through 1657 allows for the adaptive
reuse of nonresidential buildings into dwelling units, guest rooms or joint
living and work quarters within 4 designated “project incentive zones” if the
building either “was constructed in accordance with building and zoning
codes in effect prior to July 1, 1974” or “has been determined to be a
historically significant building.” The code also establishes development
standards; allows for residential use in the project incentive zones regardless
of underlying zoning;..
Read More
Town of Blooming Grove Landscaping & Environmental Requirements; Performance Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Local Environmental Law, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Landscaping and Environmental Requirements; Performance Standards ordinance requires conformance with standards for noise; vibration; smoke, dust, and other atmospheric pollutants; odors; toxic or noxious matter; radiation and electromagnetic interference; fire, explosive and heat; liquid and solid wastes; traffic and lighting. The planning board may vary or waive minimum landscape requirements and erosion and sedimentation control due to special characteristics of the project or site...
Read More
Town of Braintree Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Density
Vermont
Municipal
Chapter 5.18 of the Braintree, Vermont, Zoning Ordinance establishes that housing is affordable when households spend no more than one-third of their incomes on housing costs. The chapter allows density zoning incentives...
Read More
Village of Briarcliff Elder Community District Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Senior Housing, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Eldercare Community District aims at the establishment of a for-profit residential development for the elderly, designed to achieve compatibility with their surroundings and to encourage orderly and well-planned development. The eldercare communities, while not requiring many schools or municipal services or facilities, are capable of bolstering the economy and will encourage more tranquil communities since vehicular movement is minimal. Lots shall be zoned to meet the interests of the elderly and such communities will need certain protecti..
Read More
City of Santa Fe Integrated Pest Management Program for City Property
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Pesticide Management
New Mexico
Municipal
This ordinance directs the City of Santa Fe to seek alternatives to pesticides, as well as only using traditional pesticides when no other option is feasible. This policy protects land and water quality as well as human health...
Read More
County of Lane Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Planned Unit Development
Oregon
Municipal
The County of Lane, Oregon has an ordinance that provides for Planned Unit Developments (PUD). Lane County has a population of about 350,000, and includes the cities of Springfield and Eugene. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Cascade Mountain range. The county is almost 90% forested, and its constituents have a high interest in protecting the natural beauty of the surrounding environment by promoting sustainable development. The PUD ordinance seeks to accomplish this goal by providing a tool that promot..
Read More
City of Ann Arbor Required Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
Michigan
Municipal
The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance, is to require wetland setbacks, which are not permitted under the state wetlands law...
Read More
New York Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas & Inland Law
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Coastal Protection, Waterfront Revitalization
New York
State
This compilation of codes is intended to provide for State agencies acting in the coastal area the necessary framework for the consideration and application of the State's policies with respect to waterfront revitalization and coastal resources, as contained in article 42 of the Executive Law...
Read More
City of Bend Development Code
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
Oregon
Municipal
Three separate provisions in the Bend Development Code allow for moments in the process where the applicant and the public are involved early in the decision-making process. A preliminary meeting for applicants dealing with complex applications helps them to identify likely issues in the process. In-depth public meetings to educate the public read together with the section authorizing a steering committee to represent the public and recommend refinements in the plan development and approval process creates a unique opportunity to be heard and..
Read More
Borough of Red Bank Planning & Development Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
New Jersey
Municipal
This statute allows for an informal discussion period in the pre-zoning planning process. These discussions are non-binding. ..
Read More
Town of Dover Special Permits & Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Site Plan Approval
New York
Municipal
Prior to submitting a formal application for a zoning permit or special permit, the applicant is encouraged to prepare a rough conceptual plan of the proposed project or use, and to discuss the proposal with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission. This discussion is informal and non-binding...
Read More
Town of Woodstock Preliminary Discussion Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
Connecticut
Municipal
Prior to submitting a formal application for a zoning permit or special permit, applicants in the Town of Woodstock are encouraged to prepare a rough conceptual plan of the proposed project or use, and to discuss the proposal with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission. These discussions are informal and non-binding. In addition, to better facilitate the overall subdivision application and design process in Woodstock, it is strongly recommended that a pre-application meeting be held between the Applicant, the si..
Read More
Michigan Sample Conservation Easement
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
Michigan
State
This is a model conservation easement that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. Particular sections are specific to Michigan, but the general format may be followed in other states. ..
Read More
Town of Gardiner Permanent Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
The Permanent Open Space ordinance regulates the development, ownership, and maintenance of space/ land that has been set aside permanently for nonuse. The code ensures that permanent open space will comport with township rules and guidelines. The regulation provides for ownership of permanent open space by state and private owners. Open space protection provides for preservation of easements, roads, highways, and developments...
Read More
New York State General City Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Development of Filed Plats Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
New York
State
Chapter 21, Article 3, § 32 of the General City Laws provides the planning board with the authority to approve preliminary and final plats of subdivisions showing lots, blocks or sites, with or without streets or highways. The section also defines the approval, certification and filing procedures for preliminary and final plats...
Read More
New York State General City Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Additional Requisites Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
New York
State
Chapter 21, Article 3, §33 of the General City Laws requires land shown on a plat to meet all health, safety and welfare requirements before it can be approved by the planning board. The section also includes additional requirements for streets and highways, monuments, zoning, parkland and residential units. The Zoning Board of Appeals can authorize an area variance for plats that do not comply with local ordinances, the Planning Board can waive certain requirements and a performance bond or other security can be furnished to the city by the ow..
Read More
New York State Town Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Development of Filed Plats
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
New York
State
This law authorizes town planning boards to approve preliminary and final plats of subdivisions showing lots, blocks or sites, with or without streets or highways, within parts of towns that are outside the limits of any incorporated villages. Covered topics include: authorization for review of previously filed plats, filing of certificate, definitions, approval of preliminary plats, approval of final plats, approval and certification of final plats, default approval of preliminary or final plat, filing of decision on final plat, notice to coun..
Read More
New York State Town Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Additional Requisites Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
New York
State
This law authorizes Town Boards in New York State to do Subdivision Review. The topics covered include: the purpose, additional requirements, compliance with zoning regulations, reservation of parkland on subdivision plats containing residential units, character of development, application for area variance, installation of fire alarm devices, performance bonds or other securities and provision of improvements by town. ..
Read More
Town of Pawling Timber Harvesting Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Timber Harvesting
New York
Municipal
This law seeks to protect natural resources from the adverse effects of timber harvesting such as erosion, sedimentation and drainage problems by requiring a permit for any tree clearing and timber harvesting activities. The law sets forth detailed requirements for permit application and review process where applicants must demonstrate compliance with performance standards...
Read More
Town of Malta Downtown Overlay District
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Overlay District, Transportation Efficient Development
New York
Municipal
Malta’s Downtown Overlay District is intended to concentrate new development within easy reach of existing and future transportation, and to incorporate traditional neighborhood design principles to create a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use town center. The ordinance encourages new residential development within a five-minute or ¼-mile walk of the town center and aims to develop compact, defined urban neighborhoods and to facilitate convenient and safe movement throughout the community for all modes of transportation...
