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Padavan Law wetlands permits resolution Padavan Process River Corridor Moratorium ordinance wetland setback bufer wetland buffer malta BEAVERTONSearch Results
State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Moratorium on Development
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Local Boards, Moratoria
State: Not Applicable
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.
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Town of Duck Rebuilding & Reconstruction; Damaging Storms Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Duck, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a coastal community that has adapted local regulations implementing the State’s Coastal Areas Management Act of 1974. The Act encourages cooperative land use planning between the state and local governments and is the State’s policy that “adequate plans for post-disaster reconstruction should be prepared by and coordinated between all levels of government prior to the advent of a disaster.” The town of Duck created a short-term building moratorium to allow the community time to assess dama..
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Town of Brookhaven Moratorium on Development of Substandard Parcels
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Moratoria
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 17C of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven creates a moratorium halting construction on substandard parcels (lot width of less than 60 feet or a lot area of less than 6,000 square feet) until the Board completes planning studies to enact comprehensive zoning changes. Though, there are exceptions for work in progress and hardship as described below. The moratorium is based on a desire for comprehensive planning and smart growth for the present and the future. ..
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Town of North Castle Moratorium Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Moratoria, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
As a result of the negative impact residential development has had on the environment of North Castle, the damage to the Town’s natural resources, the loss of open space, and the ability of the infrastructure of Town and special district facilities and services to adequately serve Town residents, along with other factors; the Town Board has enacted this moratorium. It has been specifically determined to be necessary in order to prevent the final approval of any further residential subdivisions Townwide and any new construction or large scale ..
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Town of East Haddam Temporary Subdivision Moratorium
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Moratoria, Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance temporarily stops subdivision development so the town Zoning and Planning Commission can review and revise subdivision regulations to ensure that development and land-use patterns in the town are compatible with environmental protection goals- specifically the prevention of further fragmentation of forests and preservation of habitats...
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Town of Brookhaven Moratorium on Telecommunications Facilities
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Communications, Comprehensive Planning, Moratoria, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 17 of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven places a moratorium on telecommunications facilities (cell phone, mobile phone or wireless phone antenna towers) until a comprehensive plan is developed. The town’s purpose is to insure the installation of the towers and facilities in a manner that is expeditious, maximizes services, and benefits the community, while simultaneously minimizing adverse visual impacts and reducing the potential for adverse physical damage to adjacent properties...
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City of Gloucester Interim Planning Overlay District
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Intermunicipal Agreements, Overlay District, Sewage Management, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is primarily concerned with the potential for overburdening of city sewer lines upon the completion of an intermunicipal agreement between The City of Gloucester and the Town of Essex. In order to prevent such an occurrence, they have created overlay zones to ensure orderly growth, provide the city time to study the effects, preserve community attributes, and to implement recommendations of the comprehensive plan...
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Zoning Prohibiting Fast-Food Establishments
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Low Nutrition Uses
State: Not Applicable
This zoning code removes fast-food establishments from the community and improves the public health through reducing consumption of unhealthy foods. Section 4.7.1 of Concord’s zoning code expressly states: “Drive-in or fast food restaurants are expressly prohibited. A drive-in or fast food restaurant is defined as any establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods or beverages in a ready-to-consume state, for consumption within the building or off-premises, and whose principal method of operation includes: (1) sale of foods and bev..
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Healthy Community Implementation Toolbox
Date Added: Thursday, July 12, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Los Angeles wants to decrease health inequalities, chronic disease and obesity amongst the community. As a result, the ULI Los Angeles’ Healthy Community Implementation Toolbox was created for local governments and officials in public works, planning, and private developers. The goal of this toolbox is to create a healthy environment with creative active living design plans, incorporating fast food regulations and healthy retail incentives, along with farmers’ markets and community gardens. The toolbox outlines twelve tools for developing healt..
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Town of Brookhaven Planned Retirement Congregate Housing Community Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Senior Housing
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 85, Article XIIA of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven creates a Planned Retirement Congregate Housing Community District, in order to give affordable housing options to the elderly community in the Town of Brookhaven, NY. ..
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Town of Mamaroneck Waterfront Revitalization Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Waterfront Revitalization
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 234 of the Town Code for the Town of Mamaroneck is intended to provide a framework for agencies of Mamaroneck to consider the policies and purposes contained in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program when reviewing applications for actions and to assure to the maximum extent practicable that such actions are consistent with said policies and purposes. ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Town of Huntington Climate Action Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency, Land Use Planning, Solar Energy, Stormwater Management, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Climate Change Planning
State: Not Applicable
In 2015, the Town of Huntington, New York released its Climate Action Plan. The Plan calls for removing zoning hurdles that obstruct the development of solar energy systems on private property and to streamline the permitting process. It calls for the installation of solar PV capacity on every public facility that can reasonably support such systems. The Plan also notes that to achieve economies of scale, the Town should bid multiple installations together or use requirements contracts to promote cost efficiencies. The plan also directs the Tow..
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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
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..
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Building Height Limits
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
Washington’s zoning code provides height limitations for structures placed at or near street intersections. The code states that no new structure can be over thirty inches in height above the grade of the street. The restrictions create intersections that are more convenient and safe for the town residents, free from potentially dangerous obstructions in order to minimize traffic accidents and fatalities...
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Land trust response To renewable energy siting challenges in New York
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018State: Not Applicable
For partial fulfillment for his Master of Science in Environmental Policy from the Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy, Mr. Collin Adkins submitted his Master’s Capstone titled “Land trust response to renewable energy siting challenges in New York." Within this report, Mr. Adkins “creates a baseline assessment of New York’s land trusts that evaluates the extent to which land trusts are aware of and responding to the changing policies around renewable energy and its impacts on land use.” The report goes further by suggesting five area..
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City of Independence Solar Access Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Independence, Kansas has created an entire article within its Code of Ordinances specifically for solar access regulations. The article authorizes the citizens of Independence to enter into solar easement agreements with other property owners. These easements shall establish the “solar skyspace” envelope within which it “shall be unlawful for the owner of real property to erect a building or structure or to allow a tree, shrub or other flora to case a shadow upon a solar collector.” The majority of the article is focused on regulations for thes..
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Town of Babylon Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its Zoning Chapter, the Town of Babylon does not dedicate any specific section to the implementation of solar energy systems. The Code does permit solar energy production facilities that are not less than 50 acres, subject to restrictions placed by the Planning Board in two Residence Districts, A and C, as well as the Town’s Business District. In terms of new architectural design requirements, developers and owners are permitted to install solar roof panels. The Chapter, however, does not describe specific requirements for solar energy syste..
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State of New York Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve Act
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Local Boards, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law creates the Long Island Pine Barren Maritime Reserve in Suffolk County, New York, in order to protect and preserve this area’s natural resources and scenic beauty. The law also sets forth the following: duties of the Long Island Pine Barrens maritime reserve council, a comprehensive management plan for the area, the duties of the Central Pine Barrens joint planning and policy commission, and a comprehensive land use plan for the area. ..
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City of Dubuque Unified Development Code; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Dubuque, Iowa’s Unified Development Code, solar collectors are permitted in Single-Family Residential Districts, Two-Family Residential Districts, Alternate Two-Family Residential Districts, Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential Districts, Multi-Family Residential Districts, Office Residential Districts, and Office Commercial Districts as accessory use structures. Dubuque’s Development Code also includes a Sustainable Subdivision Development program whereby applicants must achieve a minimum score of forty points by utilizing a list of to..
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City of Ashland Solar Access Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of Virginia’s Model Ordinances for Solar Energy Projects (Large, Small, Tax Exemptions); Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Local Government Outreach Group (LOG), convened by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, developed two model zoning ordinances: the first for smaller-scale solar energy projects and the second for larger-scale projects. These ordinances define both smaller- and larger-scale projects as (1) those that generate electricity from sunlight using one or more photovoltaic systems and other appurtenant structures and facilities onsite, OR (2) those that utilize sunlight as an energy source to heat or cool buildings or water or produce e..
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State of Virginia’s Model Ordinances for Solar Energy Projects (Large, Small, Tax Exemptions); Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Local Government Outreach Group (LOG), convened by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, developed two model zoning ordinances: the first for smaller-scale solar energy projects and the second for larger-scale projects. These ordinances define both smaller- and larger-scale projects as (1) those that generate electricity from sunlight using one or more photovoltaic systems and other appurtenant structures and facilities onsite, OR (2) those that utilize sunlight as an energy source to heat or cool buildings or water or produce e..
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State of Virginia’s Model Ordinances for Solar Energy Projects (Large, Small, Tax Exemptions); Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Local Government Outreach Group (LOG), convened by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, developed two model zoning ordinances: the first for smaller-scale solar energy projects and the second for larger-scale projects. These ordinances define both smaller- and larger-scale projects as (1) those that generate electricity from sunlight using one or more photovoltaic systems and other appurtenant structures and facilities onsite, OR (2) those that utilize sunlight as an energy source to heat or cool buildings or water or produce e..
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State of Virginia’s Model Ordinances for Solar Energy Projects (Large, Small, Tax Exemptions); Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Local Government Outreach Group (LOG), convened by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, developed two model zoning ordinances: the first for smaller-scale solar energy projects and the second for larger-scale projects. These ordinances define both smaller- and larger-scale projects as (1) those that generate electricity from sunlight using one or more photovoltaic systems and other appurtenant structures and facilities onsite, OR (2) those that utilize sunlight as an energy source to heat or cool buildings or water or produce e..
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County of DuPage Countywide Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinances
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
DuPage County is one of the ‘collar’ counties ringing Chicago. The County has implemented some of the most innovative regulations under the rubric of No Adverse Impact in order to stem flooding problems. The County requires compensatory storage that is 1.5 times the volume of the floodplain that has been displaced, requires 1 foot of elevation from BFE for all structures in and out of the floodplain, and mandates no net rise for any development. The floodplain regulations are combined with stormwater, erosion and sedimentation, and wetlands con..
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County of DuPage Countywide Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinances
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
DuPage County is one of the ‘collar’ counties ringing Chicago. The County has implemented some of the most innovative regulations under the rubric of No Adverse Impact in order to stem flooding problems. The County requires compensatory storage that is 1.5 times the volume of the floodplain that has been displaced, requires 1 foot of elevation from BFE for all structures in and out of the floodplain, and mandates no net rise for any development. The floodplain regulations are combined with stormwater, erosion and sedimentation, and wetlands con..
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City of Ketchum Dark Sky Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
To protect the ability to view the night sky and conserve resources, the city of Ketchum passed a law known as the “Dark Sky Ordinance” in June of 1999. The ordinance regulates exterior lighting by requiring lights to shine downward only and reduce glare. Dr. Stephen Pauley, a local retired physician, was the visionary behind the ordinance. The town focused its efforts on an aggressive awareness campaign for businesses and residents, and provided inexpensive ways to change current fixtures. ..
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Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Renewable Energy Ordinance Frameworks; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) Renewable Energy Ordinance Frameworks serve as a resource for municipalities as they develop and update ordinances to govern the siting of small-scale renewable energy systems in their community. The frameworks provide clear, consistent guidance on how to construct renewable energy ordinances and promote safe and sound community development. These frameworks provide a menu of sample ordinance language options, both permissive and restrictive, to allow municipalities to build a customize..
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County of Brown Agricultural Shoreland Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is unique because it applies specifically to agricultural use. Brown County’s Agricultural Shoreland Management ordinance is designed to “prevent soil erosion and minimize the movement of suspended solids into surface water.” It establishes a 300 foot zone on all perennial and intermittent streams and rivers wherein agricultural practices must meet NRCS guidelines. Additionally, 20-foot-vegetative buffers planted with approved seed mixtures must be established along all state waters...
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Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance applies to all land-disturbing activities, except forest activity that follows the state forest practice guidelines and agriculture, but requires a sediment and erosion control plan only on activities that disturb more than one acre. The ordinance controls the length, location, and area of soil exposure and requires weekly monitoring and post-storm event monitoring. In addition this ordinance is designed to facilitate the county’s efforts to assess penalties on those in non-compliance, by including a thorough list of violations a..
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City of Pekin Groundwater Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of groundwater resources through the establishment of setback zones and regulation of routes and sources of contamination. General activities and uses that are prohibited in setback zones are delineated, including the establishment of new potential primary or secondary sources and routes of contamination. Provisions for exclusions, permits, waivers, and fines up to a $1000 for violations of the ordinance are included...
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Town of Taos Outdoor Lighting on Public & Private Property Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates guidelines for outdoor lighting on private property to prevent light pollution, as well as to conserve energy while still providing for public safety and security...
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County of Kane Stormwater Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Kane County implements a number of interesting floodplain regulations including regulating depressional storage, which is often beyond the regulatory floodplain. Furthermore, the County requires compensatory storage for activities within the floodplain and the BFE requirements are for 2 and 3 feet in most areas. The ordinance can be found at: www.co.kane.il.us/..
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Kane County Stormwater Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Kane County implements a number of interesting floodplain regulations including regulating depressional storage, which is often beyond the regulatory floodplain. Furthermore, the County requires compensatory storage for activities within the floodplain and the BFE requirements are for 2 and 3 feet in most areas. The ordinance can be found at: www.co.kane.il.us/..
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County of Brown Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its Zoning Ordinance, Brown County in Minnesota lists solar energy systems and solar structures as permitted uses in the Agricultural/Shoreland Protection District, Highway Business District, General Business District, and Limited Industry. Section 702 of its Zoning Ordinance, however, permits solar energy systems and solar structures as accessory uses in all districts, including residential ones, “provided the system is in compliance with minimum lot requirement and setbacks.” The section also goes on to include solar energy systems as elig..
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Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, July 11, 2016Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Goodhue County adopted solar energy system (SES) regulations in Article 19 of its zoning ordinance. These regulations define a ground-mounted SES as a solar collector located on the ground surface that is physically affixed or attached to the ground, including pole-mounted systems. The regulations define a roof-mounted SES as a solar collector located on the roof of a building or structure that may be physically affixed or attached to the roof. For both ground-mounted and roof-mounted SESs, the regulations include sub-definitions for residentia..
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State of North Carolina Regulation of Mountain Ridge Construction by Counties & Cities Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Ridgeline Protection, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Summary inserted Under the Mountain Ridge Protection Act, found within Chapter 113 at Article 14, cities and counties may regulate or ban the construction of buildings and other structures taller than 40 feet on “protected mountain ridges.”§ 113A-208. Section 113A-206 defines “protected mountain ridges” as those at least 3,000 feet above sea level and 500 feet above the adjacent valley floor, and a “ridge” as that portion of a mountain within 100 feet of its crest. Under § 113A-208(d), local governments may also protect lower mountain ridges, a..
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State of Illinois Local Boards & Practices – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Primary county zoning authority is vested in the “county board” or “board of county commissioners;” however, corporate county authorities must appoint, confirm, and provide for a “zoning commission” to exercise powers delegated under general zoning enabling authority. Such commissions (a) provide public notice, (b) conduct public hearings, (c) prepare tentative reports, and (d) draft and revise proposed ordinances. County authorities may appoint a “board of appeals” pursuant to county population standards to hear all appropriate actions as spec..
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Town of Gorham Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Ordinance, the Town of Gorham in New Hampshire defines solar energy systems as “any equipment or system utilizing solar energy to provide electricity and/or space heating or cooling, hot water heating and swimming pool heating.” Within the Town of Gorham, roof- or wall- mounted solar collectors are a permitted use in all zoning districts. Non-roof- or wall-mounted solar energy systems, however, are only allowed by special exception. “All installations are required to meet Section M2301 of the International Building Code.” ..
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FEMA Model Ordinance for Flood Loss Reduction & Fish Habitat
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Floodwater Management, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Disaster Mitigation
State: Not Applicable
This model ordinance provides a framework for flood loss reduction regulations for use by any state in conjunction with affected counties or municipalities. Section one explicitly delegates State authority to local governmental bodies to adopt regulations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of residents. Flood losses occur because of the cumulative effect of obstructions in special flood hazard areas. The purpose of the model ordinance is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing losses due to flooding by ma..
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Miami, FL Tree Requirements
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Healthy Communities, Climate Change Planning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Miami requires a tree permit “prior to the removal, relocation, root pruning or trimming more than 25% of any tree” and “prior to the removal, relocation, root pruning or trimming of any tree, plant or shrub located in any portion of the City of Miami’s right-of- way.” Chapter 17 of the city’s code was enacted to protect, preserve and restore the tree canopy. It is notable in that this applies to private property owners too...
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New York State Town Law – Ordinances & Licenses
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Local Boards, Local Governance, Street & Sidewalk Development
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Riverside Construction, Reconstruction, Abandonment and Destruction of Wells
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
Riverside County established an ordinance regulating the Construction, Reconstruction, Abandonment and Destruction of Wells in order to “(a) protect underground water resources, and (b) provide safe water to persons within Riverside County.” Applications for permits must include a variety of information on the physical characteristics property, the well specifications, and additional property features, which include other wells, underground storage tanks, and waste disposal sites. ..
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City of Greensboro Repairing Buildings for Human Inhabitation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
The North Carolina Legislature enacted a statute for the City of Greensboro allowing the local legislature to assign a public officer authority to serve complaints upon the owner/party in interest of homes that do not meet the minimum standards of their housing code. Before issuing a complaint, the public officer must be notified by at least five residents of the breach of the housing code. The complaint shall notify that owner/party in interest that they have 10-30 days to schedule a public meeting, and that they have the right to file an an..
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Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework Solar PV
Date Added: Monday, July 11, 2016Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Alternative Energy Ordinance Working Group developed the DVRPC Renewable Energy Ordinance Frameworks to help municipalities adopt regulations for small-scale renewable energy systems. The ordinance frameworks “provide a menu of sample ordinance language options, both permissive and restrictive, to allow municipalities to build a customized ordinance that addresses their local issues.” The frameworks offer a range of development standards for municipalities to choose from, including requirements..
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Licking Township Sewage Sludge Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance from Licking Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania requires that each ton of sewage sludge intended for land application be tested to prove that the levels of pollutants, pathogens, and vector attractants that are listed in the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Regulations have not been exceeded. The township is concerned regarding potential harmful effects to its residents and local environment. A tipping fee is levied to pay for the collection and testing of truckload samples. This ordinance also requires that any type of sludge..
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Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
California’s new legislature reduces impediments on ADUs. Local legislatures may no longer use minimum lot sizes to limit ADU development, eliminates all owner occupancy requirements, prohibits local governments from setting maximum sizes under 850 square feet, renders CC&Rs void where unduly restrictive on ADU development, and requires local governments to create affordable units for various income levels. ..
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Town of Addis Zoning Ordinance; Passive Solar Energy
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its zoning ordinance, the Town of Addis lists and defines its different zoning districts. It makes only a small mention of solar energy systems, specifically passive ones, in Section 6. There, the ordinance describes that all structures in the Town of Addis shall maximize passive solar energy systems and shall not require a variance if the system infringes upon required yard areas. However, the ordinance does not specify design or placement standards for these passive solar energy systems, presenting a barrier to its implementation.
..
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City of Mansfield Natural Resources Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Fairbault Zoning and Development Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Fairbault, Minnesota permits solar energy systems in all of its zoning districts. In a separate sub-section within its Code of Ordinances, Fairbault lists a few solar energy systems regulations that only apply to properties that have more than four square feet of solar panels. These regulations include a maximum of one hundred twenty square feet of solar panels on one property parcel; specific requirements for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems; and that an applicant must obtain building and electrical permits for all systems over four squ..
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City of Saratoga Springs New York Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 31, 2017Stormwater Management, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of the City of Saratoga Springs Zoning Ordinance is to encourage physical development while promoting public health, safety, and welfare. The ordinance is intended to classify, designate, and regulate the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, or other uses, and to divide the City into districts best suited to carry out the regulations set forth in the General City Law and provide for their enforcement. The regulations and district boundaries identified in the Zonin..
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Town of Southwest Harbor Shellfish Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of Illinois State Zoning Enabling Act – Municipal Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities may regulate by ordinance to provide for comprehensive regulation of beneficial uses, protection from harms, and mitigation of activities associated with the use of land within their jurisdiction. Examples include height and bulk restrictions on buildings; set back lines along streets, trafficways, drives, parkways, or storm or floodwater runoff channels or basins; and limitations on the intensity of the use of lot areas, including the area of open space, within and surrounding such buildings. Municipal zoning a..
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Energize CT Solar PV Model Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Energize CT developed a model solar PV zoning ordinance to aid municipalities in developing their own solar PV zoning ordinance. The model provides example height restrictions for various types of solar collector units. It states that ground-mounted solar PV systems are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts upon issuance of the proper permit and that they must not exceed thirty-five inches in height. Roof-mounted solar PV systems (permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts upon issuance of the proper permit) shall be ..
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Town of Francestown Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Solar and wind-powered devices are permitted in Francestown, New Hampshire for commercial use on lots of three acres or more at an elevation of fewer than 1,000 feet. According to its table of Permitted Uses and Special Exceptions, solar and wind-powered devices are permitted in Francestown’s Village and Rural Districts by special exception as well as in its Steep Slope, Aquifer, and Flood Plain Overlay Districts. Francestown, however, does not have a separate section within its Zoning Ordinance that describes the regulations or requirements fo..
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State of Massachusetts Affordable Housing Zoning – by Special Use Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This statute authorizes the issuance of special permits authorizing increases in the permissible density of populations, provided that the applicant provide housing for persons of “low or moderate income. This statute authorizes zoning ordinances or by-laws to provide for special permits for uses that are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance or bylaw. Such permits may also impose conditions, safeguards and limitations on time or use. ..
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State of Massachusetts Cluster Development by Special Use Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Clustering & Cluster Development, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Section nine of chapter 40A authorizes zoning ordinances or by-laws to provide for special permits for uses that are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance or bylaw, including special permits for cluster developments. Such cluster developments are to be permitted upon review and approval by a planning board pursuant to the subdivision control laws of chapter forty-one, sections 81K to 81GG inclusive. See paragraph six. Paragraph seven defines cluster development, as among other things, residential developments separa..
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Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
The Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina defines solar energy systems, in part, based on their physical size measured in acres. According to the state’s model ordinance, Level 1 Solar Energy Systems include those that are “ground-mounted on an area of up to 50 [percent] of the footprint of the primary structure on the parcel but no more than [one] acre,” and Level 2 Solar Energy Systems are ground-mounted systems with a footprint of less than or equal to a half acre in residential districts, less than or equal to 10 ac..
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Town of Laytonsville Forest Conservation & Reforestation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Forest Management, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Forest Conservation and Reforestation Ordinance establishes a forest conservation and reforestation program for the Town of Laytonsville in compliance with the standards prescribed by the Maryland General Assembly. The Act regulates timber harvesting as well as other activities that may result in the cutting, clearing, or grading of forest and defines terms related to and including “afforestation”, “forest”, and “reforestation”. Finally, the ordinance prescribes penalties for noncompliance...
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Repairing Buildings for Human Habitation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, June 2, 2022Quality of Life, Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Greensboro, NC repairing Buildings for Human Habitation Ordinance combines a repair or
destroy strategy with a code enforcement strategy. The city inspector can serve complaints
on homeowners who violate minimum standards in Greensboro’s housing code. If the
inspector finds conditions rendering a building unfit for human habitation, such as a lack of
ventilation or unsanitary conditions, the inspector issues a complaint to the property
owner. After a public meeting, the inspector determines whether the dwelling is unfit for
human habitati..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of New York Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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..
