Search by Topic (127)
Please click on the topic you would like to explore further
Search Results for Topic : Local Governance
The Town of Islip Word Usage and Definitions for Zoning Requirements
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Development Standards, Local Governance, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Town of Islip set out the word usages and definitions to be used in their zoning requirements. All accessory buildings must be restricted to one story in height. Building height is determined by looking at the vertical distance from the average grade of the ground at the base of the structure to the highest point of roof, excluding chimneys, spires, and other permitted projections. For any single-family homes in a special flood hazard area, the building height shall be measured from the average grade of the ground at the base of the structu..
Read More
The Land Use Stabilization Wedge Strategy: Shifting Ground to Mitigate Climate Change
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Emissions, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Land Use Planning, Local Environmental Law, Local Governance, Solar Energy, Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
N/A
This article by John R. Nolon was published in William & Mary Environmental Law & Policy Review. The article describes how local governments, through the clever application of existing land use techniques, can mitigate climate change. This strategic path follows one developed by Princeton professor Robert Socolow, who identified and described fifteen categories for organizing society's climate change mitigation efforts. Five of Socolow's strategic categories fall within the reach of local land use authority: reduced use of vehicles, energy effi..
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
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 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
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
State of North Carolina Statutory Rules Ordinance – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Governance, State Land Use Law
North Carolina
State
In 1973, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted § 153-4, which provides that “the counties of this state should have adequate authority to execute the powers, duties, privileges, and immunities conferred upon them by law. To this end, the provisions of this Chapter and of local acts shall be broadly construed and grants of power shall be construed to include any additional and supplementary powers that are reasonably necessary or expedient to carry them into execution and effect.” Thus counties are granted the same legislative rule of broa..
Read More
State of North Carolina Statutory Rules Ordinance – Cities
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Governance, State Land Use Law
North Carolina
State
In 1971, North Carolina adopted a legislative rule of broad construction of powers delegated to cities. Section 160A-4 provides that “the cities of this state should have adequate authority to execute the powers, duties, privileges, and immunities conferred upon them by law. To this end, the provisions of this Chapter and of the city charters shall be broadly construed and grants of power shall be construed to include any additional and supplementary powers that are reasonably necessary or expedient to carry them into execution and effect.”
..
Read More
State of Massachusetts Municipal Growth & Development Policy Committees Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Intermunicipal Agreements, Local Boards, Local Governance, Smart Growth
Massachusetts
State
A growth and development policy committee consisting of two or more municipalities may be established under this statute and “engage in all acts and conduct for the purpose of intergovernmental planning of balanced growth and development issues.” Paragraph one broadly defines “balanced growth and development issues.” Subject to the committee’s comment and review are issues which may have a “significant impact upon the health, safety or welfare of the member municipalities’ citizens, including issues pertaining to growth management and land us..
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
City of Peekskill Watershed Protection & Enforcement Officer
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Boards, Local Governance, Watershed Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
This ordinance establishes the position of a Watershed Protection and Enforcement Officer and sets out the membership requirements and the duties entrusted to the position, with the goal of ensuring that the Environmental Conservation Law and the Penal Law of the State of New York are adhered...
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
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
Town of Dunn Rural Preservation Program
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
Wisconsin
Municipal
This ordinance creates the Town of Dunn Land Trust Commission. This commission was established to preserve the rural character of the town, determine the interests of the land owners, recommend land acquisition, recommend changes to the Open Space program, and conduct public hearing. The ordinance specifies the board makeup as well as the procedures they must follow...
Read More
New York State Statute of Local Governments: Chapter 58-A of the Consolidated Laws
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Governance
New York
State
The Statute of Local Governments grants powers to local governments pursuant the State Constitution. These include, but are not limited to, the powers to adopt, amend and repeal ordinances, acquire real property, establish recreational facilities on the property, and administer rent in connection with the property. Local governments can also adopt zoning regulations and perform comprehensive planning work related to their jurisdiction. The legislature reserves several powers to enact laws including those laws relating to defense of state in ..
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
Village of Port Chester New York Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Training
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
This law requires that the members of the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, for the Village of Port Chester, meet mandatory training and attendance requirements, in order to ensure that these members understand the authority given to them, and have the request knowledge of land use law in order to apply their power appropriately. ..
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
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
New York State Town Law: § 271. Town Planning Board, Creation & Appointment
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This law describes the creation and appointment procedures for Planning Boards in Towns located in New York State. 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 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 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
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 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
Town of North Salem Planning Board Meeting Attendance Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
This law creates attendance requirements for persons on the Town Planning Board of North Salem, NY. ..
Read More
City of Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New Mexico
Municipal
These ordinances create boards to deal with Environmental Planning, Beautification, the Albuquerque Bicycle Network, Open Space, and Recreational Trails. ..
Read More
City of Lincoln Urban Design Committee
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
Nebraska
Municipal
This ordinance formally establishes an Urban Design Committee within the city of Lincoln, appointed to "improve the quality of life through urban design." This goal is based on considerations of "the impact of physical development upon the environment," among other quality of life goals, and charges the group with advising the city on "matters relating to urban design, visual relationships, architectural design, and aesthetics," allowing for a forum to address the environmental impacts of proposed urban development...
Read More
City of Lincoln Community Forestry Advisory Board
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Local Governance
Nebraska
Municipal
This ordinance formally establishes a community advisory board within the city of Lincoln, appointed to develop "a comprehensive community forestry management plan" and to make recommendations to the mayor on "proposals concerning public arboreal resources," ensuring that these issues will be addressed as municipal priorities...
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
State of Louisiana Training Requirements for Local Boards Act
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
Louisiana
State
This bill requires land use training for local boards in Louisiana...
Read More
City of Bloomington Environmental Quality and Conservation Commission
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
Indiana
Municipal
The commission is tasked with collecting information on the environmental condition of the city and making recommendations to the city government. They have a large amount of flexibility and can conduct hearings, hire consultants, collect data, review the work of city departments, and generally assess the city’s environmental performance...
Read More
City of Hollywood Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Affordable Housing , Local Boards, Local Governance
Florida
Municipal
This Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Ordinance authorizes the creation of the Hollywood Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for the purpose of recommending initiatives to encourage and facilitate affordable housing options. This section establishes guidelines for the composition of the committee and minimum recommendations such as: density levels, reduction of parking and setback requirements, expedited processing permits, modification of impact fees, reservation of infrastructure capacity, allowance of zero-lot-line configurations, and..
Read More
Town of Gardiner Commission for the Conservation of the Environment Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
Municipal
Town of Gardiner Commission for Conservation of the Environment establishes the guidelines for the Commission, including the Commission’s intent, membership, powers, and required reports. The Commission’s intent is to conserve, preserve, and improve the natural and man-made environment of Gardiner in order to protect the health, welfare, and well being of the town’s citizens. The Commission’s duties include: advising the town board, conducting studies and surveys, obtaining and maintaining town maps, and working cooperatively with the Planning ..
Read More
State of New York Training Requirements for Zoning Board & Planning Board Members
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
New York
State
This Bill requires land use training zoning board and planning board members in New York State...
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