Read More
City of Bentonville Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
Arkansas
Municipal
This ordinance was designed to preserve trees located on public property. Some of the ways this goal is to be achieved is through granting the city the exclusive right to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees on public property. City employees performing these duties must have attended a workshop on basic tree science and pruning. In addition, non-city employees may not plant or remove a tree without prior notification...
Read More
City of Fayetteville Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
Arkansas
Municipal
This ordinance was enacted in order to provide for “regulation of the preservation, planning, maintenance, and removal of trees within the city.” This is achieved through the creation of a tree registry to protect trees that are valuable due to their history or their species. In addition, the ordinance provides guidelines for general protection of the trees under circumstances such as development, pruning, and planting. ..
Read More
New York State Tax Exemption for Wind Energy Systems
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
New York
State
This NY state law provides a tax exemption for person with wind energy systems on their property if they were built before 1988 or between 1991 and 2011. The law exempts the property owner to the extent that the property value increases because of the presence of a wind energy system for a period of 15 years. A municipality has the authority to remove the exemption for any wind energy system constructed after 1991. If a municipality has not removed exemption, it may require the owner of property to enter a PILOT agreement for a term of no more..
Read More
City of Baltimore Vacant Building Receivership Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
Maryland
Municipal
Baltimore, Maryland, enacted an ordinance granting a Building Official authority to petition the Court for appointment of a receiver to raze, rehabilitate, or sell a vacant building. The petition must include: a copy of the original notice and order to rehabilitate; affirmation by affidavit that the rehabilitation has not yet been completed; and the identity of the proposed receiver (if it is not the Building Officer).
As an alternative to assigning a receiver, the Court may appoint an owner, mortgagee, or other person in interest to the ..
Read More
City of Clive Architectural Development Standards
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Development Standards
Iowa
Municipal
The city of Clive, Iowa, enacted an Architectural Design Ordinance. The ordinance requires that site plan approval be submitted and reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Counsel in accordance with the architectural standards set forth in the ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is: to decrease the visual and audible impact of service areas, loading areas, or similar operations on adjoining properties and general public; reduce negative aesthetic impacts of large buildings; and create a compatible look for buildings by..
Read More
District of Columbia Quick Acquisition of Abandoned & Nuisance Property
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
Municipal
The District of Columbia enacted the Quick Acquisition of Abandoned and Nuisance Property Act. This act provides the Mayor authority to file petition in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to alleviate nuisance and blight conditions on abandoned properties. The petition may seek to condemn, take possession, or take title to abandoned properties. Upon filing petition, the Mayor must deposit with the court, fair market value of the abandoned property and file notice of the petition with the recorder of deeds. If the fair market val..
Read More
City of Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
Pennsylvania
Municipal
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Legislature enacted an ordinance called the Property Maintenance Code. The ordinance requires that all vacant premises be kept in a sanitary, safe, and secure manner. All entranceways, such as windows and doors, must be maintained in good repair and secured, not boarded. Failure to keep building entranceways secure will result in an unsafe building designation.
Upon an unsafe designation by the Building Department, notice shall be served upon the registered owner ordering compliance with the ordinance. Owner..
Read More
City of Portland Demolition or Repair of Derelict Buildings Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
Oregon
Municipal
Portland, Oregon, enacted an ordinance that requires the destruction, repair, rehabilitation, or removal of any dangerous or derelict structure. Derelict structures are usually identified by the Director of the Bureau of Development Services and include, but are not limited to structures that are boarded, vacant, or unsecured, and previously had a public nuisance abated by the city. A property violates the ordinance until it has been lawfully occupied, demolished and regraded under proper permit, or the owner has proved to the Director that t..
Read More
City of San Diego Abatement of Vacant Structures Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
California
Municipal
The City of San Diego, California, enacted an ordinance requiring that vacant and boarded buildings immediately be rehabilitated because they pose several risks to the community including: facilitating illegal activity, creation of fire hazards, and threatening general public health and safety.
The Director of the Neighborhood Code Compliance Department or any other Director authorized by the City Manager may enforce the ordinance. Violations of the ordinance result in misdemeanors, injunctive relief, or civil damages. Upon the Director’..
Read More
City of Santa Fe Escarpment Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 19, 2017Overlay District
New Mexico
Municipal
Creates an overlay district in the area of the escarpment (ridgetop). Stricter regulations and more plans are required to build in the escarpment area. No new subdivisions may be permitted that are entirely in the escarpment overlay district...
Read More
Village of Bronxville Site Plan & Subdivision Approval Standards
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Site Design Standards, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Approvals, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Village of Bronxville, New York, requires any land being cleared or altered, any building or other structure being constructed, demolished, moved, externally altered or enlarged, any water course, floodplain or wetlands being diverted, dredged or filled, any use of land, building, or other structure being changed, any building or other use permit being issued, to receive the final approval of a site plan granted by the Planning Board. However, detached single-family residential buildings permitted as-of-right under the applicable zoning reg..
Read More
Town of Brookhaven Great South Beach Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Zoning
New Hampshire
Municipal
This law was created to protect the Great South Beach in Fire Island National Seashore from ecological damage due to overdevelopment. The law does so by placing regulations on construction within the three districts that the island has been separated in to, which are: Residential, Oceanfront, and Commercial. ..
Read More
Town of Shelter Island Nature Preserve System
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Town of Shelter Island Nature Preserve System is a regulation meant to supplement existing town regulations and procedures so that certain Town-owned and privately owned properties can be protected from inappropriate use and development. The Act is meant to protect the natural diversity that exists in natural areas that are being threatened by population growth and a developing economy. ..
Read More
Village of Briarcliff Manor Protection of Natural Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
§ 220-15 of the Municipal Code for The Village of Briarcliff Manor promulgates policy designed to protect the Village’s natural resources which include but are not limited to steep slopes, wetlands, forests, water bodies, exceptional or unique views and various unique, unusual or specific surface or subsurface factors pertaining to the soil. Special limitations are provided to protect the largest slopes as these shall not be developed or in any way physically modified, except when necessary for access, land or natural resources, preservation or..
Read More
Town of Brookhaven Stormwater Drainage System Plan
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations, Watershed Protection
New York
Municipal
The Town of Brookhaven requires that all preliminary stormwater drainage system plans show storm drains and structures, capacity of stormwater recharge basins and watershed outlines with their approximate area...
Read More
Town of Brookhaven Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Workforce Housing
New York
Municipal
The Town of Brookhaven has determined that a transfer of development rights program is necessary to prevent adverse impacts due to inappropriate development, to facilitate the objectives of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and to provide relief in cases of hardship. This is accomplished through a Transfer of Development Rights Program and Transfer of Development Rights Clearinghouse of which the establishment and implementation of such is given in this local law, including the use of such a program in association with Multiple Family Housing, Pl..