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North Carolina’s Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina defines solar energy systems (“SES”), in part, based on their physical size measured in acres. According to the state’s model ordinance, Level 1 SESs include those that are ground-mounted on an area of up to 50 percent of the footprint of the primary structure on the parcel but no more than 1 acre. Level 2 SESs are ground-mounted systems with a footprint of less than or equal to a half acre in residential districts, less than or equal to 10 acres in general commercial business a..
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Grow Solar Local Government Solar Toolkit for Minnesota: Planning, Zoning, and Permitting
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Delaware Township, New Jersey Ordinance #2011-06LU
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The town of Delaware, New Jersey provides specific lot-size requirements based on the type of solar facility. Ground-mounted Minor Solar or PV Energy Facility or Structure must be located on lots of at least one acre gross, while Major Solar or PV Energy Facility or Structure must be located on lots of at least twenty acres gross.
..
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City of Bend Land Use Review & Procedures Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Chicago, IL Density Bonuses for Green Roofs
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Healthy Communities, Density
State: Not Applicable
Green roofs are periodically inspected by the Department of Zoning. The floor area bonus for qualifying green roofs is calculated as follows: Bonus FAR = (area of roof landscaping in excess of 50% of net roof area ÷ lot area) × 0.30 × Base FAR...
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State of North Carolina Landmark Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Landmark Preservation, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Under the enabling statutes found at Part 3C, Article 19 in Chapter 160A, both cities and counties (“municipalities”) have the authority to designate landmarks as part of a zoning or other ordinance. § 160A-400.2, § 160A-400.5. Before a municipality can establish a landmark, it must appoint a historic preservation commission § 160A-400.7. To designate a landmark, this commission must undertake an inventory of the properties of historic, architectural, prehistorical, and cultural significance within the municipality’s jurisdiction. § 160A-400.6...
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Town of Coventry Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of North Carolina Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017State Land Use Law, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina does not have specific enabling legislation allowing cities and counties to regulate tree preservation. Nevertheless, a number of local governments have passed ordinances dealing with tree preservation, including the Cities of Charlotte and Greensboro. The City of Greensboro cited its general power to pass ordinances under § 160-174 as authority for creating its Advisory Commission on Trees, which manages its Tree Preservation Ordinance. GREENSBORO, NC CODE §§ 30-9-13 et. seq., §§ 30-5-4...
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State of New Jersey Riparian Buffer Conservation Zone Model Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Buffer Zones, Local Environmental Law, Water Resource Protection
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Western PA Rooftop Solar Challenge Final Solar Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016State: Not Applicable
Penn Future’s Western PA Rooftop Solar Challenge Final Solar Zoning Ordinance provides an example of solar energy systems defined based on type. The ordinance defines a “building-mounted system” as one “attached to any part or type of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit… and that is either the principal structure or an accessory structure…” Additionally, the ordinance defines a “ground-mounted system” as one “mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic system and ..
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Town of Hailey Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
In June of 2002, the town of Hailey adopted a local ordinance requiring the reduction of nighttime lighting, to “protect and reclaim the ability to view the night sky.” The law regulates light pollution by requiring outdoor lighting to shine downward only, and by regulating the illuminance or brightness level. Energy conservation and the ability to view the night sky are the primary environmental benefits. All residents and businesses must comply with the regulation within 1-3 years of its adoption. There has been little controversy, if any..
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City of Greensboro Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of North Carolina Subdivision Regulations Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017State Land Use Law, Subdivision Approvals, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Section 153A-330 authorizes counties to regulate subdivisions, which are defined by § 153A-335 as the sale of two or more lots of less than 10 acres from previously undivided land, excluding the division of less than two acres into no more than three lots. If a county has chosen to zone only portions of its jurisdiction, it may adopt subdivision regulations that apply only within those portions. Section 153A-331 allows counties to include provisions in their subdivision ordinances to ensure the following: the public dedication or reservation of..
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City of Overland Park Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance is designed to provide minimum requirements for the control of erosion and sediment resulting from development. It applies to all land disturbances that require a permit. The principles behind the ordinance include minimizing soil exposure, retaining sediments onsite, and using performance measures and outcomes. Requirements include: a time requirement that limits soil exposure to no more than 21 consecutive days if there is site inactivity; Erosion and Sediment Control Plan written by a Kansas State ..
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State of Louisiana Green Space Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Environmental Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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..
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County of Knox Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Knox County has a number of ordinances not commonly found in other communities. Development is regulated within the 500-year floodplain, and before a property owner hands over title to his or her land or structure, a State-certified engineer must certify the as-built elevations of all structures in the floodplain comply with the standards of the ordinance. Building requirements mandate 1 foot BFE above the 500-year floodplain and construction fill between one-half the linear distance between the floodway line and the 100-year floodplain line un..
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County of Knox Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Knox County has a number of ordinances not commonly found in other communities. Development is regulated within the 500-year floodplain, and before a property owner hands over title to his or her land or structure, a State-certified engineer must certify the as-built elevations of all structures in the floodplain comply with the standards of the ordinance. Building requirements mandate 1 foot BFE above the 500-year floodplain and construction fill between one-half the linear distance between the floodway line and the 100-year floodplain line un..
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Miami-Dade County Ordinance Sustainable Buildings Program
Date Added: Monday, June 27, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Ordinance 07-65 was approved on May 8, 2007. This ordinance amended the Code of Miami-Dade County to establish a Sustainable Buildings Program for Miami-Dade County facilities. In this legislation, the County established a program to promote the green design, construction and operation of buildings that are developed, constructed and managed by the County. ..
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City of Bentonville Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of North Carolina Historic District Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Historic District Preservation, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Under the enabling statutes found within Chapter 160A, Article 19, at Part 3C, both cities and counties (“municipalities”) have the authority to establish historic districts and designate landmarks as part of a zoning or other ordinance. § 160A-400.2, § 160A-400.4. “Such ordinances may treat historic districts as either a separate use district classification or as districts which overlay other zoning districts.” § 160A-400.4. Before a municipality can establish a historic district, it must appoint a historic preservation commission. § 160A-400...
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Model Small-Scale Solar Siting Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, June 18, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Columbia Law School’s Center for Climate Change Law developed the Model Small-Scale Solar Siting Ordinance, which includes several helpful solar energy system definitions. The model ordinance defines building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems as those that integrate photovoltaic modules into the building structure, such as the roof or fac¸ade, but which do not alter roof relief. The model defines freestanding or ground-mounted solar energy systems as those directly installed in the ground and not attached or affixed to an existing structur..
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County of New Castle Local Natural Resource Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides regulatory protection of ecologically significant lands listed on Delaware’s natural areas inventory. It aims to accomplish this through establishment of protection standards, as well as specific guidelines for areas of importance including open space, flood plains, steep slopes, and forests...
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PAS Essential Info Packet: Planning & Zoning for Health in the Built Environment
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Essential Info Packet provides planners with a collection of examples that demonstrate a connection between health and the built environment. These examples include zoning laws, policies, and how-to guidance on how communities across the country have addressed issues of public health. First it provides a list of sources which analyze the importance of creating a connection between health and the built environment. It also includes, collaborations with local governments and agencies, health impact assessments, comprehensive plans and toolkit..
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Washington State Environmental Policy Act
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Environmental Impact Review Requirements
State: Not Applicable
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) seeks to consider the environmental impacts of government decisions and requires a review of various activities or projects in order to assess the proposal’s impact on the environment. Land, air, water, plants/animals, as well as impacts of noise, traffic, utilities, aesthetics, recreation and housing must be considered under this act. Counties throughout the state are working to coordinate their efforts at meeting the requirements of the Growth Management Act and SEPA. ..
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State of North Carolina Zoning Enabling Act
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Grant of power
Section 153A-340 permits, but does not require, counties to pass zoning ordinances for the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community. These ordinances may regulate and restrict the size, location, and use of buildings and other structures; the percentage of lots that may be occupied; the size of yards and other open spaces; and population density. This section also allows counties to provide density credits or severable development rights pursuant to § 136-66.10 or § 136-66.11, and to..
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City of Boise Foothills Planned Development Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Foothills Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance is a subsection of the PUD ordinance, the purpose of which is to implement the residential subdivision density aspects of the city’s Foothills Policy Plan. It defines the type of subdivision and zoning allowed in the Foothills Planning Area by enabling a “density bonus” technique that allows the trade of density for open space, as long as the trading land is less than 25% slope and greater than 1 acre. The density trade element also provides for sensitive areas such as wildlife corridors,..
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Penn Future's Solar Installation Guidebook
Date Added: Tuesday, June 19, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Penn Future’s Western PA Solar Installation Guidebook provides information on how to handle zoning and permitting solar energy in one’s municipality. Section B contains a model zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines a “building-mounted system” as one “attached to any part or type of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit . . . and that is either the principal structure or an accessory structure . . . .” The ordinance defines a “ground-mounted system” as one “mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles constructed spec..
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Town of Malone Wind Energy Facilities Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
In 2006, the Town of Malone enacted a “Wind Energy Facilities” statute which prohibits commercial wind energy conversion systems (WECS) but permits small WECS and WECS used solely for agricultural operations. Town of Malone has exercised its right to opt out of NY Real Property Tax Law § 487...
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Chapter 20.28 Infill Housing
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Density, Infill
State: Not Applicable
City code includes Infill Development chapter used to implement comprehensive plan goals related to infill development. This development is permitted in all zones except single-family, aside from single-family zones that permit cluster subdivisions. It sets site size, setback, parking, and open space requirements for each type of multi-family development...
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City of Ferndale Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Ferndale, Michigan permits solar energy systems in all of its zoning districts as an accessory structure, subject to a number of requirements. These requirements include that the systems meet all other applicable construction codes; the design of the system must conform to applicable industry standards; and that the systems be screened per the discretion of the community development department. Solar energy systems, according to a sub-section within Ferndale’s Zoning Chapter, also have to meet the height and setback requirements of the zoning d..
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City of College Place Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Code of Ordinances, College Place, Washington has not integrated a separate section on Solar Access, but has defined it to mean “direct sunlight for the purpose of successfully operating a solar energy system.” The Zoning Ordinance outlines certain requirements for a planned unit development and allows for the maximum number of dwelling units permitted to be increased by 15 percent and an additional five percent for developments which incorporate street and lot orientation to maximize solar access; tree plantings selected to avoid wi..
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North Carolina Watershed Planning Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Watershed Planning
State: Not Applicable
Section 143-214.5 requires local governments to adopt water-supply watershed management programs to improve or protect future or existing water supplies. The state Environmental Management Commission designates locations that qualify as watersheds and which thus must be protected under this section. § 143-214.5(d). A local government’s program must meet the minimum standards established by the state Environmental Management Commission. § 143-214.5(a). The Commission is directed to assist local governments in creating their programs in part by d..
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Town of Penfield Environmental Protection Overlay District
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Floodplain Regulations, Local Environmental Law, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is an alternative method of protection that provides for review and regulation of development in floodplains through an overlay district that specifies uses and activities which are strictly prohibited or permitted upon compliance with additional regulations. If the use or activity is regulated, a permit must be obtained and mitigation is often a condition when the use or activity will have an adverse impact on the floodplains and where no reasonably feasible alternative exists...
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City of Falcon Heights Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Falcon Heights, Minnesota has incorporated an extensive solar energy systems section with its Zoning Chapter. In Section 113-254, active solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts, subject to a number of regulations. Those regulations include height requirements for building- or roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and pole-mounted systems; a number setback requirements; and that “active solar energy systems be designed to blend into the architecture of the building or be screened from routine view from public right..
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Model Ordinance for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Date Added: Thursday, March 29, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In order to ensure that solar resources are developed in a way that protects the environment and preserves community character, the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (RPDB) created a model zoning ordinance as part of it’s work to help get Central New York “Solar Ready.” The model zoning ordinance was developed to assist local governments to address land use concerns and to provide clear guidance and direction to developers and property owners for the appropriate development of solar energy systems...
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City of Richmond Hill Conservation Preservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinances uses overlay districts for the protection of wetlands and the river corridor. Within these districts the ordinance provides not only for what can’t be done in these areas, but how certain activities are to be carried out...
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New York State Town Law: § 261-b. Incentive Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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New York State Town Law – Incentive Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Affordable Housing Impact Statement Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, June 7, 2022Affordable Housing , Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Atlanta, Georgia’s Affordable Housing Impact Statement Ordinance requires that Community Development/Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) of the City Council regularly hears legislation that, impacts the overall housing stock of the city. The committee can then incentivize to alter their plans to include more affordable housing...
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City of Kirkwood Subdivision Code
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Kirkwood Subdivision requirements have two main environmental components. The first falls under Article 7, Minimum Design and Development Standards. The regulations require due regard for topography, watercourses, slopes etc. and are geared towards environmental protection. The second falls under Article 8, the Improvements section. This requires that improvements made to a site consider site grading and specific tree planting/replanting requirements...
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North Carolina Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Planned Unit Development
State: Not Applicable
Although there is no independent statute granting cities the authority to allow PUDs, Section 160A-385.1, dealing with vesting rights, specifically names PUDs as one of the types of developments for which a developer may submit a site-specific plan and, upon the city’s approval, gain a vested right. Thus, it can be implied from this statute that cities do have authority to permit PUDs. (See Vested Rights, below.)..
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County of Broward Solar Zoning Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Broward County, Florida enacted Ordinance No. 2012-22 to amend its Code of Ordinances, specifically within its Zoning Article, to create a new section, 39-109, entitled “Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Systems.” Section 39-109 permits photovoltaic solar systems as accessory equipment in all zoning categories and provides for severability with an effective date. The section lists height and maintenance regulations as well as the requirements for a permit an owner must obtain before installation. ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City and County of San Francisco Green Building, Environment Codes - Better Roof Requirements for Renewable Energy Facilities
Date Added: Wednesday, June 22, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
In order to combat climate change and its potential effects on the peninsula based city, San Francisco has become the first large American city to enact an ordinance mandating that all new structures, fewer than 10 stories tall, must be outfitted with solar panels. This ordinance will take effect in 2017. The San Francisco ordinance exceeds the requirements set by state law mandating that new buildings must reserve a “solar zone” of roof space for the installation of solar panels. Although the article states that the California law mandates a ..
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State of North Carolina Overlay Zoning Ordinances – Cities
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina affirmatively grants cities the authority to employ overlay zoning at § 160A-382, the general statute that authorizes the creation of districts for zoning. Two specific types of overlay districts are explicitly authorized in other provisions. Section 160A-383.1 allows cities to create manufactured home overlay districts within defined areas of residential districts, and § 160A-400.4 allows their use for the designation of historic districts. Cities may not include in an overlay district land owned by the State of North Carolina w..
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Village of Buffalo Grove Planned United Development Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Planned Unit Development, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
Buffalo Grove in Illinois has created a Planned Unit Development (PUD) section within its Code of Ordinances, Section 17.28.050. Residential dwelling units within this PUD district shall be calculated on the net acreage of the site, where percentages will be applied to the base density. The PUD section does include a solar energy incentive when calculating the percentages for residential dwelling units. Under the incentive, Buffalo Grove will allocate three percent for the provision of solar housing design elements or if one hundred percent of..
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Village of Cross Plains Hill Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Buffer Zones, Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Cross Plains established the following general regulations to protect the bluffs surrounding the village from development. They prohibit use or disturbance of hillsides and hilltop edges and require hilltop development to limit any land, vegetation, or scenic disturbance...
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County of Fairfax Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Affordable Housing Preference Program
Date Added: Tuesday, June 7, 2022Affordable Housing , Displacement
State: Not Applicable
San Francisco, California’s Affordable Housing Preference Program establishes a preference for occupying units or receiving assistance from the city’s affordable housing programs. The program notes that a preference in qualifying for affordable housing for residents who have been, or are about to be, displaced is necessary. The city also assists in preserving access to schools, after school programs, stores, community centers, places of worship, and health care providers...
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Town of Berlin Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its Zoning Chapter, the Town of Berlin has created a section specifically for site design guidelines, Section 108-274. Within that section, Berlin has authorized solar energy use. A developer or owner must consider the feasibility and desirability of active and passive solar energy use before installation. Builders must also “orient proposed buildings and provide structures to provide for solar energy use and to preserve solar access of adjoining properties.” ..
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Town of Dunn Rural Preservation Program
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Oriented Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Hagerston Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Hagerston, Maryland has integrated an Alternative Energy Sources/Generators section, Section K(12), within its Zoning Ordinance supplementary regulations. According to that section, before an applicant can install a solar energy system on her property, she must first submit a zoning permit application with a plan for review by the Planning and Code Administration Division. “Once the zoning permit is approved, the applicant may apply for proper permits from the Code Administration Office.” Section K(12) permits ground-mounted solar collection sy..
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State of North Carolina Design Control Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Architectural Design Control
State: Not Applicable
Part 7 of Article 19 in Chapter 160A details the authority to cities and counties to create community appearance commissions. Section 160A-451 permits a city or county to create an official appearance commission. This commission is required to study the “visual problems” within the local government’s jurisdiction and make plans to carry out programs that will “enhance and improve” the city or county’s “visual quality and aesthetic characteristics.” § 160A-452. In addition to other its powers and duties, the commission may advise the planning ag..
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State of Illinois Affordable Housing Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Affordable Housing , Local Boards, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities are granted broad powers to provide for the development of affordable housing, pursuant to 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-11.1-1 (2004. Municipal authorities may prescribe by ordinance fair and unfair housing practices, establish “Fair Housing Commissions” or “Human Relations Commissions,” prohibit discrimination based on “race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental handicap” in transactions associated with residential occupancy, and establish penalties to enforce such ordinances..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Planning for Healthy Places put together a model zoning code which would be successful through a two-pronged approach: (1) making community gardening an approved use in appropriate use-based zones to prevent them from being closed down as illegal and (2) establishing a separate use-based zone dedicated to the use of community gardens. The model code is well written, and includes additional comments for ways that different municipalities may choose to alter the language to effectuate different types of gardens (allowing chickens, for example).
..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Planning for Healthy Places put together a model zoning code which would be successful through a two-pronged approach: (1) making community gardening an approved use in appropriate use-based zones to prevent them from being closed down as illegal and (2) establishing a separate use-based zone dedicated to the use of community gardens. The model code is well written, and includes additional comments for ways that different municipalities may choose to alter the language to effectuate different types of gardens (allowing chickens, for example).
..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Tuesday, June 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Local governments are promoting healthy eating and active living by supporting community gardens, which are spaces where community residents can gather to cultivate different crops. Planning for Healthy Places, which is a Public Health Law & Policy, has created a set of complementary model land use policy to help communities, specifically in California, create and preserve community gardens. This resource provides examples of communities that have existing laws and policies promoting community gardens and other resources that provide helpful in..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Tuesday, June 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Local governments are promoting healthy eating and active living by supporting community gardens, which are spaces where community residents can gather to cultivate different crops. Planning for Healthy Places, which is a Public Health Law & Policy, has created a set of complementary model land use policy to help communities, specifically in California, create and preserve community gardens. This resource provides examples of communities that have existing laws and policies promoting community gardens and other resources that provide helpful in..
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City of Omaha ED Environmental Resources District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 19, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The environmental resources overlay district allows for the adoption of special standards for areas of “special natural environment significance or sensitivity.” Creation of these districts can be initiated by the mayor, the planning board, or the city council. In order for an environmental resources district to be adopted, an ordinance establishing the ED must be written and passed by the city council. ..
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City of Dover Overriding Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Overlay District, Steep Slope Protection, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
“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 § ..
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State of North Carolina Emission of Pollutants or Contaminants Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Emissions, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Under § 160A-185, cities have the authority to pass ordinances that regulate or prohibit the emission of pollutants that “tend to pollute or contaminate the land, water, or air.” This section also gives cities the power to enact ordinances to regulate the illegal disposal of solid waste and to provide for enforcement of such ordinances by civil penalties. Any ordinance passed under this section must be “consistent with and supplementary to State and federal laws and regulations.”..
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Town of Woodstock Ordinance Concerning the Right-to-Farm
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Agriculture, Right-to-Farm
State: Not Applicable
The town of Woodstock established this right to farm ordinance protecting agricultural or farming operations. The ordinance prohibits certain ramifications of farming from being considered nuisances, either public or private...
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Ordinance Concerning the Right to Farm in the Town of Woodstock
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Right-to-Farm, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance authorizes the farmer’s right to farm in the town, thereby maintaining agricultural land as open space and maintaining a traditional livelihood of residents of the town...
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Miami, FL Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Passed a mandatory inclusionary zoning ordinance in 2018 that requires affordable units in a certain 30-block district. Because the city ranked lowest in the country for affordable rental units and climate change is forcing residents inland, Miami chose to pass this ordinance. Now, rental developments within the zone must have a minimum 7% affordable or 14% workforce housing. Both of these are designated for households earning 80% less AMI. Developers will be permitted to increase project square footage if they fulfill this requirement. In Miam..
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City of Austin Save Our Springs Initiative Petition Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Aquifer Protection, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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..
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New York State Town Law: § 271. Town Planning Board, Creation & Appointment
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Iowa City Sensitive Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Sensitive Areas Ordinance (14-6K-1) was created to implement the environmental policies of the city’s comprehensive plan. It defines the reasonable use of properties which contain environmentally sensitive features. Sensitive features include wetlands, fully hydric soils, prairies remnants one acre or larger, stream corridors, archeological sites, steep slopes (18-24%), critical slopes (25-39%), protected slopes (40%+), and woodlands greater than or equal to 2 acres...
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State of North Carolina Floodplain Protection Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Provisions regarding the authority of local governments to regulate use in floodplains are found in Part 6, Article 21, of Chapter 143. Under § 143-215.54, local governments are authorized to adopt ordinances to regulate uses in flood hazard areas and to grant permits for use in such areas. Flood hazard areas are defined at § 143-252(1d) as areas that local government has determined that development must be regulated in order to prevent flood damage. Base floodplains, defined at § 143-252(1b) as areas subject to a 1% or greater chance of floodi..
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New York State Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Untapped Potential: Strategies for Revitalization and Reuse
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
Los Angeles created a guideline for future adaptive reuse legislation. Its top strategies to promote reuse are: leverage data and mapping tools to understand reuse opportunities; eliminate, reduce, or recalibrate parking requirements; update zoning codes to meet the needs of the 21st century; retain and strengthen existing incentive programs for reuse; remove key barriers that prevent change of use in vacant or underutilized buildings; develop a solutions database to track and promote ways to overcome building code challenges; develop new sourc..
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City of Biloxi Zoning and Sustainable Design Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Pervious Pavement for Off-Street Parking
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Stormwater Management, Healthy Communities, Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
In 2010, the surfacing ordinance for Minneapolis’ off-street parking was amended to allow pervious pavement to be used as surfacing. The Code of Ordinance also gives strict guidelines to be followed with implementing the pervious pavement as surfacing for parking. (541.300–305). The 2010 amendment to the original ordinance states that the implementation of pervious pavement will further the city’s comprehensive plan by encouraging developments to use best management practices for stormwater management through sustainable design practices...
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City of Longmont Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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.”
..