Read More
Town of Ellington Age-Restricted Cluster Housing Zone
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Affordable Housing , Clustering & Cluster Development, Overlay District, Senior Housing, Zoning
Connecticut
Municipal
The Age-Restricted Cluster Housing Zone (ARCHZ) is a floating zone designed to increase availability of market rate privately developed, common interest communities for empty nesters and seniors, while maintaining the rural character of the town, preserving open space and protecting natural resources. ARCHZ zoned property shall only be used for single-family, attached or detached residential housing. Each unit must contain at least one individual 55 or over (or the survivor of such a person); and no more than one child, who must be at least 18 ..
Read More
City of Eugene Transit Oriented Development Overlay Zone
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Overlay District, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Oregon
Municipal
The City Code of Eugene, Oregon provides for a Transit Development Overlay Zone (TD) in the hopes of encouraging mixed land uses in areas that have a high potential for enhanced transit and pedestrian activity. Eugene is located about 50 miles east of the Oregon coast, on the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, with a population of about 155,000. The city is the county seat of Lane County, and is the second largest city in the state. The Lane Transit District (LTD) is the area’s major public transportation system, providing ove..
Read More
Town of Batavia Animal Waste Storage Facilities Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Sewage Management
New York
Municipal
This law directs persons wanting to install and/or modify any animal waste storage facility where to submit their proposal. ..
Read More
City of Memphis Amenity Incentives Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
Tennessee
Municipal
This ordinance provides for floor area bonuses in exchange for public pedestrian plazas/ arcades. To qualify for the floor area bonus, the plaza/ arcade must meet specific design criteria. A floor area bonus may also be awarded for the development of affordable housing. This ordinance is especially notable as development incentives are also established to encourage participation in the implementation of a comprehensive greenway network...
Read More
New York State Town Law: § 261-b. Incentive Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
New York
State
This law grants incentive zoning power to Towns in New York State. Incentives (also known as bonuses) are defined as: “adjustments to the permissible population density, area, height, open space, use, or other provisions of a zoning ordinance or local law for a specific purpose authorized by the town board. The law also discusses such topics as the authority and purposes of Incentive Zoning, and the implementation of Incentive Zoning. ..
Read More
County of Rockland Green Building Standards
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
New York
Municipal
Rockland County, New York, is a suburban county on the coast of the Hudson River, located about 12 miles north of New York City. Rockland is one of 24 municipalities in New York State to be designated as a Preserve America Community under the federal government’s Preserve America Program which is administered by the National Park Service and allocates federal grant money in order to preserve the country’s natural, historic, and cultural resources. Rockland has many lakes, wetlands, and designated park areas, and the county is promoting green ..
Read More
City of Portland Green Building Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Maine
Municipal
Under its Green Building Code, the City of Portland, Maine requires all new construction and renovation projects having total construction costs of greater than $250,000 to attain United States Green Building Council’s (USBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Silver level, if the project is either: (1) to be owned or occupied by the City and is of at least 5,000 square feet in floor area; or (2) to be funded in whole or in part by the City and is of at least 10,000 square feet in floor area. Buildings mus..
Read More
Town of Normal Environmentally Sensitive Design Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Illinois
Municipal
The town of Normal rests in the heart of central Illinois, with a population of roughly 50,000 residents. Over the past several years, the town has been making efforts to revitalize its downtown area through new construction projects, remodeling of older buildings, and more modern infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of sustainable development, the Town Council formed the “Green Team” in 2006, to advance Normal’s environmental stewardship initiative. Additionally, the Council passed an ordinance to promote “Environmentally Sensitive De..
Read More
County of Mecklenburg Green Permit Fee Rebate
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
North Carolina
Municipal
Mecklenburg County, which is located in the southwestern portion of North Carolina, contains seven municipalities and includes the state capital, Charlotte. The County has an area of 546 square miles and approximately 953,304 residents, making it the most populous county in North Carolina. As a 50% population increase is projected in the next 25 years, the County is prioritizing the protection of its natural resources.
Part of this plan is the County’s Green Permit Fee Rebate Ordinance, which provides reductions or partial rebates of build..
Read More
County of Lake Green Building & Development Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Florida
Municipal
Lake County, Florida is located in central Florida and is named after the numerous lakes in the area. There are approximately 1,400 named and identified lakes in the County. Lake County has a population of 307,243 people and has a total area of 1,156 square miles. A total of 203 square miles (17%) of the County’s area is water. The County has experienced several devastating storms, tornados and hurricanes in the past four years.
The County has an innovative green building incentive created to establish major environmental goals. The State o..
Read More
City of Jersey City Green Building Initiative for Municipal Projects & Green Building Incentives
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
New Jersey
Municipal
Jersey City, New Jersey, is part of the New York metropolitan area and lies on the west bank of the Hudson River across from Lower Manhattan, where about 26% of its employed residents work. Jersey City has a population of 242,389 with a density of roughly 16,045.5 people per square mile across a total area of 21.1 square miles (14.9 comprised of land and 6.2 of water). Jersey City is a port city, commercial and industrial center, and transportation terminus, although parts of the city remain under-utilized after years of commercial inactivity..
Read More
Town of Epping Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Design Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
New Hampshire
Municipal
The Town of Epping, New Hampshire, population 5,476, established a more stringent energy code than the state, which adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2006 Edition with amendments. The town's energy efficiency and sustainable design code is based on a system that awards points for various sustainable elements and energy production practices. Epping’s point system is similar to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system in establishing criteria to meet heightened energy ..
Read More
County of Baltimore Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings and Homes
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Maryland
Municipal
Baltimore County, Maryland is part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. As of 2004 Baltimore County’s population was estimated to be 763,181. Baltimore County’s boundaries do not actually include the City of Baltimore. The northern regions of Baltimore County are primarily rural, home to old deciduous forests. The County’s population density is 1,260 people per square mile, and the County has a total area of 682 square miles.
Baltimore County’s green building incentives come in the form of property tax. Properties that may receive ..
Read More
Town of Babylon Green Building Certification Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
New York
Municipal
The Town of Babylon is located on Long Island, New York, with a population of approximately 211,792 people. The Town has a population density of 4,050 people per square mile, and a per capita income of $22,844. Babylon has a total area of 114.2 square miles, and about 54% of the Town’s total area is water. Babylon is home to beaches and several state parks.
The Town of Babylon was the first town on Long Island to adopt Energy Star standards for new homes, but the Town of Babylon did not stop there. Under its Green Building Certification l..
Read More
City of Annapolis Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
Maryland
Municipal
The City of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is set in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. Only 29 miles east of Washington D.C., Annapolis has a population of 36,524 people, with a population density of 5,326 people per square mile. Annapolis has several public transportation options, including an eight-route bus system and railway connecting the city to nearby Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Annapolis uses an integrated approach in regulating the planning, design, and sustainability of buildings. The city’s sustainable building law manda..
Read More
Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Development in Floodplains ordinance in the Town of Gardiner requires that land uses on floodplains be within the boundaries permitted by the Town of Gardiner Flood Insurance Study, with some exceptions. Development in floodplain areas is heavily regulated and variances are granted via permits. Variance permits are granted based on factors such as: alternative means to development, good sufficient cause, safety, and encroachments against property...
Read More
Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation
New York
Municipal
Town of Gardiner NY Development of Floodplains section 220-18, regulates development in the floodplains of Gardiner. Section 220-18(D) establishes conditions in which variances may be issued to include: reconstruction or restoration of structures listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, for good cause, and for showing that substantial hardships will result without the variance. Conditions that will be taken into account when the Zoning Board of Appeals reviews appeals are also included in this section...
Read More
Town of Gardiner Open Space Development Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Open Space Preservation, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Open Space Development ordinance implements procedures to allow for development of protected and preserved land, while preserving the natural attributes of the land. Conservation analysis shall take place to plan open space developments. Applicants must prepare inventory maps, surveys, topography maps, and descriptions of the land. Planning Board will make final determinations on the value of the lands preserved. ..
Read More
City of Arroyo Provision of housing, in-lieu fee, or dedication of land
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Affordable Housing
California
Municipal
The Provision of housing, in-lieu fee, or dedications of land ordinance establishes that if a developer does not met affordable housing requirements outlined in the town code, he or she must pay a fee in lieu of providing such housing. This fee is then deposited in the affordable housing trust fund and may be used solely for the creation of affordable housing units..
Read More
State of Pennsylvania Agricultural Security Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
Pennsylvania
State
This statute provides the authority for cities and counties to establish agricultural preserves to protect agricultural land uses. The statute sets a general minimum acreage requirement of 250 acres but allows such districts to be composed of “any number of noncontiguous tax parcels or accounts.” The statute also describes fees, notice requirements, and duties of the reviewing board...
Read More
Town of Yorktown Conservation Area Protection Laws
Date Added: Wednesday, March 30, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
New York
Municipal
The Conservation Area Protection Laws regulate certain land uses to preserve the physical condition of certain real property. Specifically, the purpose of the Chapter 140 is the preservation or maintaining the scenic, open, historic, architectural, natural or open physical condition of the real property...
Read More
County of Westchester Non-Profit Housing Providers List
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Affordable Housing
New York
Municipal
A list of non-profit housing providers, along with their contact information, in Westchester County, NY...
Read More
Town of Warwick Land Use Mediation
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
New York
Municipal
Recognizing that land use disputes can result in costly, time-consuming litigation, the Town of Warwick passed this Land Use Mediation ordinance to encourage and legitimatize voluntary mediation of disputes that arise during the planning and zoning permit approval process. The mediation of all disputes is authorized, including disputes with the town boards (i.e. the Planning Board). The statute was enacted in the interest of increasing non-adversarial resolution of disputes in the town. The mediation is voluntary but is encouraged and can be r..
Read More
Washington State Growth Management Act
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
Washington
State
Under the Growth Management Act, cities and counties that meet designated population thresholds are required to adopt comprehensive plans. The Act establishes mandatory elements of comprehensive plans: land use; housing; capital facilities; utilities; rural; transportation; economic development; and park and recreation. ..
Read More
City of St. Charles Fair Housing Commission Duties
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Fair Housing
Missouri
Municipal
This section of Chapter 94, Title IX to the St. Charles, Missouri code describes duties of the Fair Housing Commission. ..
Read More
County of Washington Environmental Protection, Erosion Prevention, and Sediment Control Rules
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Oregon
Municipal
The Clean Water Services of Washington County is a public utility who utilize this Resolution to protect the water resources of the Tualatin River Watershed. This comprehensive standard has design specifications for construction, stormwater, erosion control, etc. It has a no visibility requirement for erosion off-site. All erosion and sediment control requirements apply to all activities and uses within the CWS service area, not just construction and development. Permitted activities require an ESC plan that is utilized during all phases of con..
Read More
State of Nevada Training Requirements Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
Nevada
State
This law requires land use training for town advisory boards in Nevada...
Read More
County of Rockland Mandatory Training Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
New York
Municipal
This is a sample law provided by the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation for municipalities within the county to adopt. The resolution requires land use training of Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Appeal. ..
Read More
State of South Carolina Educational Requirements Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
South Carolina
State
This law requires land use training for members of planning and zoning boards of appeal and related employees in South Carolina. The law requires that planning board and zoning board of appeals members and employees attend an initial training program at the beginning of their tenure and then attend annual training programs thereafter. All programs must be approved by an advisory committee and the topic of the program can include land use planning, zoning, transportation, ethics, public hearing procedure, housing, land subdivision, and the pow..
Read More
Town of Conway Mountain Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Tree Preservation & Protection, Wildlife & Fish Habitat
New Hampshire
Municipal
This is a very brief law that regulates use in the conservation district to primarily recreation and resource extraction...
Read More
Town of Cortlandt Aquifer Protection District
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Aquifer Protection, Recreational Uses, Subdivision Approvals
New York
Municipal
Chapter 307 regulates the use of open space in Cortlandt. Among other things, the Town requires developers to set aside recreational land within a subdivision and leaves financial findings to the Town Board. ..
Read More
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Water Supply Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Water Supply Protection Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson dictates that each Waterfront Development District shall be comprised of 10 or more contiguous acres of dry land under single ownership and shall have a minimum of 1,000 feet of shoreline along the Hudson River. Permitted uses include specific recreational, residential, and special permit uses, but accessory uses are limited to those uses that are customarily incidental to the permitted uses. It additionally provides the requirements regarding enclosure, landscaping, bulk, heig..
Read More
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Visual Environment Advisory Board
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Development Standards, Local Boards, Quality of Life, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Croton Visual Environment Advisory Board was developed to safeguard the beneficial effects of such existing natural and man-made features and structures and to prevent the harmful effects of potential unattractive or inappropriate projects and thus to promote and protect the economy, quality of life, and general welfare of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. Chapter 60 of the Municipal Code creates an Advisory Board on the Visual Environment consisting of five members appointed by the Mayor. The Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the..
Read More
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Water Supply Protection
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Aquifer Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Water Supply Protection Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson establishes protective land use regulations for the watershed affecting well fields. It defines the three zones affecting the quality of the aquifer and provides a degree of regulation or management for each zone in order to protect the water supply source from contamination. The three-zone system is superimposed on existing land use zones, and requirements of the underlying districts shall continue to apply, except in the event of a conflict, where the more restrictive require..
Read More
City of Dover Overriding Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Overlay District, Steep Slope Protection, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New Hampshire
Municipal
“Overriding districts”—more commonly known as overlay districts—are superimposed on existing zoning districts. Their regulations supplement existing zoning regulations, and in this ordinance are adopted to protect watercourses and wetlands as well as steep slope areas. The ordinance is intended to preserve the flora and fauna of the community and to maintain high water quality. This ordinance is adopted under the authority of New Hampshire’s Planning and Zoning enabling act, § 674:16, and the state’s Comprehensive Shorelands Protection Act § ..
Read More
State of Florida State & Regional Planning – Findings & Intent Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Smart Growth, Transportation & Land Use Planning
Florida
State
This Florida statute details the state’s legislative intent in promulgating planning and development statutes. Guidance is given to the constituent regions and municipalities to use in developing their own plans...