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City of Austin Zoning Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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State of Illinois Historic District & Landmark Preservation – Municipal Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Historic District Preservation, Landmark Preservation, State Land Use Law, Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities are afforded broad authority to identify and create subsidiary boards, as needed, to preserve scenic and historic resources, including natural and manmade buildings, landmarks, and landscapes. Municipal authorities are charged to prevent the “disappearance [of] areas, places, buildings, structures, works of art and other objects having special historical, community, or aesthetic interest or value.” Municipal authorities may establish economic incentives and other agreements to encourage the acquisition, donation..
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City of Ann Arbor Land Development Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Development Standards, Local Environmental Law, Planned Unit Development, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas...
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City of Ann Arbor Land Development Regulations
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Development Standards, Local Environmental Law, Planned Unit Development, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas...
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City of Chapel Hill Watershed Protection District
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Watershed Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance focuses on watershed protection for the New Hope Watershed that drains into Jordon Lake. It sets limits for development in the Watershed District and describes the uses within the area. The Board of Adjustment is empowered to ensure that the regulations in the law are followed...
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Town of Kennett Open Space Design Options Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is a lengthy and detailed open space ordinance that contains a component emphasizing protection of steep slopes and ridgelines...
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City of Mandeville Comprehensive Land Use Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Adopted in 1993 and last updated in June 2002, this very extensive comprehensive plan serves as the zoning ordinance for the city. ..
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New York State Town Law – Zoning Board of Appeals
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Asheville Zoning Regulations; Chapter 7 – Development, Section 29.1309- Solar Energy Systems
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its lengthy Zoning Ordinance, the City of Asheville has dedicated only a small subsection to the implementation of solar energy systems within its zoning districts. In Sec. 7-14-1(b)(a), the City’s only real general requirement is that “private, non-commercial solar energy systems shall comply with the minimum setback requirements.” The subsection goes on to describe the requirements for a variance the Board of Adjustment may grant to decrease the required setbacks or allow the installation to be located in the front yard. The subsection, ho..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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County of Washington Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Purchase of Development Rights
State: Not Applicable
Areas of the county which are important for their high quality natural areas, agricultural or scenic value have been identified and mapped. Lands within these areas are then eligible for the purchase of development rights (conservation easement) using county revenue or in conjunction with other sources of money. The permanent easement is then held and enforced by a qualified agency or group...
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Driving Urban Environments: Growth Parking Best Practices
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Smart Growth, Parking
State: Not Applicable
Parking is one of the biggest challenges to smart growth because it consumes large amounts of land that could be developed. Parking requirements now drive many site designs and play a crucial role in financing for new developments. Maryland conducted a study which identifies and addresses best practices for three areas of parking challenges faced by developers, which are parking management, which identifies strategies to control the supply and demand for parking, parking design, which proposes strategies that reduce the aesthetic and environmen..
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San Antonio Ordinance Approving and Adopting Sustainable Task Force
Date Added: Monday, June 27, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Mission Verde focuses on economic growth and development to drive environmental and equitable outcomes, rather than using environmental goals to drive economic growth. The intent of the plan was to invest in energy saving initiatives that would save the consumer and the community money, and serve as a catalyst for job creation and innovation. Ordinance 2009-03-12-0179 discusses adopting the Sustainable Building Task Force, provides amendments to the city code to implement certain recommendations, providing for an effective date and severance. ..
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City of Big Flats Subdivision and Development Regulations § 17.36.140; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Monday, December 18, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In section 17.36.140 of its Zoning Ordinance, the Town of Big Flats adopted a solar access regulation that requires applicants for new residential development including either ten or more acre of site development area and/or more than 50 dwelling units to submit a solar access plan with the site plan. The solar access plan must: (1) protect solar access between the solar azimuths of -45 degrees east of due south and +45 degrees west of due south; (2) for solar access roads, design lots and building setbacks so that buildings are oriented with t..
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City of Scottsdale Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance works to preserve native desert lands and open space from development as on-lot easements or separate lots within any given property or subdivision. Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) within any given property is determined by slope and landform category and has protected thousands of acres of desert within the city’s developing landscape...
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Massachusetts Model Solar Bylaw: Allowing Use of Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations
Date Added: Monday, July 11, 2016Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs’ Department of Energy Resources developed a model zoning bylaw that defines large-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installation as solar photovoltaic systems that are structurally mounted on the ground (not roof-mounted) that have a minimum nameplate capacity of 250 kW DC...
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New York State Town Law – Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Local Boards, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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Town of New Milford Proposed Ordinance Concerning the Right-to-Farm
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Agriculture, Right-to-Farm
State: Not Applicable
The town of New Milford established this right to farm ordinance limiting circumstances under which any such operation may be considered a nuisance. The ordinance specifies that any dispute over farming practices will be handled through mediation through the mayor’s office...
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Accessory Uses of Land in New York State
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Accessory Uses , Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Accessory Uses of Land in New York State, by Jeffery B. Durocher, explains how local communities take different approaches to permitting accessory uses of land, using the test of whether the proposed use is incidental and customary to the primary use of the land. The article also explains that religious and educational uses are usually permitted in residential areas because they contribute to the general welfare...
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City of Nashville Ordinance Approving Development of Low-Rent Scattered Site Housing
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance adopts a proposed “scattered site” affordable housing scheme. The ordinance recognizes the public benefit of creating “housing for persons of low-income in ‘scattered’ rather than ‘project’ settings.” ..
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City of Louisville Waterfront Overlay District Design Standards
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The waterfront overlay district design standards were created to control development activity within the community along the waterfront due the importance of its appearance. Some of the design standards include considerations of functionality, continuity, and pedestrian activity, among other things as criteria which are evaluated before new development occurs. These standards are evaluated by the Waterfront Development Corporation...
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County of Lane Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Planned Unit Development
State: Not Applicable
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..
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King County Ordinance 16948 and the Determinants of Equity
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Equity
State: Not Applicable
Ordinance 16948 is King County’s Equity and Social Justice ordinance. It supplies definitions related to equity and equitable development. It calls for the development of analytical tools to identify equitable policies. Overall, the ordinance tries to integrate equity principles in all systems of its governance. This ordinance also identifies 14 “determinants of equity.” These determinants were the basis of a separate report called “The Determinants of Equity Report.”
This report is part of an initial effort at determining if the county is a..
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Montgomery County, Maryland Racial Equity and Social Justice Impact Statements
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Equity
State: Not Applicable
Bill 44-20 requires the Office of Legislative Oversight to submit a racial equity and social justice impact statement for each zoning text amendment. The bill encourages the Office of Legislative Oversight to work with the planning department to develop the impact statement. Montgomery County already had this requirement in place for bills and this new bill is an extension of that.
The county’s Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) statements can be found here. One is also included here. After RESJ statements are completed, the bill is sen..
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City of Hollywood Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Affordable Housing , Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of North Carolina Environmental Impact Review Procedures
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Environmental Impact Review Requirements, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina’s Environmental Policy Act, found at Article 1 in Chapter 113A, is modeled on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The act applies to state agencies, but not local agencies. Under § 113A-8 of the act, however, local governments may require by ordinance “any special-purpose unit of the government or private developer of a major development project” to submit an environmental impact statement, as defined at § 113A-4(2). Any such ordinance must be applied consistently and shall exempt projects for which an EIS or its equiva..
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City of St. Louis Division of Forestry Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Local Environmental Law, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The St Louis Revised Code delineates requirements for a Division of Forestry and the roles and responsibilities that accompany such a Division. The Commissioner of Forestry’s position is established here, as are his duties (which are to tend and monitor all publicly owned trees)...
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State of North Carolina Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Open Space Preservation, Agriculture, State Land Use Law, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
Counties have all the same powers with regard to agricultural land protection as cities have (see above). Additionally, counties have further authority, not provided to cities, under the Farmland Preservation Enabling Act, located at Article 61 within Chapter 106. Under § 106-736, counties may establish by ordinance a farmland preservation program. Such a program must provide for the establishment of voluntary agricultural districts consisting of a minimum number of acres (to be determined by the board of commissioners) and the formation of suc..
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City of St. Louis Floodplain Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The floodplain protection in the St Louis Revised Code lays out everything from the duties of the floodplain administrator to flood hazard reduction techniques and management procedures. It sets specific design criteria, for example that residences may not have living spaces below one food above flood level, or that commercial buildings use space below groundlevel only for parking...
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City of St. Louis Flood Plain Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The floodplain protection in the St Louis Revised Code lays out everything from the duties of the floodplain administrator to flood hazard reduction techniques and management procedures. It sets specific design criteria, for example that residences may not have living spaces below one food above flood level, or that commercial buildings use space below groundlevel only for parking...
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Parking Management Strategies
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Smart Growth, Parking
State: Not Applicable
Traditional parking policies, which generally focus on setting a minimum number of parking spaces for various land uses are based on standards developed by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). The Lancaster County Planning Commission conducted a study, Analysis of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing, which found that the amounts of parking required for various housing types does not match what is needed and developed this document to help match parking supply to parking demand. The document details techniques that can be used ..
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State of Illinois Transfer of Development Rights – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
State: Not Applicable
As enumerated under the powers to preserve scenic and historic resources, in 55 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/5-30004 (2004), corporate county authorities may establish a system for the “transfer of development rights,” including the necessary means to deposit and transfer such rights into a “development rights bank.” The system is to be modeled after the system established for municipalities under 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-48.2-1A(4) (2004). All receipts arising from such transfers must be deposited in a special county account, and applied against expendi..
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City of Tumwater Local Natural Resource Protection Ordinance (Comprehensive)
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Right-to-Farm, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This comprehensive environmental ordinance, portions of which have been added over the past twenty years, addresses a breadth of environmental concerns. These include protection standards for; trees and vegetation, aquifers, wetlands, fish and wildlife, as well as provisions for the right-to-farm, right-to-mine, and commute trip reduction. This ordinance is particularly unique in that it does not appear to be in response to a state level statute, as are many other local ordinances in Washington State. ..
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City of Hayward Green Buildings Requirements for Municipal and Private Developments
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of 2007, Hayward’s estimated population was 155,312 residents. The City has a total area of 63 square miles, of which 29.68% is water. The City is located on the Hayward Fault, an earthquake fault, which is still the center of town. Hayward has transit stations for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a heavy-rail system that connects San Francisco with various East Bay cities.
Hayward is located in the environmentally active California San Francisco Bay, and the C..
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State of Illinois Stormwater Management – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
In addition to general powers granted to all counties to regulate “storm water runoff,” 55 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/5-1062 (2004) allocates comprehensive stormwater planning and management to corporate county authorities in the urbanized region served by the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, pursuant to enumerated population standards. Prior to the adoption of countywide plans and regulations, a county board must establish a “stormwater management planning committee.” The committee is charged to coordinate surveying and planning activities..
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County of Frederick Forest Banking Program
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Forest Management, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Olympia Urban Forestry Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates and adopts an urban forestry element in the Olympia Comprehensive Plan. It acknowledges the important contributions that trees make to the city of Olympia in maintaining its ecological integrity as well as making Olympia a desirable place to live and to visit. The ordinance calls for an urban forest management plan, landmark tree protection and replacement, a commitment to public awareness and public education, as well as the development of standards and criteria for the urban forestry program consistent with the Best M..
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Town of Batavia Disposal of Solid Waste Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This law outlines the application procedures for person applying to receive a permit to deposit fill on his or her land for purposes outlined within this section. ..
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New York State Town Law – Board of Appeals Procedure Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This statute establishes the procedure that the Zoning Board of Appeals is required to follow. The procedure includes holding meetings that are open to the public and requiring the minutes of the meetings to become public record. The statute also establishes the appellate jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Appeals and creates the procedure and time requirements for appeals to be filed...
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City of Ronhert Park Local Energy Efficiency Standards & Green Buildings Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Rohnert Park’s “Energy Efficiency Standards” set minimum energy efficiency requirements for all new low-rise residential construction of any size, all low-rise residential additions equal to or greater than one thousand square feet of conditioned floor area, and all residential and nonresidential swimming pools and water features. The standards operate by setting required levels of efficiency that exceed the state-level energy requirements by a certain percentage. The percentages are imposed on a sliding scale, such that increasing..
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Bicycle Parking Regulation to Promote Biking
Date Added: Thursday, April 12, 2018Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Article 6.100 of Cambridge, Massachusetts’s Zoning Ordinance was designed to expand bicycle parking requirements to promote bicycle use within the city. Bicycle transportation provides economic, environmental, and human health benefits by promoting a smaller carbon footprint, a more diverse consumer market, cardiovascular exercise, and reduced street congestion.
Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance includes a table of metrics which designates the number of bicycle parking spaces that must be available in correlation with the type of structure (..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Ann Arbor Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Required Open Space Ordinance is to require wetland setbacks, which are not designated under the state wetlands law...
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Conservation and Development: Comprehensive Plan Region 10 Alaska
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
The Juneau Comprehensive Plan sets out both sustainable growth visions and natural resource goals for the borough. Adopted in 1995, the plan states policy goals and options for implementing these goals. With respect to development, the plan calls for compact urban areas to minimize environmental impacts and protect natural resources. The natural resources chapter highlights Juneau’s unique natural setting and the importance of regulating habitat and resource protection at the local level. It calls for the protection of wetlands and streams, w..
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State Street Corridor Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines
Date Added: Wednesday, October 28, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
This document is a comprehensive walk-through of a state plan for implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD). It contains policy guidelines for the first step in a twenty-year project to implement TOD in Idaho’s State Street Corridor and advises communities on site-specific as well as more general guidance in order to create a region-wide concerted and cooperative effort. Model language and detailed information on TOD policy guidelines provide communities with a model to follow in implementing TOD...
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County of Mecklenburg Green Permit Fee Rebate
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Minneapolis Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The purpose this ordinance is to “control or eliminate soil erosion and sedimentation within the City of Minneapolis.” It applies to all land disturbances and soil storage activities. This ordinance refers permitees to a Manual of Standards that describes acceptable Best Management Practices (BMPs) for use in controlling sedimentation and erosion. It also sets a schedule for mandatory inspections by the issuing authority...
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San Francisco Green Building Code
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
To ensure that all buildings are healthy, sustainable places to live, work and learn, the San Francisco Green Building Code requirements reduce energy and water use, divert waste from landfills, encourage alternate modes of transportation, and support the health and comfort of building occupants in San Francisco. The 2008 green building requirements apply to newly constructed residential and commercial buildings and for major renovations to existing buildings. New construction in San Francisco must meet all applicable California codes, provide ..
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Town of Gilbert Water Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Gilbert Water Conservation Ordinance was designed to reduce the amount of water used in residential and nonresidential development. The ordinance limits water intensive landscaping, limits high evaporative loss features and requires efficient irrigation systems for all new development projects...
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City of Scottsdale Historic Property Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The (HP) Historic Property zoning overlay district is intended to protect and enhance the cultural, historical, social or archaeological heritage of the City of Scottsdale. The HP
District encourages the retention of historic resources by keeping them in active use in their original appearance, setting, and placement...
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City of Hoboken Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Chapter, the City of Hoboken in New Jersey has integrated a section specifically for solar installation. The section lists regulations for roof installation, non-habitable building installation, ground-mounted installation, and signage requirements. In order to install a solar energy system on a parcel, however, an applicant must first obtain a certificate of zoning compliance and a building permit from the Zoning Officer and the Construction Official, respectively. The City of Hoboken has also reserved the right to require th..
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City of Belfast Energy and Efficiency Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Code, the city of Belfast in Maine has incorporated a chapter to enable its citizens to participate in a Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) Program. The PACE Program will create opportunities for “owners of qualifying propert[ies]” to “access financing for energy saving improvements to their properties.” This Program, under Belfast’s chapter, creates these financing opportunities for not only solar thermal systems, but also many other renewable sources such as photovoltaic systems, biomass systems, landfill gas to energy ..
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Buncombe County Land Development and Subdivision Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this chapter of the Buncombe County Land Development and Subdivision Ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for the subdivision of land within the county to facilitate the adequate provision of streets, water, sewage, disposal, and other considerations essential to public health, safety, and general welfare. Section 70-66 sets forth general requirements of subdivision standards to serve this purpose. These include conformity to existing maps or plans, the continuation of adjoining road systems and road names whenever ..
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City of Wilmington Mixed Use District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning, Mixed/Multiple Use
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for the granting of density bonuses for various environmental improvements, transportation enhancements, affordable housing, preservation of historic resources and improvement of pedestrian facilities. The more significant the community benefit, the greater the bonus awarded. ..
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City of White Plains Zoning Code § 4.4.21.2-4; Solar Access; Solar Energy Systems; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of White Plains’ zoning ordinance includes solar access provisions that require all approving agencies to consider access to sunlight for present and potential solar electric systems, both on- and off-site, as well as structure siting, orientation and landscaping when reviewing any application. Further, the provisions prohibit new construction on any lot that would block access to sunlight between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM for approved solar electric systems except by permission from the board of appeals if the applicant shows t..
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State of Illinois Smart Growth – Local Land Resource Management Planning Act
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Smart Growth, State Land Use Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Local Land Resource Management Planning Act, 50 ILL. COMP. STAT. 805 et seq. (2004), authorizes and outlines the general principle that counties, municipalities, and townships may engage in land resource management programs. Beyond concerns associated with traditional zoning and comprehensive planning, the Act acknowledges local government interests in protecting the “land, air, water, natural resources, and environment of the State,” and encourages “socially and economically desirable” land use and planning via “Local Land Resource Managem..
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County of Cook Building Construction Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of North Carolina Adult Entertainment Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Adult Entertainment, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Section 160A-181.1 authorizes cities and counties to regulate sexually oriented businesses through zoning ordinances, licensing requirements, or other “appropriate ordinances.” Such regulations may include, but are not limited to: restrictions on the location; restrictions on operations, including, inter alia, hours and exterior advertising and noise; reasonable moratoria on new or expanded facilities while studies are conducted and ordinances are considered; and requirements that existing businesses come into compliance with new ordinances. § ..
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City of Berkeley Planning and Development Procedures - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
During the Zoning Board application process, the Board may direct the parties to mediate a dispute over the proposed land use. The Board or Zoning Officer will direct the mediator as to which issues are to be addressed, and the mediator will submit a report to the Board or Zoning Officer within 45 days of the mediation. This mediation is voluntary and non-binding. ..
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County of Kent Comprehensive Plan Update
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 7 of Kent County’s Comprehensive Plan discusses various areas of importance and recommends general guidelines for protection of these areas. Included is discussions of the importance of the preservation of wetlands, beaches and shorelines, coastal areas, and stormwater managements, as well as information regarding more specific areas such as the Silver Lake Watershed. ..
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Town of Malta Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This chapter of the Town Code of the town of Malta applies to the appointment, terms, functions and powers of alternate members to those appointed to serve on the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals in the Town. The use of such alternate members to fill in for those that are absent is authorized pursuant to the provisions of the chapter...
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City of Aberdeen Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Alternative Energy, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage alternative energy systems within the City of Aberdeen. The goal is to have a more positive impact on energy conservation while having a limited adverse impact on the City’s community. Chapter 163 defines terms associated with wind and solar energy systems and outlines their placement and design standards within City borders. However, in order for a solar energy system to be permitted as an accessory in any zoning district, a person must first apply for a building permit. This can cause a barrier to s..
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City of Grand Rapids Alternative Energy Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Under its section on Alternative Energy within its Code of Ordinances, Grand Rapids, Michigan incorporated a subsection on solar energy. According to that sub-section, solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all districts. “In Residential Zone Districts, solar energy systems may be installed on the roof of a primary or accessory structure.” The subsection goes on to list placement regulations as well as the factors the Planning Director will have to consider for an Administrative Departure to allow for solar panels on the fron..
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King County Redevelopment Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Urban Renewal, Brownfields
State: Not Applicable
Contaminated Industrial Lands in the Duwamish Corridor of King County, Washington present regional and local threats to environmental health and economic development. This ordinance calls for the environmental risks resulting from specific site contamination to be evaluated, as well as developing an initiative program for small landowners to create voluntary temporary partnerships to achieve clean up of the area. ..
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Town of Malta Knolls Eleven Planned Development District
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Planned Development Districts, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 167, § 167-27 provides specifications for the creation of a planned development district. These requirements include a newly created dwelling with approvals for water, sewage, drainage systems all with specified sizes and locations. Other requirements and restrictions on the developers are set forth as well...
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Yolo County, California Code § 8-2.1104, .1105
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Yolo County’s solar energy regulations allow approval of small solar energy systems for onsite uses through the issuance of a building permit and a zoning clearance, provided the application meets setback and other standards set forth in the solar energy regulation. . If the County’s chief building official believes a small solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the official may require the applicant to apply for a use permit. Medium-sized solar energy systems for onsite and/or offsite uses ..
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Chapter 9: Affordable Housing, Article II: Accessory Apartments and Apartment Units
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Seeks to create additional affordable housing through permitting unpermitted existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and encourage the creation of new ADUs. The ordinance also creates a local chapter of the states 40B, “Comprehensive Permit” program which “encourages the development of low- and moderate-income rental and owner-occupied housing and provides a means for the Board of Appeals to remove local barriers to the creation of affordable housing units.” Additionally, the ordinance commits certain resources in accordance with the towns Com..
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City of Bloomington Environmental & Urban Design Standards
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The primary focus of this ordinance is to promote the preservation and expansion of the city’s heavily vegetated environment. There are specific requirements for development and landscaping that promote plantings which will increase the percentage of tree crown coverage, provide shade in the summer, protect from winter winds, and satisfy other environmental and aesthetic goals...
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State of New York Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas & Waterways Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Economic Development, Waterfront Revitalization
State: Not Applicable
The Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Waterways Law (Article 42) recognizes that the social and economic well being and general welfare of the people are dependent on the preservation, enhancement, protection, development and use of the natural and man-made resources of the state’s coastal area and inland waterways, including lakes, rivers, canals, as well as islands, wetlands, beaches, dunes, barrier islands, cliffs, bluffs and erosion prone area. The secretary will have the power and duties to oversee that coordinated and compre..
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City of Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Land Use Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance establishes standards and procedures for new development and redevelopment in the Town. The document provides rules under the Comprehensive Plan that tell applicants what is expected in order to gain approval to develop land in the town. The Ordinance provides the different requirements for the zoning districts...
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Evaluation of the City of Burlington's Inclusive Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Passed ordinance that applies to any development of 5 or more dwelling units. The ordinance targets 65% AMI for rentals and 75% AMI for sales. Compliance with the ordinance provides developers with density and lot coverage bonus between 15% and 25% in addition to up to 50% parking waiver. Where the average price of units is 0-139% AMU, 15% of units must be affordable. Where the average price is 140-179% AMI, 20% of units must be affordable. Finally, where the average price of units is 180% or more AMI, or is located in the waterfront district, ..
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As-of-right ADU in Raleigh, NC
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Previously restricted ADU construction to a specific overlay zone, did not allow ADUs as of right in any residential zone, and required residents to petition their neighbors when seeking to develop ADUs on their property. Now, Raleigh allows ADUs as of right in all residential zones without any significant restriction on their construction or subsequent use. This promotes affordable housing and encourages diversity in both housing stock and occupancy...
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City of Albuquerque Solar Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Miami-Dade Coastal Management Planning Element
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County, Florida, adopted the Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) in order to promote general welfare, maintain conditions under which people and nature can coexist in “productive harmony” and fulfill social, economic, and other requirements for present and future generations. Section 2-113.1 of the Codex specifically incorporates the CDMP’s Planning Elements. The Coastal Management Planning Element requires that sea level rise projected by the federal government b..