Read More
State of Florida State Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Incentive Zoning, Smart Growth, Transportation & Land Use Planning
Florida
State
Below is the State of Florida’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan provides an example of a state legislature’s attempt to guide its constituent regions and municipalities in their respective efforts towards planning and development. Elements of the Priority Growth District concept are present in this plan...
Read More
State of New York General Municipal Law Tree Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Right-to-Farm, Tree Preservation & Protection
New York
State
This law empowers local legislative bodies of any county, city, town or village in New York State to provide for the protection and conservation of tress and related vegetation. This power is granted on top of any other land use and zoning powers these municipalities may have. ..
Read More
Town of Clarkstown Training Requirements for Appointed Board Members Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
New York
Municipal
This law requires members of planning and zoning boards of appeal in Clarkstown to receive training related to their position. It follows the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation’s sample law...
Read More
Town of Goshen Training Requirements for Appointed Board Members Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
New York
Municipal
This law requires land use training for members of the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Environmental Review Board in the Town of Goshen. The reason for the requirements is that the Town finds that ongoing continuing education is critical to the proper function of the Boards and is necessary to bring about reasoned action on submitted applications. Board members that do not comply with these zoning requirements can be removed by the Town board, after hearing, from their position. ..
Read More
City of Mansfield Natural Resources Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Texas
Municipal
This ordinance establishes criteria and regulations for the preservation of trees within the City. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote site planning which furthers the preservation of mature trees and natural areas, to protect trees during construction; to facilitate site design and construction, which contribute to the long term viability of existing trees. This ordinance also requires that persons must obtain a tree removal permit before cutting down, destroying, or removing any protected tree as defined by the ordinance. ..
Read More
County of Frederick Forest Banking Program
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Forest Management, Tree Preservation & Protection
Delaware
Municipal
The County of Frederick Forest Banking program allows a person to create new forest areas or designate certain existing forest areas to be held in reserve, in order to be used to meet future forestation requirements imposed on regulated activities by this Ordinance...
Read More
Town of Mendon Environmental Protection Overlay Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Historic Preservation, Official Map, Overlay District, Scenic Resources, Sewage Management, Steep Slope Protection, Timber Harvesting, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
This law creates environmental protection overlay districts for the Town of Mendon, NY. The districts include: Wetland Protection Overlay District, Steep Slope Protection Overlay District, Watercourse Protection Overlay District, Scenic Vista Protection Overlay District, Historic Preservation Overlay District, Waste Disposal Overlay District, Woodlot and Timber Harvesting Protection Overlay District, Flood Damage Prevention Overlay District, and Soils Susceptible to Ponding Overlay District. ..
Read More
Town of Mendon Nonconforming Uses & Structures Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Nonconforming Uses, Zoning
New York
Municipal
This law creates regulations and prohibitions concerning nonconforming uses and structures in the Town of Mendon, NY. ..
Read More
City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Oriented Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Minnesota
Municipal
The City Code of Minneapolis, Minnesota provides for pedestrian oriented overlay districts (“PO”) for smaller sized areas throughout the city in the vicinity of public transit service stations (bus, train, or both) that consist of regulations aimed to promote pedestrian activity and street life in addition to the underlying zone’s original regulations. The city recently constructed Metro Transit Hiawatha Light Rail Line that makes 17 stops between the popular Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis, with dozen of bus routes timed to connect w..
Read More
Land Use Law Center’s Model Critical Environmental Area Overlay District
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
State
The following is a model law that can be used by municipalities to protect wildlife habitat and other critical environmental areas. ..
Read More
Township of Mount Laurel Low & Moderate Income Housing – Enforcement; Violations & Penalties Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Affordable Housing , Enforcement, Zoning
New Jersey
Municipal
Part II of General Legislation, Chapter 154, Article XVI, Section 154-131.14 D requires the township to encourage the resolution of disputes which violate the other provisions of the article through mediation and conciliation efforts...
Read More
City of Happy Valley Development Agreements Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Steep Slope Protection
Oregon
Municipal
Law authorizing the City to delay surface work (except for surveying and staking) on land if the City finds that severe erosion will present a danger. ..
Read More
Town of Hyde Park Zoning Law Purposes Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
The purpose of § 108-4 of the Town Code for the Town of Hyde Park is to protect and promote public health, safety, comfort, convenience, economy, aesthetics, general welfare, along with the preservation of the natural, agricultural and cultural resources of the Town of Hyde Park, and to serve other enumerated purposes in this ordinance such as promoting the success of the Town’s comprehensive plan, and encouraging smart growth...
Read More
City of Kissimmee City Manager to Administer Provisions Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Alternative Dispute Resolution, Fair Housing, Local Governance
Florida
Municipal
Section 4-2-9 of Title IV, Community Relations and Recreational Facilities, imposes on the City Manager, the duty of rectifying grievances using methods of persuasion, conciliation and mediation. ..
Read More
County of La Plata Development Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Development Standards
Colorado
Municipal
La Plata County divides development standards into two groups, required and encouraged. Standards are encouraged through a point system. A developer is awarded points for meeting various importance factors which are scored in relevance to its assigned importance level. Negative scores are assigned when a project causes some detriment to the community. A developer is then eligible for various incentives and waivers depending on the total points accrued. The provision of affordable housing for employees and residents is an encouraged standar..
Read More
State of Louisiana Green Space Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Environmental Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
Louisiana
State
This model law provides a template for Louisiana parishes wishing to implement a green space ordinance to preserve water resources. The model law creates a servitude on the property between the property owner and the parish government and is a mandatory prerequisite for the issuance of any and all building permits. The servitude provides for a certain percentage of land on a property that shall remain in a natural, undisturbed or revegetated state, and allows the parish to enter the land for random inspections or following a complaint; the pa..
Read More
New York State Municipal Home Rule Law – General Powers of Local Governments to Adopt & Amend Local Laws; Restrictions
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Land Acquisition, Local Boards, Local Governance, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Street & Sidewalk Development
New York
State
Municipal Home Rule Law Chapter 36-A Article 2 Section 10 articulates the powers of local county, city, town, or village governments to include: acquisition and care of highways, roads, streets, avenues, and property; acquisition of transit facilities; collection, fixing, and administration of local government rentals, charges, rates or fees; and regulation or licensing of businesses and occupations. Section 11 outlines the restriction of powers of local county, city, town, or village governments to adopt local laws, including: the regulation o..
Read More
Town of Livonia Land Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Steep Slope Protection, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
This law outlines the Town’s procedure for creating Land Conservation Areas, and for protecting these areas from potentially harmful development. These areas were created on the basis of a soil and existing land use survey, and have been grouped in to seven categories, which include: natural forest/woodland, wetland, steep slope, floodplain, major scenic overlook, stream corridor, watershed and sites of historical/archaeological significance. ..
Read More
City of Belmont Traditional Neighborhood Development Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Development Standards, Quality of Life, Site Design Standards
North Carolina
Municipal
The intent of the Traditional Neighborhood Development Provision “is to minimize traffic congestion, suburban sprawl, infrastructure costs, and environmental degradation”. The ordinance contains general standards and provisions, in addition to design standards for public and civic areas, shop fronts, businesses, multifamily and single family, and general architectural design standards...
Read More
State of New Hampshire State Land Use Enabling Act
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Local Governance, State Land Use Law
New Hampshire
State
New Hampshire does not require local governments to adopt zoning, but if a local government chooses to zone it is required first to adopt a master plan. The master plan must include a vision section and a land use element. It may also include transportation, community facilities, economic development, natural resources, natural hazards, and recreation elements. The state’s grant of power to local governments extends the purposes of the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act to expressly include the use of innovative planning techniques and the use..
Read More
New York State Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, State Land Use Law, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
State
The statute calls for the identification and mapping of coastal erosion hazard areas within the state by the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and for local governments to formulate an erosion hazard area ordinance or local law, to be reviewed by the commissioner. The commissioner also adopts regulations establishing minimum standards for development in erosion hazard areas. Any person wishing to undertake development in an erosion hazard area must obtain a permit from the DEC...
Read More
New York State Land Use Enabling Acts
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Governance, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
Parallel provisions of New York State’s Town, Village, and General City Law grant local governments powers to zone similar to those granted by the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act (SZEA) promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the 1920s. New York State encourages, but does not require, local governments to adopt comprehensive plans, and state statutes enumerate 15 topics that may be included in comprehensive plans. Local governments have considerable additional powers to regulate local land use under the home rule provisions of the ..
Read More
City of Newburgh Environmental Constraints Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Environmental Law, Steep Slope Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
This law limits the areas within the City of Newburgh, NY in which construction can take place, as a means of protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Particularly, this law places restrictions on construction in wetland and watercourse areas, as well as steep slope areas. ..
Read More
Town of Pawling Timber Harvesting Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Quality of Life, Timber Harvesting
New York
Municipal
This ordinance emphasizes the value of local woodlands and sets standards for harvesting activities that can cause soil erosion and sediment-laden runoff, including stream crossings, location of landings, hauls roads, and skid trails. Making the connection between timber harvesting practices, water quality, and human and ecological health, the ordinance prescribes methods for sustainable harvesting that consider slope steepness, distance of operations from streams, and the use of logging roads. ..
Read More
Town of North Castle Hilltops, Ridgelines & Steep Slopes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Steep Slope Protection, Zoning
New York
Municipal
§ 213-17 of the Town Code for the Town of North Castle was enacted for the purpose of preventing erosion, minimizing stormwater runoff and flooding, and preserving the Town's character and property values. The means by which the Town attempts to reach this goal is by preventing the development of hilltops, ridgelines and steep slopes...
Read More
State of New York Freshwater Wetlands Regulations
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Recreational Uses, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
State
Article 24-Title 7 of New York State Consolidated Laws promulgates the sustained and safe use of Freshwater and Wetlands in the Town. Under the law, any person that wishes to engage in any of the enumerated activities including: draining, dredging, dumping, filling, in wetland areas as designated by the official map, shall seek a permit which will either be granted or denied depending on the outcome of the local government or the commissioner’s consideration of the effect of the proposed activity with reference to the public health and welfare,..
Read More
State of New York Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Purchase of Development Rights, Scenic Resources, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Farmland Protection & Preservation
New York
State
This law authorizes cities within New York State to transfer development rights with respect to parcels of land under zoning ordinances or local laws, and also governs the transfer of development rights between sending and receiving districts...
Read More
State of New York Intermunicipal Cooperation in Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Regulation
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning
New York
State
This law expresses statutory authority for city governments in New York State to enter into agreements with one another for comprehensive planning and land use regulation in order to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation in an effective and efficient way...
Read More
State of New York Official Map Changes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Development Standards, Official Map, Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Street & Sidewalk Development
New York
State
This law authorizes city legislatures to change or add to the official map of the city in order to lay out new streets, highways parks and even drainage systems. Changes are made subject to adequate notice to those persons noted on last real property tax notice which is to be included in such proposed layout, and are subject to report by planning board who may forfeit right to suspend further action if no response is rendered within thirty days of such reference. Adopted changes become part of city’s official map and are deemed final...
Read More
State of New York Hudson River Valley Greenway
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017New York
State
This law is enacted to preserve and protect natural resources along the Hudson River Valley. The law creates and empowers both the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Heritage Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, and gives these agencies the responsibility for carrying out the goals stated above. ..
Read More
State of New York Indebtedness Provision for Public Services Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Intermunicipal Agreements, Sewage Management, Stormwater Management, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
New York
State
This provision of the New York State Constitution allows the legislature to authorize any municipality or combination of two or more public corporations to contract indebtedness in order to supply public services. In certain circumstances, the provision also allows the municipalities in excess of its needs. Services addressed in this provision include: water supply, drainage, and sewage disposal...
Read More
State of New York Bill of Rights for Local Governments
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Acquisition, Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
The Bill of Rights for Local Government establishes the conditions under which local governments shall operate. In addition to procedures for the formation of local governments, this provision of the Constitution governs procedures regarding eminent domain, public utilities, and annexation of property...
Read More
New York State Constitution Article on Conservation
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017State Land Use Law, Tree Preservation & Protection, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
New York
State
The New York Constitution, Article 14, establishes that it is a function of the state government to provide for the protection of forested lands, but provides exceptions for the development of certain highways. This provision also designates provisions whereby these lands may be used on a limited scale for construction and maintenance of reservoirs and establishes how violations of this provision shall be handled...
Read More
State of New York County Law – Reforested Lands Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation, Tree Preservation & Protection
New York
State
This section of the General Powers of Board Supervisors gives the Board supervisors the power to purchase, acquire, or accept by gift lands for the purposes of reforestation. The ordinance establishes the procedures for taxation and assessment of the land as well as financial assistance procedures. ..
Read More
State of New York Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control
New York
State
The purpose of this statute is to prevent coastal erosion from destroying natural resources, property, and human life. This statute states causes of erosion and presents policies to address erosion. The main focus is on the identification of coastal erosion hazard areas and the creation and implementation of local laws to address the problems in such areas. The state commissioner in consultation with local governments must identify hazard areas in the state and then hold public hearings before the final identifications are made. The commissi..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Zoning Board of Appeals
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
New York
State
This section of the New York State Town Law empowers town boards to form a zoning board of appeals composed of three to five members. Furthermore, it establishes the procedure for appointment and removal of members, the length of terms for the members, and the duties of the chairperson...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Article Seventy-Eight Proceeding Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
New York
State
This law creates a procedure through which a party may challenge the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Persons aggrieved by a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals may apply to the New York State Supreme Court for review through Article Seventy-Eight of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Under this section, the Supreme Court is authorized to reverse, affirm, or modify a decision that is brought up for review...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Ordinances & Licenses
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Local Boards, Local Governance, Street & Sidewalk Development
New York
State
Article 9, sections 130-139 of New York Consolidated laws describes the authority town ordinances might have over building construction, maintenance, and removal; plumbing regulations; dwellings; sidewalks, streets, and highways; fire prevention; encroaching walls; pets and wildlife and other areas. The article also describes the procedures of effecting an ordinance, the issuing of licenses, and the role of the building inspector...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Cluster Development Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Clustering & Cluster Development, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning
New York
State
This New York State law is a model for state government seeking to promulgate statutory law to guide its towns in their efforts at local zoning and planning laws. Cluster Development is a tool for municipalities to utilize when working toward smart growth...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Town Comprehensive Plan Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, State Land Use Law, Transportation & Land Use Planning
New York
State
This state law from New York is a model for state governments seeking to promulgate statutory law to guide its towns in their efforts at developing local comprehensive plans...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Incentive Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017State Land Use Law
New York
State
This state law from New York is a model for state governments seeking to promulgate statutory law to guide its towns in their local zoning and planning efforts. Incentive Zoning is an implementation tool for municipalities to utilize in working toward smart growth...