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Township of London Grove Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
London Grove’s extensive Zoning Code incorporates a separate and informative section on solar energy systems, § 27-1839. According to § 27-1839, solar energy systems are permitted in all zoning districts as an accessory use, except that in two districts, “a special exception is required for the installation of any ground mounted solar energy system on any property less than 8,000 square feet.” The section goes on to list a number of development and design standards that are to be applied to the construction and installation of any solar energy ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Prince George’s County Floodplain Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Prince George’s County has one of the strongest environmentally oriented statement of purposes, as the law intends to “protect the biological and environmental quality of the watersheds” under its jurisdiction. The ordinance does not prohibit development in the floodplain, but implements a series of innovative approaches to management that include compensatory storage and stream buffer zones...
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Bloomington Indiana Green Building Program
Date Added: Monday, June 27, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
In the Municipal Code contains a Green Building Program, Chapter 2.29. The purpose of this program is to further the city’s commitment to environmental, economic and social stewardship, yield cost savings to city taxpayers through reduced operating costs, provide healthy work environments for staff and visitors, reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare for a current period of reduced supply of oil and natural gas. The program adopts LEED certification. ..
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Fairfax County, VA ADU
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
ADUs in Fairfax County previously were only permitted in single family detached homes where approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The occupant of the main house or ADU was required to be at least 55 years old or have a disability. Only single-family residences are permitted to have an ADU and only interior ADUs are permitted as-of-right. The homeowner must live in one of the units and there must be at least one parking space for the ADU. The ADU can have a maximum of two bedrooms...
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Complete Streets Policy
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
Section 23-19 of Knoxville’s Zoning Code is dedicated to their complete streets policy. This section dictates that the city adopt a complete streets policy, and plan for, design, construct, maintain, and operate all streets to reflect complete streets principles to accommodate all users and modes. The section also allows for updates to be made as needed.
The demand that the city maintain its streets to reflect complete streets policies will increase the likelihood of citizens utilizing alternative modes of transportation to vehicles. The red..
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Town of New Pattonsburg Declaration of Community Responsibilities, Covenants, and Restrictions
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Energy Efficiency & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
NOTE: This ordinance was not adopted by the Town of New Pattonsburg
This ordinance would have done many things including lay out specific energy conservation requirements, however it was not adopted, and so has not yet been tested in practice.
..
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Fence Regulations to Help Decrease Crime
Date Added: Thursday, April 12, 2018Healthy Communities, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
State: Not Applicable
Cleveland’s zoning code requires that fences in side street yards not exceed 4 feet in height, and also requires that they be at least 50% open. These limitations create better line of sight to main causeways and help to reduce crime due to more eyes being on the street...
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Parking Code Guidance: Case Studies and Model Provisions
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Parking
State: Not Applicable
The Parking Code Guidance: Case Studies and Model Provisions paper was written as a part of the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Smart Growth Technical Assistance: Parking Reform Campaign. Its goal is to provide guidance on identifying key issues, reforming parking standards, and on how to regulate and manage parking in a way that supports development in urban infill areas, encourages balanced multimodal access, and reduces vehicle traffic. The guidance provided is based on best practices for access and parking regul..
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Washington Township Town Center District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Transportation & Land Use Planning, Transportation Efficient Development
State: Not Applicable
Washington Township’s “Town Center District” ordinance establishes standards for four different town center districts that create a mixed-use of housing, commercial, public and open space. It articulates policy statements to guide the review of all development applications within town center districts. There are 22 policies, including one that promotes a multi-modal transportation system, one that discourages uses that are automobile dependent, and one that promotes the creation of spaces that promote social interaction. The ordinance establ..
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Town of Cortlandt Steep Slopes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law recognizes the importance that the future development of land has on the Town of Cortlandt, and focuses on steep slopes in particular as they demand a higher degree of environmental sensitivity. Chapter 259 of the Town Code of Cortlandt establishes regulations which prevent improper disturbance or alteration of steep slopes. The purpose legislature was not to restrict general development in the town but to protect natural resources and preserve the visual and environmental character of the land. ..
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Article XVI.II. ADAPTIVE REUSE
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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;..
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County of Collier Coastal Zone Management Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Coastal Protection, Environmental Impact Review Requirements, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
In order to protect, conserve, and appropriately use its coastal areas, the Collier County Coastal Zone Management ordinance requires planning consistence, site development prioritization, and impact planning that considers potential impacts of sea level rise. The law requires that all new and existing development in the coastal zone furthers the goals, objectives and policies of the Growth Management Plan’s Conservation and Coastal Management Element, preserving native vegetation and limiting development densities for sites within undeveloped..
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Borough of Kenhorst Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Chapter, the Borough of Kenhorst has incorporated a section specifically on Solar Energy Systems, § 540. According to § 540, “the use of solar energy systems, including solar collectors, storage facilities, distribution components, heating and cooling facilities, is a permitted use in all zoning districts.” The Township requires that all developments and structures be oriented in a way to maximize the use of passive and active solar energy. The section lists a few regulations for solar energy systems including required yard se..
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City of Belfast Site Plan Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Site Plan Approval, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 90 of the City of Belfast’s Code lists site plan criteria. Those criteria include pollution control, groundwater access, landscaping, and access to direct sunlight for an abutting property owner for solar energy system. Sec. 90 -42(17) goes on to state that the Planning Board may prohibit, restrict, or control development in order to protect and ensure access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. ..
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County of Cherokee Conservation Subdivision Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides density neutral cluster development for greater flexibility of design and environmental protections. Three main features of the ordinance are: 1) it is density neutral and encourages preservation; 2) it calls out rare plants and animals as having a right to protection through zoning; and 3) it has broad authority to protect “wetlands, aquifers, topographical or soil features, marine and wildlife habitat; and other features having conservation values, including views, vistas, and indigenous vegetation.”..
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City of Lincoln Floodplain Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The current ordinances of Lincoln are currently being posted in anticipation of the revised ordinances which are expected to be passed by the summer of 2004. The revised ordinances, which are specifically for new-growth areas, endorse the policy of No Adverse Impact, and the regulations reflect these tenets with provisions that include “no net rise”, “compensatory storage” and “minimum flood corridor”...
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City of Lincoln Flood Plain District
Date Added: Wednesday, October 7, 2015Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The current ordinances of Lincoln are currently being posted in anticipation of the revised ordinances which are expected to be passed by the summer of 2004. The revised ordinances, which are specifically for new-growth areas, endorse the policy of No Adverse Impact, and the regulations reflect these tenets with provisions that include “no net rise”, “compensatory storage” and “minimum flood corridor.”..
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City of Annapolis Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Albuquerque Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law attempts to set out guidelines for water conservation in Albuquerque, NM. It includes restrictions on landscape watering, guidance on water conservative fixtures for home building, and a program to promote xeriscaping. ..
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City of Jersey City Green Building Initiative for Municipal Projects & Green Building Incentives
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Parking Lots, Where Motorists Become Pedestrians
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Parking
State: Not Applicable
In Parking Lots, Where Motorists Become Pedestrians John A. Stark aims to address physical design components of parking lots in terms of safety, environmental protection, and a shared experience between cars and pedestrians. The interactions between pedestrians and cars are often considered in terms of separating the two modes of traffic or how to make street intersections between the two safer. However, in a parking lot people drive in the middle of a pedestrian path when searching for a space and conversely, pedestrians are often forced to wa..
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City of Portland Demolition or Repair of Derelict Buildings Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of White Plains Environmentally Sensitive Sites & Features Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
To protect environmentally sensitive features, including watercourses, wetlands, and flora and fauna habitat, this ordinance regulates any area in the proximity of these environmentally sensitive ordinances. Requirements are based on proximity to environmentally sensitive areas. ..
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Borough of Doylestown Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its Zoning Chapter, Doylestown, Pennsylvania created a section specifically for solar energy equipment, Section 615. Defined in the Specific Definition section of the chapter, solar energy equipment is “any device, structure or electronics that converts solar energy into electrical energy, heats water or produces hot air or similar function through the use of solar panels.” In it, Doylestown authorizes solar energy equipment in any zoning district as an accessory structure. The section goes on to list a few regulations including that the equ..
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Multi-modal Transportation Support
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Transportation Demand Management
State: Not Applicable
Nassau County’s Comprehensive Plan calls for all development proposals to be reviewed for compliance with goal to promote multi-modal transportation that is safe and efficient, meeting minimum acceptable levels of service for all roadway segments. Chief among reviewing criteria is the project’s contribution to public health. The County will be using the most recent version of the FDOT Quality/Level of Service Handbook definitions to determine levels of service for roadways. Additionally, to promote walking and biking, the County will incorporat..
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Future Development promoting increased Air Quality
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Vulnerable Populations
State: Not Applicable
To help avoid urban sprawl and reduce automobile use, Nassau created and adopted the East Nassau Community Planning Area (ENCPA) for future land use. The county has certain goals for development within the ENCPA, including: facilitating multi-modal transportation and creating communities that discourage urban sprawl. The goals of development within the ENCPA directly promote public health through encouraging walking and biking, making sure they are safe by planning for them to exist in the future, and decreasing the amount of pollution created ..
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Town of Gardiner Zoning Purposes Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Sections 220-1, § 220-2, and § 220-3 of the Town Code for the Town of Gardiner provide an introduction to the Town’s zoning ordinance. Chapter 220 states the title and the purpose of the zoning ordinance and acknowledges that the provisions of the ordinance are in accordance with the Town’s New Comprehensive Plan. Chapter 220 hereby establishes a new comprehensive zoning plan for the Town of Gardiner which is set forth in the text, tables and map that constitutes this chapter. The plan is adopted for all the purposes set forth in Article 16 ..
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Village of Bellwood Neighborhood Preservation Program
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Bellwood passed an ordinance creating a Neighborhood Preservation Program in an effort to prevent the deterioration and abandonment of housing in traditional neighborhoods; preserve, coordinate, and concentrate maintenance efforts in designated areas; promote private investment in housing in those neighborhoods; and promote community involvement in all such activities. The Program sets forth six (6) criteria under which an area is eligible for designation as a Neighborhood Preservation Area, including but not limited to: where t..
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Town of Epping Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Design Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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Town of Normal Environmentally Sensitive Design Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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New York State Town Law: § 267-b. Permitted Action by a Town Board of Appeals
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of New York Coordination with Agricultural Districts Program
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law states that local governments shall not pass rules or regulations that unreasonably restrict farm structures or practices unless they bear a direct relationship to public health and safety. Any application for development in an agricultural zone, or within five hundred feet of one, must include an agricultural data statement that the developer must send to the town board, planning board, or zoning board of appeals, as well as to the owner of the agricultural property. ..
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County of Blue Earth Livestock Manure Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Local Environmental Law, Agriculture, Manure Management
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Burlington (VT) Zoning Regulations and Development Review Standards; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Development Review Standards Article in its Zoning Code, Burlington, Vermont includes provisions to encourage solar energy system installations. A major goal in Burlington is to support the use of renewable energy resources, including maximizing solar access within an applicant’s site plan. Maximizing solar access is not limited to only residential or actual building projects, but also where public space is provided as an amenity to the site plan; the open space shall be sited on the parcel to maximize solar exposure. Additionally, s..
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Township of Bernards Tree Removal & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Environmental Law, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
This tree preservation ordinance contains requirements for the number of trees that must replace a tree removed by developers, based on the size of the removed tree. Because it is not always physically possible to fit the required number of trees onto a parcel, a controversial amendment was added that requires a developer to pay $300 per required tree that cannot be planted. The money is donated to the Shade Tree Commission so that trees can be planted in other parts of town. ..
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Town of Clifton Park Selective Cutting of Timber Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 184 of the Town Code for the Town Clifton Park regulates the cutting of trees six inches or more in diameter at breast height. In order to cut such trees, the law requires loggers to apply for a permit in accord with the permit procedure enumerated in § 184-3 of the ordinance. The ordinance charges the Building Inspector with the enforcement of the ordinance and the ordinance also sets for the penalties for noncompliance...
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City of Olean, New York Code of Ordinances Article 10.25 – Solar Energy Production Facilities
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Article 10.25 details the requirements for solar systems in the city of Olean, New York. A Solar Energy Production Facility (aka a Solar Farm) is permitted in certain districts under a Special Use Permit.
§ 10.25.5 subsections (1) and (3)(a-d) describe decommissioning and abandonment requirements. All applications for a solar farm shall include a decommissioning plan to ensure that the site will be restored to a useful, nonhazardous condition without delay upon abandonment or cessation of activity. The decommissioning plan shall include, b..
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City of San Francisco Solar Energy Revenue Bond Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
This is a voter approved ordinance which allows the city to issue 100 million dollars’ worth of revenue bonds to pay for solar panels, wind turbines and energy efficiency measures for public buildings. The measure is designed to pay for itself through energy savings and at no cost to taxpayers. The money that would have gone to buy electricity from power plants instead goes to pay down the bond. ..
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City of Annapolis Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Township of Chesterfield Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Smart Growth, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
State: Not Applicable
Chesterfield enabled a TDR program to create a town center in preparation for well-planned future growth. Chesterfield’s 1997 Master Plan envisioned a “neo traditional town center in the receiving area with a variety of housing types (including affordable housing), neighborhood shops and services, a school and other civic uses and recreational open space. Preserved farmland would surround the “planned village” and Chesterfield’s three historic hamlets. ” The TDR ordinance enabling that plan was passed in 1998 alongside a change to the zoning in..
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City of Bentonville Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The city of Bentonville, Arkansas has created a separate Article, 601, in its Zoning Code for all use regulations. Section 601.24 specifically describes the requirements for solar energy systems. Bentonville considers the number of solar panels and supporting equipment as one system, without any limitation as to the number of modules and arrays installed on the property. The section includes location, height, and setback requirements for roof mounted, ground mounted systems, and pole mounted systems. Section 601.24 also includes regulations for..
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Affordable Housing
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts Chapter 9, Article II, Accessory Apartments and Apartment Units seeks to create additional affordable housing through permitting unpermitted existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and encourage the creation of new ADUs. The ordinance also creates a local chapter of the states 40B, “Comprehensive Permit” program which “encourages the development of low- and moderate-income rental and owner-occupied housing and provides a means for the Board of Appeals to remove local barriers to the creation of affordable hous..
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Township of Casco Zoning Ordinance §§ 13.26-13.28; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Casco Township passed Ordinance #30-83 to add provisions addressing small, medium, and large solar energy systems in its zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines small solar energy systems as single residential or small business-scale solar energy conversion systems consisting of roof panels, ground-mounted solar arrays, or other solar energy fixtures, and associated control or conversion electronics, occupying no more than one-half acre of land and that produce utility power primarily to onsite users or customers. Medium solar energy systems ar..
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City of Bloomington Environmental Quality and Conservation Commission
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Fenwick Island Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Under its Renewable Energy System section within its Zoning Chapter, the Town of Fenwick Island in Delaware permits solar energy systems its zoning districts. According to Section 160-9(A), a “solar energy system is a renewable energy system designed and used to obtain energy from the sun in order to supply energy to a principal use of a structure.” These systems include but are not limited to solar hot water, air heating and cooling, and photovoltaic systems. The solar energy system sub-section goes on to list a few conditions that an applican..
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State of Illinois Site Plans Control – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Floodplain Regulations, Site Design Standards, State Land Use Law, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Corporate county authorities may require by ordinance that any map or plat of land not within a municipality be submitted and approved by appropriate authorities. County authorities may establish “reasonable rules and regulations” to protect of community and natural resources, as well as surface waterways and drainage basins, associated with water supply. Furthermore, county authorities may include reasonable requirements applicable to water supply, sewage collection, and floodplain and stormwater management. Pursuant to 55 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/5..
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Town of Somers Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Somers delegated the authority to review and approve site plans to the Planning Board. The board may prescribe conditions to encourage the most appropriate use of the land taking into account of among other items open spaces, environmentally sensitive lands, trees and vegetation. ..
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Township of Chesterfield Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The transfer of development rights program allows for the shifting of development pressure from agricultural, environmentally sensitive, or open space areas of the township to villages designated for limited growth. The program allows the township to maintain its rural character while encouraging planned development. Land is preserved by transferring development rights from “sending areas” in rural parts of the township to three existing villages and one new village that have been designated as “receiving areas” within community development b..
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County of Douglas Environmental Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The ordinance establishes environmental overlay districts in order to protect the groundwater and wetlands of the community. Activities having the potential to impact the groundwater or wetlands are regulated, including the lot size for new homes which will require a septic tank or septic field, chemical or petroleum storage tanks, and any development within 100 feet of a wetlands area. The districts are marked on the town’s Zoning maps. ..
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City of Clive Architectural Development Standards
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Development Standards
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Kansas City Subdivision Approvals Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance includes providing adequate light, air, and preventing undue congestion of population through the regulation of subdivision. The Master Planned Community Districts require identification of green spaces and is geared largely at protecting natural spaces and encourage creativity in land use. ..
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Infrastructure Upgrades and Multi-Modal Transportation
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Transportation Demand Management, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
A particular element of Buffalo, New York’s Comprehensive Plan 2030 is to redesign and repurpose their transportation network. Their goal is to promote transportation policies and projects that will help create an economically and environmentally healthy region, reverse current negative economic, land use, social and demographic trends, foster growth in areas with existing infrastructure, and promote equitable services for all residents.
In the first four years of the program, there are over 40 projects aimed at upgrading existing infrastru..
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City of Portland Green Building Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Charlotte Transit Oriented Development Districts
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Overlay District, Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
Charlotte’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning district and the related overlay districts were created to encourage a compact and high intensity mix of residential, office, retail, institutional, and civic uses in areas with high potential for enhanced transit and pedestrian activity. To achieve the high-density mixed districts, minimum densities and floor area ratios (FAR) increase in areas closest to transit stations. In addition, development standards, such as minimum building setbacks, are implemented to encourage pedestrian friendly..
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New York’s Second Land Use System: A Description of New York City Land Use Law
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Land Use Planning, Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Kathryn M. Ryan’s paper describes New York City's complex zoning regulations. Its purpose is to condense and explain the most important features of that code in a digestible format. It relies heavily on materials to be found on a variety of the City’s web pages, including that of the Department of City Planning, some of which is presented here verbatim...
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Salem Area Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Peoria Desert Lands Conservation Overlay
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Desert Lands Conservation Overlay (DLCO) of the City of Peoria is designed to protect desert hillsides in the City from development. It seeks to protect the sensitive habitats of the Sonoran Desert found in Peoria by providing controls for the development of desert conservation features such as ridges and peaks, major rock outcrops, critical wildlife habitat corridors, washes and riparian habitats...
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City of Tampa Upland Habitat Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Overlay District, Wildlife & Fish Habitat
State: Not Applicable
The Upland Habitat Protection Ordinance was designed to protect the xeric and mesic plant communities and wildlife habitat in Tampa. The ordinance achieves this by establishing an overlay district and requiring plan approval before the commencement of development within the district...
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Town of Barnstable Wetlands Buffer Zone Regulation; Conservation Commission Regulatory Summary
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Buffer Zones, Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Barnstable’s Wetlands Buffer Zone Regulation Summary acknowledges that accelerated sea level rise will result in increased coastal erosion processes and impact land erosion, storm drainage, flooding and wetland loss. To address these impacts, the Town of Barnstable requires fifty-foot buffer zones for any land subject to flooding, inundation by groundwater, surface water, tidal action, or coastal storm flowage.
In the Conservation Commission’s Regulation Summary, revised in 2006, the Commission established additional performanc..
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Philadelphia Bill No. 120532 Complete Streets
Date Added: Monday, June 25, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
This Ordinance amended Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, the “Traffic Code,” providing for the manner in which bicyclists may operate bicycles in the streets, and by prohibiting motor vehicles from obstructing or creating hazards in bicycle lanes. This Ordinance also amends Title 11 of the Philadelphia Code, the “streets” section, providing for the establishment and implementation of a Complete Streets Policy. ..
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Town of Brookhaven Right to Farm Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Right-to-Farm, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The Right to Farm ordinance is a legislative intent acknowledging the importance of agricultural production to the Town’s character, environment, and economy, and defines protected farm practices. Food production, horticultural products, livestock, maple syrup, honey, horses, tree farms, and aquaculture products, are permitted to happen at all times without exception. This ordinance promises that it will advise developers against projects that are located within 1,000 feet of a farm, within an agricultural district or are working around an a..
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County of Kent Draft Growth Zone Overlay District
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
Proposed amendment to the Kent County growth zone overlay district seeks to more clearly spell out the requirements and guidelines pertaining to the growth zones. The goal is to direct future development to more desirable areas, as well as to ensure that there is an adequate infrastructure where future growth is planned...
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State of North Carolina Stormwater Management Ordinance – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017State Land Use Law, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Under § 153A-275, counties have the authority to own, maintain, and operate “public enterprises” inside or outside their borders, and to protect and regulate such public enterprises by “adequate and reasonable rules.” Stormwater management programs “designed to protect water quality by controlling the level of pollutants in, and the quantity and flow of, stormwater” are explicitly included in the definition of “public enterprises” over which counties have such authority. § 153A-274(7). Under § 153A-277, counties have the power to fix and enforc..
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Local Food Supply: A Chapter of the Marquette County Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Tuesday, July 17, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Local Food Production, Healthy Communities, Zoning, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
The County of Marquette added a chapter to its Comprehensive Plan entitled Local Food Supply as a way to expand the local economy through increased local food production and to enhance the health of residents through better access to affordable, healthy foods. Some of the policies enacted via this Local Food Supply Plan include amending the zoning code to allow for small scale agricultural uses in residential zones, establishing community gardens, developing educational opportunities to teach the importance of local food production, supporting ..
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City of Minneapolis Demolition of Vacant Properties Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
Minnesota state statues allow cities to enact ordinances to handle the problems associated with hazardous and vacant buildings. In turn, the Minneapolis legislature enacted a statute authorizing the city to rehabilitate or demolish buildings to enhance livability, preserve the tax base, and abate public nuisances created by these buildings.
The ordinance allows the director of inspections to secure vacant and hazardous buildings and serve notice on the property owner. If the owner fails to reply within six days, the director may authoriz..
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Recommended Model Development Principles for Protection Natural Resources - Hudson River Estuary
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Development Standards
State: Not Applicable
This document presents specific recommendations on how to foster more environmentally sensitive local site design within the Town of Clinton, NY. The purpose of the project is to review existing development codes and identify regulatory barriers to environmentally sensitive residential and commercial development at the site level within the bounds of the Wappinger Creek Watershed. Code modifications and recommendations were crafted to provide flexibility, support, and guidance for developers implementing Better Site Design. This document focuse..
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State of Pennsylvania Right-to-Farm Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Right-to-Farm
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of North Hampton Open Space Acquisition Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition
State: Not Applicable
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...
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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
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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County of Cherokee Lighting Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance places restrictions on lighting in order to protect the views of the “starry skies” and increase safety on the roads for drivers...
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New York State Town Law – Adoption of First Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Preservation of Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, June 7, 2022Affordable Housing , Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Denver, Colorado’s Preservation of Affordable Housing Ordinance provides notice to the city and tenants when transitions from current assistance programs and/or affordable housing uses are planned. As well as provides purchase opportunities for the city to attempt to preserve the affordable housing. This ordinance also provides public financing assistance from the city to ensure the long-term affordability of affordable housing. ..
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Town of Braintree Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Brandon Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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)..
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City of Ann Arbor Required Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Las Vegas Landscaping Ordinance: Turf Limitation
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Las Vegas Landscaping code includes a section limiting area that may be covered with turf in order to reduce irrigation requirements in the water limited desert of Nevada. Turf limitations range from 25% to 50% of landscapable land on a parcel that may be planted with turf based on the type of development. The remaining cover is to be water efficient landscaping. ..
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State of North Carolina Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017State Land Use Law, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Under § 160A-312, cities have the authority to own, maintain, and operate “public enterprises” inside or outside their corporate limits, and to protect and regulate such public enterprises by “adequate and reasonable rules.” Stormwater management programs “designed to protect water quality by controlling the level of pollutants in, and the quantity and flow of, stormwater” are explicitly included in the definition of “public enterprises” over which cities have such authority. § 160A-311(10). Under § 160A-314, cities have the power to fix and en..
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New York State General City Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Additional Requisites Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
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..
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County of Kitsap Hearing Examiner - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
The County Commissioners gave the hearing examiner the authority to include pre- and post-hearing mediations. Hearing examiners conduct quasi-judicial proceedings to resolve land-use disputes. ..
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State of North Carolina Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Under the Conservation and Historic Preservation Agreements Act, found at Article 4 within Chapter 121, local governments have the authority to acquire conservation easements and other interests in property for the purpose of preventing activities that are detrimental to erosion control or soil conservation. § 121-35(1)(vii), § 121-37. (See Conservation Easements, above.) North Carolina gives primary responsibility for erosion and sedimentation control to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s Sedimentation Control Commission, pur..
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State of North Carolina Statutory Rules Ordinance – Cities
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Governance, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
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.”
..
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City of Chanhassen Bluff Creek Overlay District
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to protect the ecosystems within the local watershed. The region is mapped and classified, and development has to be designed to minimize the impact on the waterways, wetlands, bluffs, trees, and other natural features...
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Land Use Law Center Strategies for Scattered Site & Infill Development Checklist
Date Added: Friday, April 21, 2017Land Use Planning, Urban Renewal, Vacant & Distressed Properties, Streamlining
State: Not Applicable
The Land Use Law Center created this checklist to assist municipalities in planning for infill and scattered site development. The checklist contains guidance from the beginning steps, such as identifying properties with redevelopment potential to engaging the community. The document also contains a checklist to present tools to help municipalities create and implement streamlined project review protocols to encourage economic development while still protecting the environment.
*This document was prepared with funds provided by the New Y..
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City of McCall Shoreline & River Environs Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The shoreline and river environs overlay district is designed to protect the water quality of Payette Lake and the North Fork of the Payette River, as well as the aesthetic views. McCall is known for its natural scenic beauty, which generates tourism and recreation in the area. One reason for the ordinance was to protect this economic resource by protecting viewsheds and fish and wildlife habitat. The most significant part of the ordinance establishes a 50-ft development setback from the lake and river, which helps protect the water resource..
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City of Carlsbad Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
The City of Carlsbad, CA adopted an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that requires fifteen percent of all residential plans be set aside as affordable housing. The city also established guidelines that allow developers to receive credit towards the requirement, thereby reducing the fifteen percent limit, if certain, more desirable affordable housing units are provided. If the fifteen percent requirement is not feasible on-site, the city may allow a developer to construct second dwelling units or rehabilitate an existing structure. ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
The following is a model law that can be used by municipalities to protect wildlife habitat and other critical environmental areas. ..
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County of Placer Open Space Preservation of Natural Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, September 19, 2016Land Acquisition
State: Not Applicable
Placer Legacy is a county program that seeks to protect Placer County’s diverse open space and agricultural resources. This program was started as a way to implement the Open Space Element of the Placer County General Plan. In partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders, the county is implementing a comprehensive, science-based open space plan that preserves the diversity of plant and animal communities in the county as well as protects land for agricultural and recreational purposes. ..
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Town of Westbrook Community Forest Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
This Tree preservation provision establishes a 55 acre community forest to be managed by the town under the forest commission. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect forest resources and water quality, as well as serve recreational and educational functions. ..
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Tucson Solar Integration Plan and Greater Tucson Solar Development Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
Tucson, Arizona’s Solar Integration Plan and Greater Tucson Solar Development Plan lay the groundwork for accelerated development of solar energy facilities in and around Tucson, requiring the installation of a minimum amount of solar electric generation capacity by 2015. ..
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Promoting Public Transportation
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Smart Growth, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
As part of their plan to overhaul their transportation network, Buffalo plans to use mixed-use corridor development and other land use policies that complement and promote the use of public transit options, reducing dependency on individual automobiles and parking. This plan works well with their established public transit options which they can build and improve upon to complement the mixed-use development in a symbiotic fashion. One of their biggest projects in their 2030 plans is implementation of high quality public transit between downtown..
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Buffalo Bicycle Riverwalk
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 91, Article I of Buffalo, New York’s Charter and Ordinances addresses the activities allowed on the Riverwalk path. Riverwalk is a paved, double-lane pedestrian bicycle trail that travels 13.2 miles north from downtown Buffalo to Tonawanda, New York. The legislation states: “No person shall operate or drive any vehicle which is propelled by any power other than muscular power on that property in the City known as the "Riverwalk."..
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Kansas City Disposal of Tires & Batteries Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance includes specific regulations for disposal of tires and batteries. ..
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Town of Malta Farming Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Right-to-Farm, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
It is the general purpose and intent of this chapter to maintain and preserve the rural tradition and character of the Town of Malta, to permit the continuation of agricultural practices, to protect the existence and operation of farms and to encourage the initiation and expansion of farms and agricultural businesses...
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County of Leon Aquifer and Wellhead Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
The ordinance protects and maintains the quality and quantity of groundwater in the county through the regulation of specific uses and wells. Requirements for the registration of businesses and agencies that use regulated substances and remediation activities should hazardous discharges occur are included. This regulation includes public education requirements, a provision for program funding through a fee system, and a mechanism for inspections...
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Agricultural Residential Zone for Readington Township in Hunterdon County
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
Readington Township passed this Agricultural Residential Zone Ordinance to preserve open space and farmland. This ordinance requires that within the designated Agricultural Residential (AR) zone, any lots over 40 acres must be developed as 1.5 acre open space clusters. Land tracts that are 30 acres or greater adjacent to deed restricted farmland or open space within the AR zone must also be developed as 1.5 open space clusters. ..
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City of Charlotte Development Approval Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
State: Not Applicable
A public notification process is formalized in the development process for certain land uses to engage the public in a heightened fashion and consider their suggestions before the process is finalized...
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Town of Pawling Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Enforcement, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Pawling’s Timber Harvesting ordinance contains enforcement provision related specifically to harvesting issues and protection of natural resources. ..
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Town of Woodstock Agricultural Land Preservation and Land Acquisition Fund
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance authorizes and sets up funds for the preservation and acquisition of agricultural land as open space in the town. A commission was established to promote this goal made up of both citizens as well as community board members...
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Town of Bolton Open Space Preservation, Acquisition, and Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Open Space Preservation, Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
The open space preservation conservation development regulations call for the location of any development to occur on the least fertile agricultural soils...
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City of Albuquerque Land Acquisition Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This plan allows a percentage of impact fees on new development in Bernalillo County within a five mile radius of the Albuquerque border to be collected and used for purchase of open space within this buffer zone...
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City of Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
These ordinances create boards to deal with Environmental Planning, Beautification, the Albuquerque Bicycle Network, Open Space, and Recreational Trails. ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Town of Bolton Heritage Farm Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Bolton established a Bolton Heritage Fund to be used for the preservation, restoration, development, and maintenance of the Bolton Heritage Farm. ..
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Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of North Stonington Right-to-Farm Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Agriculture, Right-to-Farm
State: Not Applicable
The town of North Stonington established this right-to-farm ordinance designed to “foster farming as a way of life by declaring this municipality’s support of the farmer’s right to farm.”..
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County of Spokane Aquifer Fees Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
Spokane County collects aquifer fees from property owners “to preserve, protect, and rehabilitate the Spokane Rathdrum Aquifer.” The ordinance provides that these fees be added to the property tax statement, although it stresses that “this is a fee, not a tax.” The ordinance allows the county to place a lien on a property if the fee is not paid. ..
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Guidance for Developing Watershed Implementation Plans in Illinois
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Watershed Planning, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
This Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) “Guidance Document” is designed to provide tools for watershed planning groups and in turn, devise a comprehensive WIP for their watershed. The guide provides for what should be in a WIP, as well as a format that will help to improve consistency among WIPs developed throughout Illinois. The Guide addresses water quality through examination of its chemical, biological, and physical/habitat integrity...
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Town of Goshen Establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation Fund
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
The town of Goshen established a fund for the purpose of preserving land for agricultural preservation. The fund will be used to purchase agricultural lands and to preserve those lands...
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Town of Limington Article VII: Performance Standards, Specific Activities, and Land Uses – Aquifer Protection Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of North Carolina Overlay Zoning Ordinances – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina affirmatively grants counties the authority to employ overlay zoning at § 153A-342, the general statute that authorizes counties to create zoning districts. Two specific types of overlay districts are explicitly authorized in other provisions. Section 160A-383.1, which is made applicable to counties at § 153A-341.1, allows counties to create manufactured home overlay districts within defined areas of residential districts. Section 160A-400.4 allows the use of overlay districts for the designation of historic districts. Counties m..
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City of Belmont Traditional Neighborhood Development Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Development Standards, Quality of Life, Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Maui Planned Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Open Space Preservation, Planned Development Districts, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Maui County Zoning Ordinances include provisions for Planned Development and Lot Reduction, Open Space Incentives, and Cluster Development Overlay Zones. Planned Development is intended to encourage better design and land use, protect the natural environment, minimize traffic congestion, and improve living conditions. At least 20% of Planned Developments must be preserved as protected open space and designed as a park-like area. Lot reductions of 20% and multi-unit buildings are permitted in these developments, specific numbers depending on und..
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Accessory Dwelling Units
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Allows ADUs to provide additional housing choice for its residents. This code focuses on moderate income housing and requires the owner of the primary dwelling and ADU reside in one of the units, but does not specify the requisite time period. The ADU may not exceed 900 square feet or 35% of the primary dwelling unit size. Biddeford sets moderately strict requirements for stairways, balconies, parking, entrances, exterior materials, lot orientation, and number of occupants...
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Alpharetta Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to decrease erosion and erosion hazards and to minimize flood damage by requiring permits for land disturbing activities. Undisturbed vegetative buffers of at least 35 feet along all state waters and of at least 50 feet along primary trout waters must be maintained with no exceptions. Runoff which results in a defined turbidity increase in receiving waters is considered a violation...
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City of Greensboro Pedestrian Scale Overlay District
Date Added: Wednesday, April 19, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The Pedestrian Scale Overlay District encourages infill, mixed-use and urban revitalization; features reduced setbacks and reduced parking requirements; and sidewalks and trails...
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Town of Williston Ridgeline/Wooded Hillside Protection Overlay Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Borough of Kutztown Subdivision and Land Development Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its Subdivision and Land Development Chapter, the Borough of Kutztown in Pennsylvania included a small section on considerations for solar access. The section permits the Borough Council to allow variation to side lot line requirements if the goal is to maximize use of solar energy. Additionally, considerations will also be given to reserving solar easements within lots for protection of solar access. ..
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Programs for Brownfield Remediation
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Brownfields
State: Not Applicable
The City of Newburgh, New York hosts a range of brownfield sites due to its industrial legacy. Newburgh currently has identified eight municipally owned brownfields, and there is potential for others existing on both private and public lands throughout the city. The perceived or actual risks of remediation can have far-reaching and negative side effects; brownfields have been shown to deter future growth, increase urban sprawl, lower the economic value of surrounding communities, and pose a threat to the health of local communities. Fortunately..
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State of New York Intermunicipal Cooperation in Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Regulation
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Rockland Green Building Standards
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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City of Arnold Floodplain Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Arnold has very specific and stringent regulations for all construction in the Meramec and Mississippi River floodplains below 420 feet above sea level which range from permit requirements to enforcement provisions. In addition, the lowest floor of all floodplain construction must be elevated to at least three feet above the base flood elevation and in the floodways encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge. Although not part of the ordinances, Arnold has a very aggressive buyou..
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Town of Pawling Timber Harvesting Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Quality of Life, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Planning: Build-Out and Capacity Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, October 7, 2015Smart Growth, Build-Out Analysis, Capacity Analysis
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Clean Air for Future Generations
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Vulnerable Populations
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 13 of Ramsey, Minnesota’s Comprehensive Plan sets a clear strategy of preserving existing tree canopy and promoting planting more trees in new developments to increase the air quality of the community for future generations. They further set a policy of finding opportunities to plant additional trees along Highway 10 and other major roadways...
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City of Eugene Ordinance Concerning Erosion Prevention and Construction Site Management Practices
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
In 1994 Eugene became the first city of its size in the nation to be issued a municipal NPDES stormwater permit. To protect local waterways from construction-related activities, the City implemented the Erosion Prevention and Construction Site Management program in 1997. This program relies upon an "outcome-based" approach allowing contractors to choose the erosion prevention and construction site management practices best suited for a site. Eugene must approve erosion permits before any other construction permits are issued. Applicants must..
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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
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Gardiner Commission for the Conservation of the Environment Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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County of King Surface Water Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The Surface Water Management Title is a comprehensive set of regulations focused on surface water management. A drainage review is required for certain projects such as all development with >5000 SF of impervious surface, development near sensitive or critical areas, or is development of an existing site over certain size and financial thresholds. Drainage review consists of several core requirements including discharge requirements, off-site analysis, and flow control. There is also a Water Quality section that implements a fee structure based..
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Transit Oriented Development Plan Linden Station Area Draft
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan for Linden Station Area contains the City’s vision for TOD, the strategies for how to achieve it, provides a framework to enhance the compact walkable community that is centered around the Station, and designates four districts to accomplish this, the Core District, the Wood Avenue District, the Elizabeth Avenue District and an Office Residential Character/Live-work District. This plan builds upon the South Wood Avenue Redevelopment Plan, Theater Redevelopment and development approvals to locate mid-r..
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Promoting Bicycling through Improved Infrastructure
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Omaha, Nevada’s Master Plan includes a Transportation Element which outlines a future bicycle network through Omaha. The purpose of the network is to provide a bicycle facility (bike-oriented path) to all mixed-use centers in Omaha. The facilities were chosen based on traffic volume of the proposed route, distance between centers, and topography of the area. These facilities allow for safe passage and recreational activity.
Bicycle facilities have three classifications: trails, paths, and routes. Bicycle trails give people a facility exclus..
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Town of Brookhaven Farmland Bill of Rights
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Arnold Floodplain Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 27, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Arnold has very specific and stringent regulations for all construction in the Meramec and Mississippi River floodplains below 420 feet above sea level which range from permit requirements to enforcement provisions. In addition, the lowest floor of all floodplain construction must be elevated to at least three feet above the base flood elevation and in the floodways encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge. Although not part of the ordinances, Arnold has a very aggressive buyou..
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Town of Westport Protection of Water from Tree Spraying Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance protects the ponds and the lakes within the town from biochemical pollutants used in tree spraying, through the inspection of vehicles and equipment, as well as through the regulation of water use. The ordinance works establishing a permitting procedure through which certain types of equipment can be used. In addition, there are specified hours of operation as well as designated areas for collection of the water...
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City of Boynton Beach Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Boynton Beach, Florida has incorporated Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays regulations within its Zoning Code in a separate subsection. In that subsection, Boynton Beach lists height, location, and rooftop requirements. The PV Arrays sub-section also describes regulations for wall mounted or flush to a building or structure solar energy systems. These regulations include a required yard setback by more than three feet, a minimum dimension of nine feet, and a wall mounted PV array design that is compatible with the structure and surface to which it ..
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City of Nampa Corridor Beautification Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Landscaping
State: Not Applicable
In response to an increasing number of businesses that directly abutted thoroughfares in Nampa without any landscaping to buffer their appearance, Nampa initiated the idea of a corridor beautification ordinance. The ordinance requires land between the front of properties and a road to be fully landscaped from a select list of trees and shrubs. It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the landscaping. One of the main goals of the ordinance is to present an appealing image to people traveling in the city, and to reduce heat, no..
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City of Oakland Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
As part of Oakland’s Sustainable Development Initiative, the city adopted the Construction and Demolition Debris ordinance that requires all new development and sizeable remodeling projects to reuse or recycle 50% or more of their waste and debris. Not only does this prevent construction materials from going to the landfill, but it also reduces the demand for new construction materials. ..
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City of Rahway Mixed-Use Zone
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of San Diego Abatement of Vacant Structures Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
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’..
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Town of Blooming Grove Golf & Country Club Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Accessory Uses , Environmental Compliance, Pesticide Management, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
In 235-25 of the Town Code for the Town of Blooming Grove, the town creates the Golf and Country Club ordinance which sets forth supplementary requirements pertaining to bulk controls, site requirements, parking requirements, buffers, existing buildings, nuisance, clearance of woodlands, turf management and water quality assurances. The ordinance also requires approval by the Town Board for special events and permitted accessory uses...
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Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Doraville Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Village of Irvington Environmental Conservation Board Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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..
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New York State Town Law: § 272-a. Town Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Shawnee Residential Curbside Recycling Program
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
Shawnee's recycling ordinance defines its program to reduce the need for landfill space in the area by making recycling as convenient as possible. It establishes specific rules for the operation and funding of the municipal recycling program...
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County of New Castle Environment First Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The Environment First amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC), were introduced May 13, 2003. They tighten up the already strict and thorough regulations of the UDC, which includes Article 23: Landscaping, Trees, and Erosion. The Environment First amendments strengthen the riparian buffer requirements in order to dissipate the velocity of runoff and control erosion, requires stormwater management and grading efforts to use green technology best management practices and to maintain non-erosive velocities of runoff and allows herbaceous v..
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City of Portland Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
These regulations are focused on ground disturbing activities regardless of whether or not a permit is required and unless otherwise exempted. Minimum requirements include: a threshold of no visible and measurable sediment or pollutant exiting the site or washing into a water body or storm system; installation of BMPs selected from the Erosion Control Manual, special requirements during the wet season (Oct 1-Apr 30); signage requirements on sites where a permit is required; and inspection of BMPs within 24 hours of a storm events. For sites req..
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County of Camden Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Camden County, North Carolina solar farms are permitted in all zoning districts, however, a special use permit must first be acquired. Within its zoning code, Camden County integrated a sub-section outlining standards for solar farms such as a minimum lot size, minimum setbacks, and a 50-foot buffer from routine view. Solar collectors as an accessory use are also permitted in all zoning districts in Camden County, however, in order to install them, an applicant must either obtain a special use permit (if there are three or more collectors) o..
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Town of Marana Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
This code is designed to meet or exceed state and federal floodplain management requirements, control development in erosion or flood hazard areas, and enhance groundwater recharge, and applies to all development within the town. All development within floodplain or erosion hazard areas require a permit, unless maintenance actions do not obstruct flow of floodwater and do not exceed a $1500 cost of improvement. There are floodway fringe requirements that restrict fill and alignment of structures to direction of flood flow. Erosion and sedimenta..
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City of Fayetteville Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of New York Hudson River Valley Greenway
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Town of Brookhaven Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Quality of Life, Urban Renewal
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 82 if the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven is aimed at preserving aesthetic integrity of residential neighborhoods, preventing neighborhood blight, protecting residential property values, encouraging residential property maintenance and enhancing the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. ..
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City of Lacey Village Center Zone
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Transportation Efficient Development
State: Not Applicable
Lacey’s “Village Center Zone” is a suburban model that, while perhaps reducing car dependence, does not link with much transit. The ordinance aims to alleviate use-segregated development, reduce sprawl that results in car dependence, and to promote the development of places with a pedestrian emphasis, connectivity, mixed-uses, and centralized public spaces. Bicycle paths and pedestrian connections are encouraged where possible and the use of cul-de-sacs and other roadways with a single point of access are minimized. While parking is limited ..
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City of Santa Fe Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Town of Southampton, NY Pre-Application Process
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Healthy Communities, Health Impact Assessments
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Southampton, NY requires an in-depth pre-application process for subdivision approval for developers. The zoning code involves detailed steps that requires a lot of information from the developer upfront. The developer is required to set up a fee schedule with the town and may have to pay the town an upfront cost to be held in escrow for any additional clerical or consulting costs incurred during the application process. The subdivision developer must also provide an alternative cluster plan to their development. The planning board ..
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City of Tumwater Wellhead Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
Tumwater, Washington, has three related aquifer protection ordinances. Tumwater’s Wellhead Protection is designed “to develop and implement a wellhead protection program to identify risks of contamination potentially impacting city wells, and to reduce or eliminate those risks.” The ordinance identifies four wellhead capture zones at six months, one year, five years, and ten years. Various activities are prohibited within these zones, with the six month zone being more prohibitive than the ten year zone...
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Town of Apex Exterior Lighting Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Asheville Hillside Area Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law regulates the density of development on steep slopes and high elevations. It makes use of natural topography and relative steepness of slope to determine the nature of development and grading...
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City of Boise Development Impact Fee Ordinance - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
A mediation option is provided as part of the planning and zoning public hearing process of the city in accordance with Section 67-6510 of the Idaho Code. The cost of the first mediation session is paid by the city; if additional meetings are necessary, the parties agree to fee division. Mediation may be requested by Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, the applicant, or other affected person and is voluntary unless it is initiated by the City, in which case, one session is mandatory. Hearings associated with appeal and ap..
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City of Memphis Amenity Incentives Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Housing Options Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Density
State: Not Applicable
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and duplexes are permitted as-of-right in all
residential zones in Olympia while cottage houses, triplexes, fourplexes, and
townhouses are permitted as-of-right in most residential zones. The city
amended its zoning code to encourage infill development in three urban
residential areas to prevent urban sprawl...
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Town of Big Flats Aquifer Protection Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District, Zoning, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to protect the local drinking water in the interest of public health and safety. The town is creating an Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) to create districts in which certain uses of water are permitted. There are also various uses of water that are and are not permitted which vary by the districts that are set forth in the ordinance...
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City of Brookfield Well Head Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to provide protection to the City of Brookfield’s water supply. The law includes standards and regulations, relating to well head protection, which apply to businesses and residents of the City. These standards proscribe distances which must separate the City’s well heads from certain types of businesses and certain land uses. The law also has placed a ban on some activities which present a possible danger to the City’s water supply, and discusses the penalties which would accompany the violation of these regulations. ..
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City of Grand Fork Solar Access Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of Nevada Training Requirements Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
State: Not Applicable
This law requires land use training for town advisory boards in Nevada...
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County of Kent, Maryland Renewable Energy Task Force
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Local Boards, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
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..
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New York State Town Law: § 283. Issuance of Licenses and Permits in Certain Towns
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Pasadena Green Building Practices
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The city of Pasadena, California has adopted into its municipal code Green Building Practices in order to promote sustainable development and environmentally-friendly construction. Pasadena is located in Los Angeles County, surrounded by the Raymond Fault Line, San Rafael Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains. Home to approximately 148,000 residents, the city is perhaps most famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl college football game. In 2007, Pasadena became involved with other cities in the state (including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Fr..