Read More
New York Town Law – Intermunicipal Cooperation in Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Regulation
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Intermunicipal Agreements, Land Use Planning, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
This state law from New York is a model for state governments seeking to promulgate statutory law to guide its towns in their efforts at local zoning and planning laws. Intermunicipal cooperation in comprehensive planning and land use regulation allows municipalities to work together toward smart growth in the region...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Planned Unit Development Zoning Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning, Planned Unit Development, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
New York grants authority to local government to pass planned unit development ordinances. Other states may use this law as a guide when promulgating planned unit development statutes. Planned Unit Development Zoning Districts are implementation tools for municipalities to utilize in working toward smart growth...
Read More
New York State Town Law – Grant of Power Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
The following law grants authority to Town Boards in New York State to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes; provided that such regulations shall apply to and affect only such part of a town as is outside the limits of any incorporated village or city; provid..
Read More
New York State Town – Transfer of Development Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, State Land Use Law, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
State
This law gives town boards in New York State the authority to provide for transfer of development rights. The purpose of providing for transfer of development rights is to protect the natural, scenic or agricultural qualities of open lands, to enhance sites and areas of special character or special historical, cultural, aesthetic or economic interest or value and to enable and encourage flexibility of design and careful management of land in recognition of land as a basic and valuable natural resource. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Purposes in View Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, State Land Use Law, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning, Disaster Mitigation
New York
State
This ordinance explains the purpose behind granting zoning and land use planning authority to municipalities in New York State. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Adoption of First Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
This ordinance requires town boards to appoint a zoning commission, whose responsibility is to recommend boundaries of districts and regulations to be enforced in those boundaries. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Official Map, Establishment Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Official Map, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
This ordinance authorizes Town Boards in New York State to create official maps, which are to include streets, highways, parks, and drainage systems, by towns located in New York State. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Official Maps, Changes Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Official Map, State Land Use Law, Zoning
New York
State
This law grants town boards the authority to make changes to their town’s official map. ..
Read More
New York State Town Law – Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Local Boards, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
New York
State
This law empowers Town Boards in New York state to conduct site plan review. The law contains instructions for towns to authorize planning boards to review proposed site plans, conduct public hearings, and make rulings as to approval (i.e. approval, approval with modification, conditional approval). Planning boards are also authorized to issue variances when public policy dictates. In addition, the law outlines other functions a planning board may perform, including: requiring reservation of parkland (or money in lieu thereof) or requiring the ..
Read More
Town of Amherst Development Methods Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Clustering & Cluster Development, Open Space Preservation, Planned Unit Development, Smart Growth
Massachusetts
Municipal
This ordinance provides for a variety of Smart Growth activities within the town including cluster development, planned unit development, and open space community development according to general standards...
Read More
Town of Enfield Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection
New Hampshire
Municipal
This is a law that regulates use in the conservation district. It limits commercial development and regulates the aesthetic nature of developments as well as protecting natural resources such as riparian areas...
Read More
Town of Farmington Ridgeline Protection Zone
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
Connecticut
Municipal
This law provides a very detailed set of regulations with the primary purpose of protecting the viewshed and natural beauty of the town. It uses specific geologic features that form the mountains to determine the boundaries of the protection zone...
Read More
Town of Mendon Ridgeline Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Vermont
Municipal
This is a very brief law that regulates developments to only ski area uses and requires aesthetic compatibility...
Read More
Town of Williston Ridgeline/Wooded Hillside Protection Overlay Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection
Vermont
Municipal
The purpose of the Williston Ridgeline/Wooded Hillside Protection Overlay District is to protect the scenic beauty of the town, as well as to protect the sensitive natural communities of slopes and to prevent erosion. The ordinance sets out restrictions for the type of building that can be done in the zone and the amount of ground cover that must be kept around building lots. ..
Read More
City of Hendersonville Subdivision Regulations Article III Design Standards and Improvement Requirements, 3-102 Lot Requirements, 3-102.6 Driveways/Access to Lots, Section 3- 102.605 Design Standards for Residential Driveways
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations
Tennessee
Municipal
§ 3-102.605 of the City of Hendersonville’s Subdivision Regulations provides design standards for residential driveways in accordance with considerations appropriate to public health and safety and to limit possible traffic hazards. Specifically, where permitted, driveways fronting designated collector and arterial routes are to be designed so that vehicles are not required to back onto these highways. This section also regulates the slope of residential driveways: the slope of any driveway should not exceed 8% for the first 15 feet; driveways ..
Read More
Town of Geneseo Municipal Code, Chapter 54 Erosion and Sediment Control
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control
New York
Municipal
This chapter guides and regulates the design, construction, and maintenance of any development or activity which disturbs the topsoil or results in the movement of earth on land in order to promote the public welfare and safeguard persons, protect property, and prevent damage to the environment, including Conesus Lake and all bodies of water or watercourses in the Town of Geneseo. Performance standards include retaining existing vegetation and constructing sediment control measures prior to beginning any land disturbance activities, with all ru..
Read More
City of Ashland Solar Access Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Oregon
Municipal
In its Zoning Code, the City of Ashland has dedicated a lengthy chapter on Solar Access. The purpose of the Solar Access chapter is “to provide protection of a reasonable amount of sunlight from shade from structures and vegetation whenever feasible to all parcels in the City to preserve the economic value of solar radiation falling on structures, investments in solar energy systems, and the options for future uses of solar energy.” The rest of the chapter provides requirements for where solar energy systems may be placed including lot classifi..
Read More
City of Austin Zoning Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Texas
Municipal
The City of Austin, Texas has integrated zoning for solar within its zoning ordinance not as a separate section or chapter, but mostly within its Building Design Standards Article. According to its Zoning Ordinance, Austin permits solar collectors in Residential Use zoning districts as accessory use structures. In order to satisfy the building requirements under the Building Design Standards Article, each building must earn one point from a number of design options laid out in § 3.3.2, Table C. One of those options is to “integrate solar power ..
Read More
City of Biloxi Zoning and Sustainable Design Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Mississippi
Municipal
Biloxi, MS has dedicated an entire section in its zoning code to Sustainable Design in order to “promote sustainable development practices as a means of addressing global climate change, protecting natural resources, and ensuring a high quality of life for future city residents.” As part of encouraging its citizens to build more sustainably, Biloxi created a Sustainable Development Point Requirement, where “all applications for approval of a Site Plan for nonresidential, mixed-use, and multifamily residential development” shall incorporate a nu..