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Town of Somers Scenic Resource Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Scenic Resource Protection Ordinance seeks to safeguard the town's scenic resources, aesthetic, and cultural heritage, as embodied in the landscape and geologic features and improvements of the town. The regulation attempts to stabilize and improve property values in such scenic resource areas, preserve the semi-rural character of the town and promote traffic and pedestrian safety. ..
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S.M.A.R.T Housing™ Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, June 7, 2022Affordable Housing , Impact Fees, Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Austin, Texas’s S.M.A.R.T Housing™ is housing that is safe, mixed-income, accessible, reasonably priced, transit oriented, and compliant with the city’s building code. The City’s S.M.A.R.T Housing™ program encourages the development of S.M.A.R.T housing™ by waving certain development fees and exempting the development fees from impact fees. In the City, a department cannot change an ordinance, rule, or process that impacts affordability of housing unless the City’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department prepares an affordabil..
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City of Iola Solar Access Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance dictates subdivision lot alignment in order to facilitate the use of solar energy systems, and establishes a program for solar skyspace easements to protect access to solar energy. It uses land-use regulations, not for a specific land-preservation goal, but for energy conservation purposes...
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New York State Town Law – Cluster Development Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Clustering & Cluster Development, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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New York State Town Law – Official Map, Establishment Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Official Map, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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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
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance explains the purpose behind granting zoning and land use planning authority to municipalities in New York State. ..
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City-Wide Design Guidelines and Standards
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
Section 120-157(E) of Rochester’s Zoning Code encourages structures and public spaces to be pedestrian-oriented and promote safe pedestrian movement, access and circulation. Additionally, if a service alley is available, garages and loading areas should only be accessed via the alley.
This ordinance increases pedestrian safety and encourages people to walk as a primary form of transportation which will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
..
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County of Calcasieu Parish Coastal Zone Management Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Coastal Protection
State: Not Applicable
Officially adopted in 1986, this ordinance allows the parish to take over more control and monitoring of the natural resources of the gulf coast. Although the ordinance is based on a state program, the program is optional and the ordinance gives the parish flexibility in the specifics. According to Pam Sturrock of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Planning and Development, the ordinance has been effective and relatively simple to enforce (Personal communication, April 9, 2003). ..
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Quantity versus Quality in Off-Street Parking Requirements
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Parking
State: Not Applicable
Many communities emphasize quantity over quality in off-street parking requirements and have minimum parking requirements that produce an excessive supply of parking. This article details five strategies that planners can use to improve urban design and avoid problems with parking: deregulate or limit the number of parking spaces, improve the location of parking, improve the design of surface parking, improve the design of parking structures, and improve the design of residential garages...
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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
State: Not Applicable
§ 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 ..
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Air Quality Liability
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Vulnerable Populations
State: Not Applicable
Buffalo holds not only violators of the ordinances responsible and liable for infringements, but they also hold owners, proprietors, lessors, agents, tenants, managers, superintendents, captains, etc. responsible and liable for any unlawful emission...
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City of Shawnee Solar Easements Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
The solar easement ordinance establishes a program for solar skyspace easements to protect access to solar energy. It uses land-use regulations, not for a specific land-preservation goal, but for energy conservation purposes...
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Town of Warner Fast Food Density Cap
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Low Nutrition Uses, Equity
State: Not Applicable
Town of Warner, NH has an ordinance that requires fast-food and drive-in restaurants to be at least 2,000 feet apart. This caps the density of fast-food restaurants and helps prevent food swamps near important public places. ..
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General Plans and Zoning: A toolkit for building healthy, vibrant communities
Date Added: Thursday, July 19, 2018Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This resource is helpful for communities to look to see how zoning and public health relate. There is an overlap between public health and zoning. On page 135, the City of Berkley provides an example of zoning for food access. It discusses how local zoning and land use law influenced the city to cater to the needs of the town and push for a grocery store offering affordable fresh foods. When motivating community residents to speak for the needs of their fellow neighbors and quality of food access, projects get completed. This document also dis..
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Town of Brookhaven, Chapter 8: Bay and Harbor Bottoms
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Coastal Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to prevent conflicts of use and provide for the safe navigation of waters within the Town. It provides definitions of those assets and land affected by the ordinance and then sets forth the different permitted uses and forbidden acts in regards to the area. In particular, a permit policy is established and punishments prescribed for the breaking of the ordinance. ..
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City of Burlington, Washington Zoning Regulations; Solar Access
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Section 14.48.110, placed within the City Code’s chapter on performance standards, lists solar access criteria for any new construction that is south of existing residential land in Burlington, Washington. The criteria include prohibiting multi family, commercial, or industrial structure more than one story in height from shading the maximum building envelope of any existing dwelling as determined by the angle of the sun on December 21st; site plans that show the shading impacts of new structures on existing dwellings or vacant lots; and measur..
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City of Del Mar Solar Energy Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Land Use Law Center Strategies for Sustainable, Economic Development Checklist
Date Added: Saturday, April 22, 2017Economic Development, Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
The Land Use Law Center created this checklist to assist municipalities in planning for sustainable, economic development. The goal is encourage use of strategies that encourage development that is environmentally conscious and economically prosperous. The checklist contains guidance on improvements in eighteen different areas, such as developing code for transit-oriented development districts and encouraging neighborhood-organized improvements.
*This document was prepared with funds provided by the New York State Department of State und..
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City of Tulsa Landscape Requirements Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to provide landscape requirements in order promote the beautification of the city, preserve valued trees and vegetation, stability the ecological balance, and achieve an urban forest. The requirements apply to all land in which a building permit is sought...
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County of Los Alamos Solar Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Los Alamos County in New Mexico has incorporated a solar energy collection system section within its Code of Ordinances. According to the section, when a solar energy collection system is already installed on a parcel, accessory structures or vegetation on the abutting lot may not block the solar collector’s access to solar energy. Property owners must also file and record the solar system installation with the county clerk on the day the building permit for the improvement is issued.
..
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City of Sanibel Natural Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Sanibel officials and local conservationists are concerned about the introduction of invasive exotic vegetation to the island’s fragile ecosystem. Exotic species out-compete native vegetation, creating undesirable monocultures and altering the ecological character of the island. In order to curb the introduction of exotic species, this ordinance prohibits planting specific plant species known to be invasive...
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City of Lindsborg Design Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Lindsborg’s Code of Ordinances, the City has created certain design requirements for all zoning districts to adhere to. Within these design requirements, Lindsborg aims to encourage, where appropriate, the “conservation of energy through the use of both passive and active solar systems.” In order to accommodate solar design, the City requires that streets in residential subdivisions have an east-west alignment when possible. Lindsborg also permits a subdivider to grant or establish a solar skyspace easement to protect solar energy systems fr..
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County of Athens-Clarke Conservation Subdivision Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Cottage Grove Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Cottage Grove, Minnesota, the city has established a Low-Density Residential District “where all public services, utilities and amenities needed for urban residential development are available” and development densities do not exceed five dwelling units per gross acre. Cottage Grove does permit density bonuses in this District between 0-5% if applicants demonstrate innovative energy conservation efforts, including orientation of lost for maximum use of passive solar energy and preservation of solar access for active solar energy systems. Sol..
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City of Albany Zoning Ordinance; Section 375-93- Solar Energy Equipment
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Ordinance, the City of Albany outlines its solar energy systems requirements in its own section, § 375-93. In it, the City requires that any person who wishes to install a solar energy system in a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District shall have the installation reviewed by the Planning staff prior to the issuance of the building permit. This process will increase the amount of time and administrative requirements necessary to install these systems, becoming a barrier to their implementation.
..
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City of Rogers Land Alteration Regulations
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance attempts to minimize the ecological disturbances resulting from development of land. In particular, this ordinance sets up guidelines and requirements for the use of such erosion/sedimentation control structures as stormwater screenings and silt fences. The ordinance requires that developers obtain a grading permit before beginning work on a site, and that they draw up grading and drainage plans certified by engineers, detailing how erosion will be controlled and how trees will be protected...
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Town of Brookhaven Central Pine Barrens District
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides comprehensive details about planning tools and permitting processes that are consistent with the Central Pine Barrens Land Use Plan and promote the protection of the quality and quantity of surface water, groundwater and the short term and long term health of the Central Pine Barrens ecosystem. The ordinance recognizes Pine Barrens Credits for the transfer of development rights and incentive zoning, as well as a residential overlay district and a planned development district that support the protection of the core prese..
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City of Santa Fe Terrain and Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
The Santa Fe Terrain and Stormwater Management Ordinance is designed to help capture stormwater and increase its infiltration in order to reduce substantial erosion hazards due to uncontrolled runoff, and to conserve and capture water resources. There are exemptions for development meeting such standards as less than 1000 SF of land disturbance and on slopes less than 10%. The ordinance provides for minimum grading standards, soil engineering reports if over 1,000 cubic yards of earth is moved, and the use of BMPs during construction. There are..
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SeaTac, WA ADU
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Requires the primary residence or ADU to be occupied by the owner in order to build and rent out
an ADU. The city allows for ADUs in order to maximize the use of existing housing stock, improve
cost efficiency of existing infrastructure, increase opportunities for homeowners, and provide
housing options for a wide range of income and status. Most ADUs are required to meet a maximum
of 800 square feet while preexisting ADUs may have up to 45% of the square footage of the primary
residence. The code also sets maximum occupancy, height, desig..
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City of Kingston Historic Preservation Commission
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law creates The Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the guidelines for the Commission to follow. ..
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Township of Howell Riparian Buffers – Standards of Performance Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Buffer Zones, Development Standards, Environmental Compliance, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance sets forth the practices and procedures to be followed by developers and others in order to maintain the integrity of riparian habitat. This law creates a buffer zone in which private activity, such as tree cutting, disturbing soil, use of fertilizer, and use of pesticides are severely regulated. The town board holds discretion in allowing a buffer zone to be disturbed. If a buffer zone is disturbed, the developer is required to rehabilitate the buffer zone in accordance with the accepted practices set forth in this law. ..
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City of Palm Bay Community Development Division: Housing Assistance Program
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
The Community Development Division: Housing Assistance Program ordinance created the Local Housing Assistance Program to hold and distribute state money with all funds being distributed to moderate, low, and very low-income housing. The Program distributes loans with “affordable” monthly payments, as defined by FL Statute 420.9071(3)...
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Township of Warren Transportation Improvement District (T.I.D.)
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Impact Fees, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance was created to ensure that necessary infrastructure could be maintained and additional infrastructure could be created to accommodate new development. Under the Transportation Improvement District (TID) Impact Fees system, if there is any new development that takes place within the Transportation Improvement Districts, developers must pay a fee calculated by determining the impact that the proposed development will have on traffic multiplied by district improvement costs needed. ..
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City of Fayetteville Imposition of Development Impact Fees Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Impact Fees
State: Not Applicable
Fayetteville has an impact fee statute which requires a developer to pay for engaging in development. This payment of this fee is designed to rebuild infrastructure or otherwise protect the environment in proportion to the developments impact on the community in relation to the impact the activity has on the environment. The ordinance has multiple exceptions for development which does not increase the housing units on a parcel...
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Town of Kent Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Kent’s Freshwater Wetlands ordinance contains enforcement provisions which specifically related to the protection of this natural resource. ..
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New York State Town Law – Grant of Power Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Parking Spaces / Community Places, Finding the Balance through Smart Growth Solutions
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Smart Growth, Parking
State: Not Applicable
This guidebook by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency illustrates parking issues faced by municipalities and explains suggested alternatives to parking. Viewed through the lens of the impact of parking on the environment, the importance of mixed-use, walkable areas that balance parking with other environmental concerns are illustrated through case studies of cities throughout the United States that municipalities can look to for assistance with Smart Growth. ..
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City of Albuquerque Project Treestart Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance aims to create an advisory committee that will promote tree planting in the city, particularly trees that are well suited to the arid environment and compatible with city life. ..
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Town of New Milford Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Subdivision Approvals, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for subdivision of lands subject to approval. Characteristics evaluated to determine approval include steep slopes, hazardous conditions, and subject to flooding...
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County of Beaufort Rural Land Purchase of Development Rights Program
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Purchase of Development Rights
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to create a purchase of development rights (PDR) program that enables the preservation of rural and critical lands in Beaufort County. Land must meet certain requirements in order for a conservation easement to be funded...
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City of Jamestown High Groundwater Table Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District, Water Conservation, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Jamestown designated a High Ground Water Table and Impervious Layer Overlay District in which, in order to preserve the town’s fresh water supply, the area has been deemed unsuitable for unrestricted development. The District is divided into two sub-districts: sub-district A has a higher groundwater table, and thus heightened restrictions on development, and sub-district B, a lower groundwater table, and less restrictive development requirements. The ordinance lays out the restrictions on development within each zone, as well as th..
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City of Omaha North Hills Environmental Resources Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 19, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
Section 55-901 of the municipal code establishes the North Hills environmental resources overlay district. The ordinance was created because the North Hills area is characterized by “steep slopes and valleys with heavy forestation and ridge tops of forests or uncultivated grasslands.” The ordinance requires a special permit for grading and excavating, removing vegetation, and disturbing sensitive features which include native prairies, intermittent and perennial streams, loess bluffs and glacial tills, and extremely steep slopes. ..
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County of Blaine Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Blaine County, Idaho has created a number of zoning regulations in its county code. As part of its regulations, Blaine County has dedicated a chapter specifically for solar utilities facilities. These regulations include how collector system panels and mounts are to be installed; height restrictions of BIPB and roof collected mounted panels; and the way in which ground and pole mounted solar collectors are to be anchored. Blaine County has also created additional standards for solar energy systems located within the county’s overlay districts. ..
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City of Belleview Trash Collection & Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Brookhaven Agricultural Advisory Board Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Local Boards, Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
Brookhaven’s Agricultural Advisory Board ordinance allows for the creation of an 11-member advisory board. The board, comprised of local residents from the agricultural community and community-based organizations interested in land preservation and agriculture, makes recommendations to the town board about the implementation of an Agricultural Use Agreement Program and the use of agricultural easements as land use planning and preservation tools. ..
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Town of Brookhaven Supplementary Zoning Provisions Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Local Boards, Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates the Agricultural Advisory Board. ..
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County of San Juan Open Space & Conservation Plan
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The San Juan County Open Space and Conservation plan is the result of an open space planning process, funded by San Juan County and The San Juan Preservation Trust. A primary goal of the plan is to identify and protect natural resources, with a focus on wildlife habitat. The plan proposes ways to implement five strategies of land conservation defined as information, education, incentives, regulation, and acquisition. ..
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City of Santa Fe Water Harvesting and Irrigation Standards
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Little Rock Land Alteration Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to prevent sedimentation and erosion from clearings within Little Rock, which has a number of hillside neighborhoods. The ordinance was developed and written by a citizens group and places limits on tree clearing and grading, requires a landscaping plan and that a qualified superintendent be on site during all land clearing activities. Additionally, the ordinance requires that all but the building permit be issued before approval of the grading permit and that construction is ‘imminent.’..
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New York State Land Use Enabling Acts
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Governance, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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City of San Jose Amendments to Zoning Code to Reduce Parking Requirements
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Transportation & Land Use Planning, Parking
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance amends Chapter 20.90 of the City of San Jose Zoning Code to reduce parking requirements for specific ground floor uses on properties designated with the Neighborhood Business District General Plan overlay, and to reduce parking requirements for ministorage uses citywide...
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County of DeKalb Mountain Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes a protection overlay district for Arabia Mountain. The overlay district allows for reasonable development, while preserving the natural resources and scenic views of the mountain. ..
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City of Milwaukie Solar Access Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
Milwaukie’s solar access ordinance seeks to provide solar access protection to new development in subdivisions, new and remodeled single-family homes, structures within single-family zoning districts and homes which make beneficial use of solar energy; promote energy conservation; and provide a means of encouraging investment in solar design and solar equipment...
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State of North Carolina Watercourse Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Buffer Zones, State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Watercourse protection in North Carolina falls primarily to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), although local governments may apply for a limited role. DENR is responsible for promulgating rules for riparian buffer protection to safeguard watercourses. Under § 143-214.23, a local government may request that DENR delegate responsibility for implementing any riparian buffer protection programs the Department may implement.
Additionally, DENR administers the Natural and Scenic Rivers Act of 1971, located ..
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Technical Guidance Manual for Sustainable Neighborhoods
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Development Standards, Local Environmental Law, Subdivision Regulations, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning, Street & Sidewalk Development, Parking
State: Not Applicable
The sections of this manual are designed to parallel a typical municipality’s land development plans, regulations, and related policies. It begins by presenting strategies to integrate LEED-ND criteria into local planning policies as expressed in comprehensive plans and special area plans. It then presents strategies for incorporating LEED-ND criteria into traditional zoning code sections, site plan and subdivision regulations, and other land use development standards, including building and related codes. Finally, it introduces strategies for ..
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Soil Contamination Strategies
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Brownfields
State: Not Applicable
Syracuse, New York created a Comprehensive Plan with a singular focus on sustainability. One of the objectives within their efforts to increase sustainability is the remediation of brownfields. The remediation of brownfields can improve environmental conditions, public health, and the local economy.
Syracuse has partnered with several government agencies, including the New York DEC and the U.S. E.P.A, to design brownfield remediation plans. These plans work to evaluate, inventory, and plan for the redevelopment of brownfield areas. Syracus..
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Town of Hyde Park Zoning Law Purposes Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Lexington-Fayette Rural Land Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Lexington-Fayette urban county government has established this ordinance as a means of institutionalizing the procedure for the protection of natural resources through conservation easement. According to the statue, found under Chapter 26 Rural Land Management (RLM), the RLM Board shall administer any conservation easement program funded by the urban county government, thus bestowing a considerable amount of discretionary power...
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County of Montgomery Land Use Classification Ordinance - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
The County and cities therein resolved to use a formalized dispute resolution process when there is a conflict involving property annexations or land use plans. ..
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City of Tumwater Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone (AQP) Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
Tumwater, Washington, has three related aquifer protection ordinances. The Aquifer Protection Overlay zone (AQP) “protect[s] vulnerable aquifer recharge areas within the City and urban growth area” by “impos[ing] additional restrictions on development in order to protect public health and safety by preserving the existing and future groundwater supply.” The district restricts seven activities unless they comply with best management practices...
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Town of Huntersville Surface Water Improvement & Management – Stream Buffers Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Buffer Zones, Floodwater Management, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance amends the current zoning regulations to create a “stream buffer network” that will filter pollutants, store floodwater, provide habitat, and contribute to the “green infrastructure.” The buffer is divided into three sections, streamside zone, managed use zone, and upland zone. Each zone has varying level of restrictions, the streamside zone being the most restrictive and the upland zone being the least restrictive. ..
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Town of North Castle Conservation Subdivisions Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
Simultaneously with the approval of a subdivision plat and pursuant to § 281 of the Town Law, at the written request of the applicant, the Planning Board is authorized to modify the zoning regulations in residential districts with respect to lot area and dimensions, provided that the enumerated criteria are met. ..
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Increasing Available Housing through Infill Development
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities, Brownfields
State: Not Applicable
Sacramento’s 2035 General Plan sets a goal of ensuring that the production of housing will meet future needs. To meet this goal the General Plan establishes policies that require the promotion of quality infill development specifically focused on the creation of affordable units. The City plans to offset the costs of developing affordable housing through deferred fees and financial incentives including water development fee waivers and sewer credits.
Not only will this help to eliminate brown zones in the city, but the increase in affordable..
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Town of North Castle Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Health in the Development Review Process
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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City of Clayton Planned Unit Development District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Planned Unit Development, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes planned unit developments which support flexibility and innovative medium- and large-scale development in residential and commercial areas. It is intended to preserve natural features and functions (erosion control) and promote an aesthetically pleasing environment for residents and workers...
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Town of Hilton Head Fees and Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of Illinois Urban Renewal – Municipal Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Local Boards, State Land Use Law, Urban Renewal
State: Not Applicable
Under 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-11-1 (2004), corporate municipal authorities are granted broad powers to redevelop and revitalize “any blighted or slum area or any conservation area” that is a “detriment to public safety, health or morals.” Municipal authorities in communities with more than 500,000 residents may appoint a “Conservation Board” or “Department of Urban Renewal” to investigate and report on the revitalization needs in a designated “conservation area.” Those entities may also draft a “conservation plan” that addresses, inter alia, ..
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Township of Readington Open Space Trust Fund
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance authorizes the creation of an open space fund into which the dedication of $.02 per $100 of assessed valuation of annual taxes. The funds are to be used for the acquisition of open space. The fund also permits the acceptance of donations and testamentary bequests to this fund. ..
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City of Tulsa Watershed Development Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, April 27, 2016Watershed Planning
State: Not Applicable
Tulsa has the highest CRS rating in the country and is currently at 2. Although this high rating is only partially attributed to its ordinances, its ordinances reflect very high standards. The ordinances are based on watershed development and include stormwater consideration. “The area of special flood hazard, policies and standards” provision endorses the concept of No Adverse Impact, specifically denying any development that would increase flows, flood heights, velocities that might affect other property and, in addition providing for compens..
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Town of Basalt Housing Mitigation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Zoning Code for Housing Mitigation requires twenty percent of all newly constructed dwelling units and fifteen percent of the bedrooms of all new residential developments comprised of five or more units be affordable housing. All commercial developers must pay a housing mitigation fee of fifty cents per square foot. The commercial developer must provide a percentage of affordable housing correlating to the number of employees expected to work in the structure after completion based on a formula provided in the statute. Furthermore, 100% o..
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Town of West Warwick Development Fee Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Real Estate Transaction Fee
State: Not Applicable
This Development fee ordinance provides for a consolidated schedule of fees and allows for a periodic review and modification of fees assessed for development. These fees include Planning Board Fees, Zoning Board Fees, Town Board Fees and Building Inspection Fees...
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City of Aspen Real Estate Transfer Tax Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Real Estate Transaction Fee
State: Not Applicable
The city of Aspen imposed a real estate transfer tax and designated the funds to be used to purchase land and buildings to create affordable housing and preserve open space. The law also empowers the City Council to borrow money or issue bonds in order to do the same, provided that the funds from the real estate transfer tax are to be used to repay these debts...
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Town of Bedford Community Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Hillsboro Zoning Ordinances for the SCR-V District
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Mixed/Multiple Use, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Hillsboro enacted specific zoning ordinances for the SCR-V district that surrounds the transit station at the Orenco Station. This zoning is intended to promote mixed-use around the transit center...
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City of Lincoln Community Forestry Advisory Board
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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...
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North Carolina Moratoria on Development Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Moratoria, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
With the exception of statutorily authorized moratoria on sexually oriented businesses, found at § 160A-181.1(d), North Carolina does not grant local governments the explicit authority to place moratoria on development. However, under §§ 160A-4 and § 153A-4, city and county authority, respectively, is to be broadly construed. Thus, the power of local governments to place moratoria on development can probably be implied from both their general police power and their zoning authority...
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State of New York County Law – Reforested Lands Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Ames Zoning Code; Section 29.1309- Solar Energy Systems
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Ames, Iowa has dedicated a whole section in the “Additional Requirements for Specific Uses” Article of its City Code to the implementation of solar energy systems, § 29.1309. Section 1309’s purpose is to “facilitate the installation and constructions of solar energy systems so that the systems are safe, effective, and efficient, as well as harmonious with the character of the adjacent area where located.” The section goes on to list the design and placement requirements for Freestanding, Residential Attached, and Non-Residential Att..
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Town of Amherst Conservation Easement Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Land Acquisition, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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County of Bay County Density and Intensity Bonus Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Affordable Housing , Density
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Fayetteville Redevelopment Standards & Incentives Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Redevelopment District regulation provides incentives for redeveloping an already developed site, rather than on pristine land. It provides density bonuses and waivers of impact fees in order to encourage redevelopment of blighted areas and compatible development...
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Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Bedford Aquifer Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance delineates an aquifer protection zone where certain uses and activities are regulated or prohibited. It includes a Table of Uses and their Wastewater Equivalents, which can aid in community development and planning. The boundaries of the protected zone are delineated on an official map, prepared by hydrogeologists...
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Village of Briarcliff Manor Tree Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Environmental Compliance, Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The Code of Briarcliff Manor Tree Ordinance sets out a well-defined tree-based protection plan consistent with the unique character of the Village which derives great benefit from the maintenance of the tree population. Tree removal is regulated based on the needs and desires of the community in both the public and private sector and local planning boards are developed as approving authorities in order to ensure compliance with the overall plan. ..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Excavation, Filling & Topsoil Removal Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Environmental Compliance, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson has declared it policy that the natural topography of the land of the Village should be preserved and safeguarded, prohibiting changes to the land except those that are absolutely necessary in order to permit the proper and appropriate use of the land and the water. The topsoil, trees, and other materials which constitute the land, such as plant and wild life are of vital concern to the people of the Village. Therefore, the Village will regulate or prohibit excavation, the removal of tree..
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Town of Pawling Timber Harvesting Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Hannibal Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Tree Preservation Ordinance prohibits people from damaging trees or removing natural features from Central Park. ..
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County of Lexington-Fayette Greenspace Commission
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The urban county government of Lexington-Fayette has established a Greenspace Commission, which has been mandated to “(1) to develop a comprehensive open space plan and (2) to preserve, protect and enhance open space in the county”, and which is enabled to identify, for example, natural areas environmentally sensitive areas, and water resources and seeks to protect and preserve them and, where appropriate, to enhance them. In addition, the unique nature of this body has been the charge to “utilize and manage open space in a comprehensive and s..
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City of Evansville Environmental Protection Agency
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Evansville Environmental Protection Agency, through the ordinances in its portion of the city code, is tasked with control air and noise pollution. Although not an especially innovative set of environmental ordinances, it sets clear standards and enforcement mechanisms and is a good example of local command and control ordinances...
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New York State Statutes that Provide for the Protection of Agricultural Lands
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
Michael Morea’s article reviews different New York State statutes and different methods that can be implemented to preserve farmland and still allow development. The author concludes that New York State is trying to carry out its Constitutional policy of preserving farmland, but that the statutes are largely separated and it is difficult for the municipality to create a effective policy. Some of the statutes that the author discovered provide tax breaks and financial incentives for the creation of easements restricting the land to agricultural ..
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City of Lewes Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Despite its lengthy Zoning Chapter, the City of Lewes in Delaware only mentions solar panels once throughout the entire chapter. The Chapter states that the Lewes Historic Preservation Commission may not deny the addition of solar panels in the city’s Historic District except to designate reasonable alternative design and/or placement. ..
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City of Ashland Incentive Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Ashland uses a performance-based system to allow increased development densities with quality design. The purpose of the Ashland City Code Title 18 is to allow an option for more flexible design than is permissible under the conventional zoning codes. Designs should stress things such as energy efficiency, architectural creativity and innovation, and use the natural features of the landscape to their greatest advantage. ..
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City of Carlsbad Second Dwelling Units Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Development Standards, Fair Housing, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Second Dwelling Units Ordinance allows the construction of second dwelling units by permits, subject to certain requirements, in order to achieve affordable housing goals...
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Town of North Castle Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of North Castle finds and declares that the preservation of trees as defined below is necessary to protect the quality of life in the Town of North Castle because trees provide shade, impede soil erosion, aid water absorption and retention, inhibit excess runoff and flooding, and enhance the community in various other ways. ..
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Town of North Castle Parkland Reservations Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Recreational Uses, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
It is the intent of the Town Board to require the provision of parkland and recreation land in conjunction with the granting of site development plan approval for multifamily uses in all zoning districts of the Town of North Castle where such uses are permitted. The Town of North Castle finds that multifamily housing places an added burden on the Town of North Castle in regard to providing adequate park and recreation areas to service the needs of the inhabitants of such housing. In the event that it is not practical, in the opinion of the Plan..
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City of Boulder Green Building and Green Points Program
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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County of Lake Green Building & Development Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Columbia Land Preservation Act
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Columbia Code of Ordinance Land Preservation Act protects people and land by taking action to control stormwater runoff through regulating disturbances, preserving trees, and controlling stormwater drainage. ..
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Town of Estes Park Attainable Housing Density Bonus Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
The Attainable Housing Density Bonus Ordinance for the Town of Estes Park – Estes Valley states that for every one attainable housing unit provided, a developer may receive a bonus of one-half unit that may only be used for the development of additional affordable housing units. That statute also lists certain development requirements to satisfy the bonus provision including a twenty-year deed restriction to ensure the housing remains affordable...
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Village of Schaumberg Code § 154.62(C) Solar Access Protection; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Schaumberg’s Solar Access Protection law authorizes the creation and recording of solar skyspace easements across contiguous or nearby lots, tracts, or land to protect an existing or intended solar collector’s exposure to the sun from obstruction of buildings and trees. Further, the law requires building permit applicants for structures that will increase the consumption of airspace to certify in writing that no solar skyspace easement exists over the lot. If the Village determines that proposed construction will intrude upon an ..
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Land Use Law Center Model Comprehensive Economic Development Policy
Date Added: Saturday, April 22, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Economic Development
State: Not Applicable
This model economic development policy is designed to supplement the comprehensive plans of communities participating in the Mayors’ Redevelopment Roundtable (MRR). It contains strategies that will increase the tax base, add jobs, reduce per capita municipal costs, and create new land uses that are needed to transform the local economy so that other critical comprehensive plan objectives can be addressed. It can be adopted as a whole or used as a menu of options to guide municipal actions regarding economic development according to local needs...
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Town of Blooming Grove Staged Development Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Development Standards, Site Plan Approval, Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
The Staged Development ordinance is intended to complement and be applied in accordance with subdivision regulations and is only intended to apply when final subdivision approval is sought in section. It covers procedure for applying, construction of improvements, expiration of approvals and, exemptions from zoning amendment, fees and applicability...
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Village of Briarcliff Manor Conservation Advisory Council
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law, passed by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor, creates an advisory council which is to be known as the “Briarcliff Manor Conservation Advisory Council”. The law outlines the membership qualifications for persons on the council, describes the procedures for appointing officers, setting meeting times and creating reports, and vests the council with its powers. ..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Conservation Advisory Council Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson is creating a Conservation Advisory Council in the fight to preserve and improve the quality of the natural and manmade environment of the Village in the face of population growth, urbanization, and technological change. The Conservation Advisory Council will serve to reinforce the environmental interests of the community by developing community programs to foster understanding of environmental issues, conducting studies to carry out their protective purposes, coordinating efforts of private groups, maintaining c..
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State of Louisiana Training Requirements for Local Boards Act
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
This bill requires land use training for local boards in Louisiana...
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County of North Castle Planned, Hamlet or Village Bonus for Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law states that a developer can propose a ten percent density increase if the development meets certain requirements. Requirements include at least fifty percent of additional units be reserved as affordable housing. The ordinance provides a detailed example that carefully outlines the calculations of a mock proposal. Sec. 40.07.310 lists general standards required of all affordable housing projects. ..
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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
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...
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Town of Dover Transit Oriented Development Plan
Date Added: Thursday, November 5, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Transit Oriented Development Plan (TOD) of the Town of Dover, New Jersey augments the existing land use patterns with new mixed-use residential and commercial development that are based on strong architectural form. It recommends form-based zoning changes, which will run concurrently to the Town’s Master Plan Process, that utilize historic planning and design practice while integrating recent market studies of the Town’s resources. The plan also focuses on pedestrian amenities through creating a strong streetscape program which creates a st..
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City of Bloomington High Intensity Mixed Use with Residential District Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency, Mixed/Multiple Use, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Bloomington City Code provides for an “HX-R” zoning district (high intensity mixed use with residential) that aims to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled by maximizing high-intensity development in close proximity to transit. The ordinance prohibits drive-through and other car-oriented uses. It provides a minimum density of 30 dwelling units per acre of gross site area for residential development in order to promote a critical mass of dwelling units in an area that can support neighborhood-oriented retail and service uses (the..
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Code Compliance Relocation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, June 2, 2022Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Oakland, CA Code Compliance Relocation Ordinance provides for owner paid relocation payments and assistance to tenants who are displaced due to compliance with building, housing, and, fire codes. Relocation benefits and assistance are necessary to ensure that displaced tenants secure safe, sanitary and decent replacement housing. If the owner refuses to make the payment, Oakland can choose to pay the displaced tenant and then place a lien on the property to recover the costs. ..
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Town of Yorktown Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 30, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Yorktown Erosion Control Ordinance requires landowners to obtain a permit for all land disturbing activities not exempted. Each permit must contain information about site conditions, the proposed activity, and an erosion and sediment control plan which allows the approval board to make informed decisions. General standards are also set forth in order to ensure that actions are taken to minimize the potential for erosion and to reduce the harmful effects on adjacent resources. Further, the ordinance requires activities exempted fr..
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City of Chicago Rooftop Solar PV System Application Process; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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City of McCall Subdivision and Development Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Subdivision and Development Provisions Chapter, the City of McCall in Idaho makes a slight mention of solar heat and light. The City requires that within a subdivision plan, the applicant orient streets in a way to take advantage of the solar heat and light provided by the sun during the winter months. Other this one sub-section, this Chapter makes no other mention of solar energy systems. This could possibly create a barrier to their implementation since property owners would likely not be aware of the benefits or possibilities of i..
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City of Ketchum Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Ketchum incorporates solar access throughout its zoning regulations. One way in which the city integrated solar access is in the context of parks. According to its regulations, parks will be designed to have open space for solar access during the colder months. Another example is within the city’s Design Review District. One of Ketchum’s purposes for that District is to “provide for and protect existing light, air, solar access and orientation, privacy, views, and vistas by the proper and efficient location of building sites and des..
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City of Hannibal Planned Density Residential District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Planned Development Districts, Smart Growth, Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
The Planned Density Residential District is established to ensure adequate infrastructure support and allow for flexibility of use of the land by developers. It requires increasing open space as a percentage of land as the number of residential units being built increases. The Rural District is to provide space for agricultural uses and the orderly transfer of land to urban uses, while the Agricultural District is solely for the former...
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City of Santa Barbara Energy Efficiency Standards
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Santa Barbara, California, modified its energy efficiency standards to correspond with the first level of the Architecture 2030 Challenge and to reduce its fossil fuel usage in its buildings by 50% below the regional average. Also, the City has set a goal to reduce energy consumption to achieve “carbon neutrality” by 2030 in new buildings and retrofits.
In order to meet these goals, the City has set forth increased minimum energy efficiency standards for all new construction (residential and commercial) of any size, additions to..
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Early Community Outreach for Design Review
Date Added: Tuesday, July 17, 2018Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Equity
State: Not Applicable
In October 2017, the City of Seattle enacted a new set of regulations related to Design
Review, an official city process that has allowed community members as well as
professional planners and designers to weigh in on new development projects in Seattle
since 1994. Among the updates, is a measure that allows the Seattle Department of
Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to make rules for community outreach and early
design guidance for projects going through Design Review. Pursuant to this measure, SDCI
created a new rule for Early Communi..
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Town of Gardiner Permanent Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Greenburgh Wetlands & Watercourses Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Nonconforming Uses, Sewage Management, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 28 of the Town Code for the Town of Greenburgh addresses legislative findings that indicate the importance of protection, preservation, proper maintenance and proper use of the community’s ponds, lakes, reservoirs, water bodies, rivers, streams, watercourses, wetlands, natural drainage systems and adjacent land areas from encroachment, spoiling, pollution or elimination. The law also states the town’s policy of preventing the despoliation and destruction of wetlands and watercourse while taking into account varying ecological, water q..
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The Jefferson County Farmland Protection Program
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This county farmland protection plan offers provisions for land acquisition and the purchase of conservation easements based on a system of prioritization to determine the allocation of funds...
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City of Baltimore Vacant Building Receivership Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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City of Chicago Vacant Buildings Registration Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
The city of Chicago, Illinois, enacted an ordinance requiring owners of vacant buildings to perform several tasks within 30 days of the building’s vacancy. These tasks include: enclosing and securing the building; posting a sign on the building providing the owner’s and his or her agent’s contact information; acquiring substantial liability insurance for the building and; registering the vacant building with the Department of Buildings. This registration last for six months and costs $250. If the building remains vacant at the end of the si..
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New York State Statute of Local Governments: Chapter 58-A of the Consolidated Laws
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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Village of Tarrytown Historic Districts & Landmarks Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
The Historic Districts and Landmarks Ordinance was created to protect and promote the use of historic districts and landmark sites which will stabilize and improve property values while also attracting tourists and visitors...
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Solar Ann Arbor
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
Ann Arbor, Michigan adopted Solar Ann Arbor, a functional plan that includes an energy profile for the City and recommends creating municipal solar financial incentives streamlining the solar permitting process, integrating solar energy systems into municipal infrastructure and culture, adopting solar access laws and robust building energy codes, creating a solar outreach campaign, and supporting solar workforce development and green jobs...
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Town of Falmouth Wetlands Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation, Site Design Standards, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Falmouth’s Wetland Regulations recognize that “special transitional areas,” portions of coastal floodplains that are immediately landward of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and barrier beaches, require special protection. To that end, these regulations require that relative sea level rise be considered in development proposals, and that buildings and other structures in special transitional areas be designed to incorporate a relative sea level rise of at least one foot per 100 years in “A-zones” (coastal storm flowage zones) and at le..
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Updated Town and Village of Middleburgh Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Economic Development, Flood Prevention, Historic Preservation, Land Use Planning, Open Space Preservation, Solar Energy, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town and Village of Middleburgh, New York’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan calls for commercial-scale solar farms to be allowed through a Special Use Permit and that standards be applied to this use that ensures consistency with the scenic, environmental, and agricultural needs of the community. According to the plan, modifications to the community’s zoning ordinance should be made to ensure that these farms do not create negative aesthetic impacts and or direct glare onto roads or neighboring properties. The Plan also calls for the Town’s zoning ..
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Town of Yorktown Landmark Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation, Quality of Life
State: Not Applicable
This enactment declares as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts are necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. In response to this policy, the legislature created the Landmark Preservation Commission in Chapter 198 of the Town Code...
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Town of Denton Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
According to Denton, Maryland’s zoning chapter, solar collectors and similar equipment, fixtures, and devices are exempt from district height limitation set forth within the rest of the chapter. The chapter, however, makes no mention of where solar collectors are actually permitted. Additionally, within its Bufferyard Requirements Appendix, the Town of Denton makes a small mention of solar access. In a sub-section under the Plant Material section, the Town allows for understory trees to be substituted for canopy trees where canopy trees would d..
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Delaware Regional Planning Commission Municipal Implementation Tool #6: Parking Management Strategies
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Parking
State: Not Applicable
The Parking Management Strategies brochure was developed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission as part of a series of implementation tools based on the recommendations in the region’s long-term plan and specifically addresses strategies to balance the supply and demand for parking. The brochure details two types of parking strategies that are important for managing parking demand, the type that can be used to accommodate existing and future parking demand more efficiently and the type that can be used to reduce parking demand whic..
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Town of Gorham Land Use and Development Code § 1A-4[A][4]- Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Hartford, CT Anti-Blight
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Vacant & Distressed Properties, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Vacant and distressed properties are a financial burden on the community and have a negative effect on public health. Hartford, Connecticut has an “Anti-Blight Program” in its Municipal Code. The code contains provisions mandating the registration of vacant buildings, requiring a quarterly city report indexing blighted properties, and offering a property tax assessment deferral for owners who repair and rehabilitate blighted properties. ..
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Massachusetts Housing & Urban Renewal Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Urban Renewal
State: Not Applicable
Section twenty three of chapter one hundred and twenty-one B, titled “Housing And Urban Renewal,” authorizes a municipality to do “any and all … things necessary or convenient to aid and cooperate in the planning, construction or operation of a housing, clearance, relocation or urban renewal project within its limits.” Such things include the adoption or modification of its zoning rules and regulations, the purchase of any of the bonds or notes of an operating agency and the selling, conveyance or leasing of any of its interests in any propert..
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Town of Brookhaven Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Workforce Housing
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Hannibal Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance includes a detailed description of items to be separated from trash for recycling and the containers in which to put the recycling. ..
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Town of Hilton Head Island Real Estate Transfer Fee Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Real Estate Transfer Fee
State: Not Applicable
Hilton Head’s Real Estate Transfer Fee is the only one of its kind in the state of South Carolina because it was enacted three years prior to the General Assembly’s adoption of S.C. Code Ann. § 6-1-70 , which forbade real estate real estate transfer fees and taxes. However, § 6-1-70 grandfathered all such fees that were in existence prior to January 1, 1991. The year prior to the General Assembly’s adoption of § 6-1-70, the Supreme Court of South Carolina upheld the ordinance as “necessary and proper for the general welfare of the citizens o..
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City of Lincoln Urban Design Committee
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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...
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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
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Springfield Aquifer Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
The provisions of this article are designed to regulate the drilling of wells so that the city may prevent potential hazards to the water quality, and to provide procedures whereby the city may take steps to protect the public health and welfare, including notification for abatement of hazardous situations, prescribing penalties for violation of this article, and prescribing procedures by which the provisions of this article may be executed. ..
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Town of Blooming Grove Landscaping & Environmental Requirements; Performance Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Local Environmental Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of Croton-on-Hudson Environmental Compliance Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Environmental Compliance
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates the position of an environmental consultant empowered to monitor new development to ensure that it is being complete in full compliance with the Town’s environmental protection laws. ..
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Town of Greenburgh Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Overlay District, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this law is to provide performance criteria assuring conservation of natural resources during and after development in a conservation district (CD). The CD is to be an overlay zone over any other zone allowed in the town. The Conservation District will be evaluated by criteria set out under this provision including the development standards. ..
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Oklahoma City Cluster Housing Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is a subsection zoning ordinance regulating Planned Unit Development. Cluster zoning allows for a higher density of housing units to be developed in a given area to protect more contiguous open space in another section of the development. The overall density of housing units cannot exceed the limits for the zoning class the development sits in. ..
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Town of Gardiner Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Disaster Mitigation
State: Not Applicable
Town of Gardiner NY Flood Damage Prevention ordinance (Chapter 121) is an attempt to minimize private and public loss due to flood conditions by controlling alterations in floodplains, regulating the construction of barriers in floodplains, regulating floodplain usages which may be dangerous to citizens and the environment, and controlling areas that are likely to be affected by floods and erosion. The code provides objectives to ensure that people who occupy flood lands are responsible for their actions and works to minimize public expenditure..
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Village of Long Grove Conservancy Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is meant to act as a supplement to already existing zoning regulations to create conservation districts. Within these districts, additional protection will be afforded to protect against the degradation of the environment through such things as erosion, flooding, deforestation, and pollution...
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State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Comprehensive Planning
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of New York Freshwater Wetlands Regulations
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Recreational Uses, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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,..
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Village of Yellow Springs Renewable Energy Metering Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Renewable Energy Metering
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to offset electrical retail rates for residential and commercial users with electricity generated from solar and/or wind power...
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City of Boulder Code § 9-9-17 Solar Access Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Monday, December 18, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Boulder, Colorado’s solar access regulation divides the city into three solar access areas to provide maximum solar access protection for each area, consistent with planned densities, topography, and lot configurations and orientations. The regulation then establishes solar fences in two of these solar access areas. Each solar fence completely encloses a lot in question, and its foundation is contiguous with lot lines. Further, solar fences are vertical, opaque, and lack any thickness. The regulation then forbids the construction of..
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How Can a Community Create Affordable Housing Opportunities?
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Envision Cortlandt – 2016 Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
In 2014, the Town of Cortlandt established by resolution a Solar Task Force. This Task Force spent one year exploring the possibility of installing solar energy systems on Town buildings and determining ways that solar energy systems can be adopted by residents. In 2015, the Task Force presented twelve recommendations to the Town Board, all of which were received. By the end of that year, three of the Task Force’s recommendations had already been completed, including adopting the New York State Unified Solar Permit, joining the Sustainable West..
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City of Fairfield Wellhead Protection Program
Date Added: Tuesday, July 21, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance regulates hazardous substances and prohibits specific pollutants in designated wellhead protection zones. Facilities that use regulated substances must register and comply with substance release standards and inspections. A list of regulated substances and uses, which is flexible, is also included...
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County of Baltimore Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings and Homes
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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Town of Greenburgh Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Subdivision Regulations, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 250 of Greenburgh’s Town Code regulates subdivisions. Among other requirements, the law forces the developer to provide land for recreation and open space within a subdivision...
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Town of Malta Planned Development Districts – Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Planned Development Districts, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 167 of the Town Code for the Town of Malta sets forth the requirements for developing the planned development district. The regulations imposed on the developer include size requirements of developments, the set-asides for work-force, and specifications related to retirement housing. The planning board may also add additional requirements which are deemed necessary. There is an automatic termination within 5 years if site plan approval or the building permit has not been obtained, or construction has yet to commence...
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Town of Eden Wind Energy Conversion Systems Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 217 of the Town Code for the Town of Eden is designed to promote the effective and efficient use of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) and to regulate the placement of wind energy conversion systems so that the public health, safety, natural resources, and aesthetics will not be jeopardized. ..
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Manual of Build-Out Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Build-Out Analysis
State: Not Applicable
The Manual of Build-Out Analysis is a detailed instruction on how to conduct a Build-Out Analysis broken down step-by-step, including a description of the data requirements, materials and techniques necessary to complete both the mapping and quantitative parts of the Analysis. The document is targeted for use by planning boards and commissions, groups concerned with growth management, and professionals in administrative and planning fields. Following the instructions set out in the Manual will result in a color-coded paper map and a numerical a..
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Garden City Village, NY Affordable Housing
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities, Density
State: Not Applicable
Garden City Village enacted an Affordable Housing Density Bonus to promote affordable units within the village. Affordable housing is affordable for those whose income is 80% or less AMI. The density bonus includes a density increase by at least 10% or an increase in floor area ratio, and the additional units created must be dedicated affordable. These bonuses are permitted in any residential or mixed use zones in which five or more residential units are being developed. The ordinance also sets guidelines for permitting, deed, ownership, and co..
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State of Massachusetts Conservation Restrictions Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Farmland Protection & Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This statute grants the authority to “any governmental body” to acquire and hold conservation restrictions for purposes including conservation of land or water area. The restriction is subject to approval by the secretary of environmental affairs. In determining whether the restriction is in the public interest, the governmental body shall take into consideration the public interest in conservation and any national, state, regional, and local program as well as any public state, regional, or local comprehensive land use or development plan af..