Read More
City of Cleveland Heights Zoning Supplementary Accessory Use Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Ohio
Municipal
Within its zoning supplementary accessory use regulations, Cleveland Heights, Ohio integrated two sub-sections on solar panels and building-mounted systems. Under its solar panels sub-section, Cleveland Heights lists certain regulations including the requirement that solar panels be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways and that all power transmission lines from a ground-mounted solar energy system be located underground. Under its building-mounted systems sub-section, the city ..
Read More
Town of Coventry Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Rhode Island
Municipal
Despite its lengthy Zoning Code, Coventry, Rhode Island does not incorporate a section specifically detailing the requirements and regulations for solar energy systems. However, within its Transportation, Communications, and Utilities table (schedule) of uses under its Industry Section, solar power generators are permitted in mostly all of the zoning districts, with the exception of two types of residential districts, one business district, the Planned Development District, and the Special Planning Overlay District. The Zoning Code does not def..
Read More
City of Del Mar Solar Energy Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
California
Municipal
Del Mar, California has integrated an entire chapter in its zoning code on solar energy. The chapter “is intended to implement adopted federal, state, and local policies by decreasing the City’s dependence upon non-renewable energy systems for sources through the encouragement of solar energy systems for the hearing of buildings and water.” Chapter 23.20 goes on to define important terms used within the chapter and lists specific regulations for space heating and cooling of new structures, remodels of existing structures, and use of solar syste..
Read More
City of Longmont Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Colorado
Municipal
In Longmont, Colorado, the City Code of Ordinance permits solar panels in all districts as an accessory use. However, the only regulation Longmont includes within its code for solar panels and/or energy systems is that “the height shall not exceed the maximum structure height for the zoning district in which they are located.”
..
Read More
Village of Westfield Zoning Code § 155-57 Solar Systems; Solar Zoning; Solar Access
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Village of Westfield’s supplemental zoning regulations regulates the use of active and passive solar energy systems. Westfield’s solar regulation requires special permits to authorize the placement of a solar electric system on an owner’s property. After a system’s owner obtains this permit, adjoining property owners must obtain a special permit prior to placing buildings, towers, vegetation, or other possible obstructions of the permitted system’s solar access. The regulation specifies that placement of potential obstructions “shall be suc..
Read More
City of Grand Fork Solar Access Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
North Dakota
Municipal
In its Code of Ordinances, Grand Forks, North Dakota has integrated a small section on Solar Access, Section 18-0307. The section states, “When a solar energy collection system is installed on a lot, accessory structures or vegetation on any abutting lot shall not be located so as to block the solar collector’s access to solar energy.” Section 18-0307 goes on to outline the portion of a solar collector that is protected by the ordinance and state that the requirements of the Solar Access section do not apply to “structures or vegetation existin..
Read More
Town of Haddam Subdivision Regulations; Passive Solar Energy Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
Connecticut
Municipal
Haddam, Connecticut has enacted a section, § 302-36, within its chapter on subdivision regulations specifically for passive solar energy techniques. Section 302-36 defines passive solar energy techniques as “site design techniques which maximize solar heat gain, minimize heat loss and provide thermal storage within a building during the heating season and minimize heat gain, and provide for natural ventilation during the cooling season.” According to the section, a subdivision applicant must demonstrate to the Commission that she has considered..
Read More
City of Lenexa Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
Kansas
Municipal
Within Lenexa’s Zoning District Regulations, solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use. According to the regulations, solar energy systems are to be designed to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and comply with a number of standards. Those standards include maintenance and access; location; and compliance with the Building Code requirements. The Regulations also outline specific requirements for roof-mounted equipment. ..
Read More
City of Chicago Rooftop Solar PV System Application Process; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
Illinois
Municipal
The City of Chicago has made installation of both small rooftop solar PV systems (<13.44kw) and large rooftop solar PV systems (those generating greater than 13.44kw) easier than ever before by easing restrictions and streamlining processes, saving time and design costs. Applicants for small rooftop systems can now access the City’s Easy Permit Process (EPP) where qualifying projects can receive same-day permit approvals at reduced fees. For projects that meet the Easy Permit Process (EPP) requirements, the permitting process was cut down from ..
Read More
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Unified Solar Application; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson adopted the NY-Sun Unified Solar Permit (USP), a combined building and electrical permit for certain solar energy systems developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the City University of New York’s Sustainable CUNY. The USP expedites the permitting process for “small-scale solar electric systems,” that have a rated capacity of 12 kW or less and that are installed on a permitted roof structure of a building, or on a legal accessory..
Read More
Town of Farmington, C.T., Code § 111-26 Historic District-Solar Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
Connecticut
Municipal
The Town of Farmington, Connecticut’s historic district regulations state that its Historic District and Properties Commission will not deny a certificate of appropriateness for an exterior architectural feature, such as a solar energy system designed for the utilization of renewable resources, unless the Commission finds that the feature cannot be installed without substantially impairing the historic character and appearance of the district. The certificate of appropriateness for a solar energy system may require design modifications and loca..
Read More
Town of Gorham Land Use and Development Code § 1A-4[A][4]- Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
Maine
Municipal
The Town of Gorham’s density bonus provisions provide a maximum density bonus of 25% over the allowable base density for residential and nonresidential uses in planned unit developments (PUD) in exchange for public amenities, including solar access and energy efficient design, layout, and construction. To qualify for a bonus of 5 percent above the allowable base density, a PUD may provide solar access to 40 percent of the dwelling units and ensure through appropriate deed restrictions that dwelling units will utilize solar energy systems for wa..
Read More
Town of Ossining Code § 183-11(B)(2)(d) Tree Protection & Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Town of Ossining’s tree protection ordinance authorizes approval authorities to grant a tree removal permit if removal will have a positive effect upon (among other things) solar access for the property owner and nearby properties. Town of Ossining, NY, Code § 183-11(B)(2)(d). ..
Read More
City of Milton Historic Preservation & Solar Apparatus Regulations § 34-162.3; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
Wisconsin
Municipal
Milton’s regulations for historic preservation districts include solar apparatus criteria for the historic preservation commission’s (“HPC”) review of alterations in historic districts. The review criteria allow passive and active solar apparatus that do not detract from a building’s architectural integrity and are as unobtrusive as possible. Solar devices may not hide significant architectural features from street view, result in the loss of these features, or become a major feature of the design because they are large in scale. City of Milton..
Read More
Village of Mastic Beach Solar Energy Systems Regulations § 415-2; Solar Zoning; Architectural Review
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Village of Mastic Beach's Code § 415-2 regulates accessory solar energy systems and exempts systems that meet the regulation’s standards from architectural review board approval. These regulations include the requirements that (1) roof-mounted solar systems do not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building where the system is located and (2) ground-mounted solar energy systems not extend into the required rear yard accessory setback when oriented at minimum design tilt. Additionally, system design must make best efforts to blend i..
Read More