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Town of Malta Historic Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Historic Preservation, Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
Article XV, Chapter 167 of the Town Code for the Town of Malta regulates the use of historic areas of the town. The Chapter declares the protection and enhancement of landmarks and historic districts as a necessary matter of public policy for the promotion of economic, cultural and general welfare of the Town...
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Resource Protection and Open Space
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Marlborough is increasingly concerned about the quality of their water (most of the drinking water is supplied by private wells). To combat this, their comprehensive plan suggests maintaining and increasing the amount of vegetation adjacent to streams, revising regulations when necessary to allow the planning board to require information regarding water quality of proposed on-site wells, and better locating septic tanks to avoid as much concentration of nitrate in the drinking water as possible.
These policies will help to maintain the quali..
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City of Gothenberg Subdivision Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Subdivision Chapter in its Code of Ordinances, the city of Gothenberg in Nebraska has integrated a section on solar access for energy conservation. The section consists of only two sub-sections that require streets in residential subdivision, where possible, have an east-west alignment and, in order to allow the orientation of structures on the site to maximize solar gain, “side lot lines should run as near to north-south as possible.”..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Trees Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Tree Ordinance provides requirements for minimum distances between trees and (1) other trees, (2) curbs and sidewalks, (3) street corners and hydrants, and (4) utilities. Topping of trees and removal of healthy trees is prohibited. A tree removal permit will be required before removing: (1) any tree eight inches or more (diameter at breast height or DBH) on any parcel of land capable of being subdivided under the zoning provisions applicable to the district in which the parcel is situated or on any parcel of land..
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Manual of Best Practices for Transit-Oriented Development
Date Added: Wednesday, October 28, 2015Site Design Standards, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Parking
State: Not Applicable
The Manual of Best Practices for Transit-Oriented Development is a guide that was developed to help New Jersey municipalities plan for high-quality transit-oriented development. The manual contains information on site design guidelines, architectural design guidelines, and parking guidelines. The standards contained in the manual are not mandatory and provide transit-supportive and pedestrian-friendly zoning text and guideline language that should be used to help municipalities structure plans and ordinances that fit their needs. ..
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New York State Town Law Subdivision Review; Approval of Plats; Additional Requisites Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of Illinois Scenic Resource Protection – Township Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Local Boards, Scenic Resources, State Land Use Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Under 60 ILL. COMP. STAT. 1/115-45 (2004), corporate township authorities are granted broad authority to establish subsidiary boards to study and make recommendations for the conservation of open space in order to “maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources.” After such a board is established, a township board may acquire, designate, plan, and zone by ordinance areas to conserve open space and other natural resources and promote sustainable development. A township may acquire land targeted for open space preservation lo..
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State of Illinois Conservation Area Zoning – Township Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, State Land Use Law, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Under 60 ILL. COMP. STAT. 1/115-10 et seq. (2004), corporate township authorities are granted broad authority to establish subsidiary boards to study and make recommendations for the conservation of open space in order to “maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources.” After such a board is established, a township board may acquire, designate, plan, and zone by ordinance areas to conserve open space and other natural resources, and promote sustainable development. A township may acquire land targeted for open space preser..
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The Town of Middleburgh Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Lots Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Flood Prevention, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Middleburgh has several districts which must meet certain specifications. Parcels in the Flood Protection District (FPD) must comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Law and new parcels (after 12/31/07) must comply with the district requirements. The Planned Development District (PDD) was designed to accommodate such large-scale uses as to the benefit to the community. The law is not intended to restrict the construction or use of underground or overhead public utility distribution facilities. There are specific restrictions on gaso..
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Town of Irondequoit Historic Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Historic Preservation, Local Boards, Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 236 of the Town Code for the Town of Irondequoit recognizes the rich, varied history of Irondequoit. It was enacted to protect and enhance the landmarks and historic districts which represent distinctive elements of Irondequoit's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage; to foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past; to protect and enhance Irondequoit's appeal to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided; and to insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the Town..
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City of Modesto Density Bonus Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
Under the Density Bonus Ordinance, Modesto’s density bonuses are awarded in relation to the percentage of affordable units provided. If a developer shows economic necessity, an additional incentive may be provided by the city (reduction in site development standards, modification of zoning requirements, financial incentives, and donation of land). A 25% density bonus may be awarded for condominium conversions if 33% of the total units are for moderate income, or 15% are reserved for low-income. A ten-year restriction is placed on the deed if..
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Planned Unit Developments
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use
State: Not Applicable
North Brunswick, New Jersey has a chapter in its zoning code dedicated to
Planned Unit Developments (PUD). The code sets a 50-acre minimum size to
establish a PUD, and this may be met through one parcel or multiple together.
It also requires at least one road connecting to the PUD. In North Brunswick,
PUD may be used for single- and multi-family housing, retail totaling no more
than 50% of the PUD, office space, educational and recreational facilities,
public utilities, and conditional use of religious space. Fifty-three dwelling
units a..
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City of Springfield Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Overlay District
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Aquifer Protection, Overlay District, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Springfield created a Drinking Water Protection Overlay District that contains four time of travel zones (TOTZ) around its wellheads “to protect aquifers used as potable water supply sources by the City from contamination.” Within these zones the ordinance restricts use of hazardous materials, which could potentially enter and harm the groundwater. The district includes 0-1, 1-5, and 10-20 year TOTZ...
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Township of Caln Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Township of Caln in Pennsylvania has integrated two sections in its zoning code on solar energy production facilities, Section 155-98, and solar photovoltaic systems, Section 155-126. In Section 155-98, solar energy production facilities are permitted by conditional use in the Institutional Zoning District and include design standards and specifications such as a minimum net lot area, a maximum height, and the overall facility design. Section 155-126 aims to promote the safe, effective, and efficient use of solar energy systems. The section..
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Recreation Marketing
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
The city of Baltimore has implemented a Bicycle Master Plan. The plan sets out the vision of making significant improvements in providing access to safe and user-friendly bicycling facilities over the course of 15 years. From 2005-2015, with dedicated funding, more than 100 miles of bicycle facilities have been installed in the city already. There is a full-time Bike Planner on staff at Baltimore’s Department of Transportation; but improvements are still necessary.
The Bicycle Master Plan proposes to increase bicycle infrastructure and bette..
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Transforming Vacant Properties
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Open Space Preservation, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Baltimore has a vacant property reclamation project termed “Project 5000.” The purpose of the project is to purchase vacant properties in “competitive, emerging, and stable” neighborhoods, but the most recent Master Plan calls for an extension of this project to “transitional and distressed” areas. Further, the plan calls for offering interest groups the chance to convert or purchase the vacant lots for conversion into community gardens, among other uses.
In combination with Project 5000, the Master Plan calls for support of a Community Gard..
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City of Austin Transit Oriented Development Regulations
Date Added: Monday, November 7, 2016Land Use Planning, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides the guidelines for transit-oriented development in Austin. Requirements for station area plans are given, and ways in which they may be amended are explained. Recommended parking densities are laid-out. Density requirements for different zones within a station area district are detailed...
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West Hollywood Green Building Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
West Hollywood adopted one of the nation’s first mandatory green building ordinances, and it became effective in 2007. The ordinance ensures that new buildings will be healthier for residents, and use energy and resources more efficiently. Flexibility, responsiveness to local conditions, and cost-effectiveness are key features of the ordinance. The City has created a green building manual to guide users through the process. The green building requirements and incentives and private development ordinance focus on establishing new development sta..
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City of Grand Rapids Mixed-Use Commercial Zone Districts
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Mixed/Multiple Use, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The city code of Grand Rapids, Michigan provides for several different types of mixed-use districts under the overarching category known as mixed-use commercial zone districts. Grand Rapids is located on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, and the city has a population of approximately 193,627 people. In 2007, the city adopted a master planning process called “Green Grand Rapids,” and created a new zoning ordinance that incorporated tenets of Transit Oriented Development, LEED criteria and Smart Growth principles.
Unde..
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Town of Mamaroneck Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Quality of Life, Stormwater Management, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
The intent of the enactment of the below regulations is to control and regulate land-disturbing activities to assure that best management practices are used which minimize water pollution, retain valuable topsoil and vegetation and prevent flooding, erosion and sedimentation. The Town therefore declares that the purpose of this chapter 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 ..
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Town of Gardiner Open Space Development Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Open Space Preservation, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Town of Goshen Moderate Income & Affordable Housing Law
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Affordable Housing , Local Boards
State: Not Applicable
The Moderate Income and Affordable Housing Local Law recognizes the need for affordable housing and establishes development standards, eligibility requirements (priority given to emergency personnel and municipal employees), maintenance and tax assessments for affordable housing units. Additionally, the ordinance establishes a Housing Review Board to oversee and administer these program objectives...
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Village of Port Jefferson Wireless Communications Towers and Antennas Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Communications
State: Not Applicable
This law places regulations and restrictions on the construction of wireless communications towers and antennas within the Village of Port Jefferson. ..
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Coastal Zone Management Act
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Coastal Protection, Stormwater Management, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) and the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 offer state governments a voluntary partnership with the federal government to protect coastal resources. To receive federal funding, participating states must create approved coastal zone management programs. The Act calls for the coordination of state and local water quality plans and specifies that federal agency activity “within or outside the coastal zone that affects any land or water use or natural resource of the coastal zone” must..
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New York State Town Law – Town Comprehensive Plan Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, State Land Use Law, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Kissimmee City Manager to Administer Provisions Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Alternative Dispute Resolution, Fair Housing, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Township of Mount Laurel Low & Moderate Income Housing – Enforcement; Violations & Penalties Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Affordable Housing , Enforcement, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of North Carolina Mountain Ridge Protection Act
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Ridgeline Protection, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
This section authorizes cities to adopt the Mountain Ridge Protection Act and provides that if a city does so, it must comply with all the Act’s provisions unless it specifically removes itself from coverage...
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State of North Carolina Mountain Ridge Protection Act – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Ridgeline Protection, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
This section authorizes counties to adopt the Mountain Ridge Protection Act and provides that if a county does so, it must comply with all the Act’s provisions unless it specifically removes itself from coverage...
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Town of Batavia Animal Waste Storage Facilities Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This law directs persons wanting to install and/or modify any animal waste storage facility where to submit their proposal. ..
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Town of Babylon Coastal Erosion Hazard Zone Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes standards and procedures for minimizing damage to structures and to protect natural resources from coastal erosion. It employs the NYSDEC’s coastal erosion area delineation, and specifies separate definitions and restrictions for nearshore, beach, and dune areas. Special consideration is given to the protection of bird nesting and breeding areas, and other special wildlife habitat as identified by the NYSDEC. The local law goes beyond state guidelines by prohibiting development in nearshore and beach areas...
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Town of Dover Aquifer Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Dover aquifer overlay district ordinance regulates activities by performance standards. These standards pertain to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, wastewater treatment systems, sediment generation, and the control of other chemicals that have the potential to adversely impact aquifers...
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State of North Carolina Statutory Rules Ordinance – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Governance, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Amsterdam Development near Streams, Rivers & Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Law requiring that any development near streams, rivers, and wetlands receive a special use permit and approval from the zoning board. ..
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Town of Brighton Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Environmental Compliance, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations, Watershed Protection, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance requires developers to create a drainage report, and describes all that must be included therein. The report must be in accordance with the Town of Brighton Minimum Specifications for Dedication and the Irondequoit Watershed Collaborative. ..
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State of Illinois Watercourse Protection – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Corporate county authorities are granted broad authority to protect and maintain watercourses, pursuant to 55 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/5-15008 (2004). County authorities may regulate streamflow and dams along any watercourse located within county boundaries. However, county authorities may not “abridge or in any manner curtail any vested water power rights or other rights.”..
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State of Illinois Watercourse Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities are granted broad authority to protect and maintain watercourses, pursuant to 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-1 (2004). Municipal authorities may “deepen, widen, dock, cover, wall, or alter channels of watercourses.” Furthermore, municipal authorities may construct and repair canals and slips to accommodate commercial interests, 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-2 (2004), and water-related landing facilities. 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-3 (2004). Municipal authorities may also relocate existing water courses within muni..
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Town of Conway Mountain Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Tree Preservation & Protection, Wildlife & Fish Habitat
State: Not Applicable
This is a very brief law that regulates use in the conservation district to primarily recreation and resource extraction...
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Dobbs Ferry, New York Energy Task Force
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Local Boards, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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 ..
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Town of Gardiner Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Flood Prevention
State: Not Applicable
Town of Gardiner NY Flood Damage Prevention ordinance (Chapter 121) is an attempt to minimize private and public loss due to flood conditions by controlling alterations in floodplains, regulating the construction of barriers in floodplains, regulating floodplain usages which may be dangerous to citizens and the environment, and controlling areas that are likely to be affected by floods and erosion. The code provides objectives to ensure that people who occupy flood lands are responsible for their actions and works to minimize public expenditure..
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Town of North Hempstead Planned Unit Development District
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 79, Article XD requires certain zoning specifications for The Planned Unit Development District (PUD). These specifications relate to: landscaping, water conservation, utilities, sewage, disposal, garbage and refuse facilities, signs and fences and other aspects of the PUD. In erecting the development, building’s population, density, height, plot area, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking facilities must all be considered. ..
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Residential Infill Pilot Program 2.0
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Density, Infill
State: Not Applicable
Created the Residential Infill Pilot Program 2.0 to encourage residential infill development within the city. This program aims to promote multi-family development within traditionally single-family neighborhoods to add affordable units, increase housing choice, increase density, maintain scale and character of neighborhoods, and more. This plan will apply to single-family districts and outlines the permitted number and style of units depending on zone and lot size...
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Town of Babylon Structures Over Water Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Borough of Naugatuck, Connecticut Code of Ordinances §4.16 – Street trees
Date Added: Tuesday, June 12, 2018Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of North Carolina Low & Moderate Income Housing Programs
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Affordable Housing , State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance allows counties to exercise enumerated powers in creating affordable housing...
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County of Maricopa Floodplain Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, April 13, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Maricopa County started its flood control program in 1959 because of excessive flooding in the town of Phoenix. These floodplain regulations are innovative because of their completeness and the details they include for each designated floodplain zone. FEMA has delegated Maricopa County to do its own mapping which guarantees more up-to-date and inclusive floodplain mapping information for this fast-growing area. The ordinances are therefore applicable to a greater area and population...
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Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Maricopa County started its flood control program in 1959 because of excessive flooding in the town of Phoenix. These floodplain regulations are innovative because of their completeness and the details they include for each designated floodplain zone. FEMA has delegated Maricopa County to do its own mapping which guarantees more up-to-date and inclusive floodplain mapping information for this fast-growing area. The ordinances are therefore applicable to a greater area and population...
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Town of Goshen Training Requirements for Appointed Board Members Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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New York State Town Law – Official Maps, Changes Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Official Map, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law grants town boards the authority to make changes to their town’s official map. ..
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Town of Old Saybrook Participation in the Connecticut River Estuary Planning Agency
Date Added: Monday, September 19, 2016Intermunicipal Agreements
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance joins the town to the Connecticut River Estuary regional planning organization, which under the CT River Gate Way Commission sets minimum environmental standards to reduce the impacts of development within the Connecticut River Estuary for nine member towns...
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Town of Clarkstown Training Requirements for Appointed Board Members Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
State: Not Applicable
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...
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City of Happy Valley Development Agreements Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Steep Slope Protection
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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New York State Town Law – Article Seventy-Eight Proceeding Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Blaine Wildlife & Scenic Highway Overlay Districts
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
Although Blaine County, Idaho, has a small population (the largest city is Hailey, pop. 6000), its municipal code includes several environmental protections, including two overlay districts. The wildlife overlay district is designed to protect migratory routes of the major species in the county, particularly elk, deer, and antelope, by restricting residential development and requiring residents to work closely with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The scenic highway overlay district was written in part to prevent wildlife from being tra..
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City of Albuquerque Subdivision Plat Procedures & Submission Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Alternative Dispute Resolution, Local Boards, Pre-Application & Consensus Building
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Biloxi Environmental Advisory Board Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Board advises the City Council gives advice and assistance on specific environmental issues to the City Manager and Planning Commission. The Board conducts studies on environmental improvements and conservation and issues reports on its findings. The advisory board also bestows annual awards to individuals and groups who contribute to environmental quality, “including development that is consistent with a quality environment.” (Code 1959, § 2-12-1; Ord. No. 1557, § 1, 6-19-89)..
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Town of Clarkstown Conservation Density District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Scenic Resources, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 290, Article II, § 290-6 of the Town Code for the Town of Clarkstown provides protection to Clarkstown’s scenic resources (including streams, wooded-areas, steep slopes, large open spaces and scenic vistas) by controlling and limiting development that would otherwise harm these scenic natural resources. ..
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Town of Granby Agricultural Commission Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Granby established an agricultural commission to support, promote, and encourage agriculture and agricultural pursuits. The commission’s responsibilities include looking for opportunities for young farmers and new farmers, supporting them and vocational agricultural education programs, and assisting in the resolution of any conflicts between agricultural interests and town governments...
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Town of Mendon Ridgeline Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This is a very brief law that regulates developments to only ski area uses and requires aesthetic compatibility...
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City of Maumelle Timber Management Plan
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance requires that any harvesting of timber be conducted in a manner consistent with the Best Management Practices (BMPs) laid out in the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s Best Management Practices for Silviculture...
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City of Newburgh Environmental Constraints Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Environmental Law, Steep Slope Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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State of New York Official Map Changes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Development Standards, Official Map, Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Street & Sidewalk Development
State: Not Applicable
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...
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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
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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City of Peekskill Watershed Protection & Enforcement Officer
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Boards, Local Governance, Watershed Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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County of Rockland Mandatory Training Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
State: Not Applicable
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. ..
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Edwards Aquifer Protection Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, July 23, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
In the San Marcos, Texas Code of Ordinances, Chapter 94 Development Standards, Edwards Aquifer Protection Regulations. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the Edwards Aquifer from pollution. The aquifer has significant environmental, economic, and recreational values. The ordinance regulates development over the aquifer in order to protect health and environmental features such as endangered species. It functions by limiting impervious coverage in the recharge and transition zones of the aquifer...
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City of San Marcos Edwards Aquifer Protection Regulations
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
In San Marcos, Texas Code of Ordinances, Chapter 94 Development Standards, Edwards Aquifer Protection Regulations. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the Edwards Aquifer from pollution. The aquifer has significant environmental, economic, and recreational values. The ordinance regulates development over the aquifer in order to protect health and environmental features such as endangered species. It functions by limiting impervious coverage in the recharge and transition zones of the aquifer...
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Town of North Castle Hilltops, Ridgelines & Steep Slopes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Steep Slope Protection, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
§ 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...
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Town of Poughkeepsie Greenway Connections
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
The New York State Hudson River Valley Greenway Act of 1991provides economic and technical assistance to communities within the Greenway area, the 13 counties that border the Hudson River and the 242 municipalities within them, who voluntarily adopt a regional planning compact. The Greenway Act also gives incentives to municipalities that join county Greenway compacts. The option to participate in a county compact preserves local decision-making authority. The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, in 2000, created “Greenwa..
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Town of North Salem Planning Board Meeting Attendance Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 26, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
This law creates attendance requirements for persons on the Town Planning Board of North Salem, NY. ..
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State of South Carolina Educational Requirements Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Local Boards, Mandatory Training
State: Not Applicable
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..
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City of Bainbridge Island Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 18.89 of Bainbridge Island Municipal Code describes zoning provisions for accessory dwelling units. The law includes provisions for entrances, setback distance from the main residence, and school fees, among other provisions...
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Town of Enfield Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of Florida State & Regional Planning – Findings & Intent Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Smart Growth, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
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...
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State of New York Environmental Quality Review Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Environmental Impact Review Requirements, Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law mandates that agencies within the state to require that an environmental impact statement be filed with them, before any person or business undertakes a project which may have potentially adverse environmental consequences. The law also describes the procedures for filing the impact statements and reviewing them. ..
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Town of Wethersfield Wind Energy Conversion Device/Farm Licensing, Siting & Design Regulations & Requirements Law.
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
In 2006, the Town of Wethersfield adopted the "Town of Wethersfield Wind Energy Conversion Device/Farm Licensing, Siting and Design Regulations and Requirements Law.” The law establishes numerous requirements related to setbacks, safety, sound, shadow flicker, wildlife impacts, farming impacts, etc. Wethersfield requires applicants to obtain a license in order to operate the wind farm. This license can be renewed every five years, with fee relating to megawatt capacity...
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Village of Briarcliff Westchester County Greenway Compact Plan Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Intermunicipal Agreements, Local Environmental Law, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Briarcliff has become a participating member in the intermunicipal agreement (the Greenway Compact) pursuant to the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York. Accepted amendments to the Greenway Compact are to be adopted by the Village of Briarcliff Manor and proposed amendments that are rejected are not to be considered amendments to the Village of Briarcliff, unless the Village determines these amendments and policies are in conflict with their comprehensive plan, which the Village Council has ultimate power to ap..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Greenway Compact Plan Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Intermunicipal Agreements, Local Boards
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson has become a participating community in the intermunicipal agreement, the Greenway Compact Plan, whose policies, principles and guides are adopted from compendiums based on tourism and economic development, the maintenance of the Hudson River waterfront, building livable downtowns, growing smarter together, and patterns for the county’s preservation. Where appropriate, new land use laws should conform to the standards of the Greenway Compact Plan, but at no time should this intermunicipal agreement limit the auth..
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Township of Stafford Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes an overlay zone that prohibits or restricts certain uses and activities within 1,000 feet of an existing public well. Such activities include the above or below ground storage and disposal of hazardous waste. ..
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Town of Batavia Sewer Use Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This law regulates the use of public and private sewers and drains, the installation and connection of building sewers, the discharge of waters and wastes into the public sewer system, the quantity and quality of discharged wastes, the degree of pretreatment required, the control of industrial wastewater discharge and of other miscellaneous permits and provide penalties for violations thereof in the Town of Batavia, Genesee County, New York. These regulations prohibit the disposal into the public sewer system of any pollutant or waste by any pe..
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Creating Great Neighborhoods: Density in Your Community
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Mixed/Multiple Use, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking, Density
State: Not Applicable
Density is a key factor in in the success of smart growth and can often be opposed by communities because poorly designed density adds to public frustration. This report emphasizes the importance of a balanced perspective when considering how density should be created and what it should look like. To assist communities in achieving a balanced perspective, the report explains the benefits of density in a community, provides case studies of the success of well-designed density, and design principles that can be applied by local communities to suc..
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Transportation and Street Design
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
Section 35-506(t) of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code states that the City has identified long, wide streets encourage speeding. The code requires that the length of blocks comply with section 35-15(b)(3); however, blocks can be lengthened if traffic calming features are implemented.
Approved traffic calming features include roundabouts, median islands, and “T” intersections.
The shorter block and increase in traffic calming features will cause residents to feel safer using alternative methods of transportation such as biking or wa..
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City of Austin Land Development Ordinance - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
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.”..
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City of Bowling Green Control of Erosion and Filling or Obstruction of Natural Drainage Crevices, Sinkholes, Ditches and Known Subterranean Water Channels
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The ordinance serves as a means of controlling typical problems associated with erosion, along with some unique problems such as fire prevention. 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...
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Village of Briarcliff Manor Protection of Natural Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
§ 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..
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Minneapolis Healthy Corner Store Program
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Food Deserts
State: Not Applicable
The Minneapolis Health Department conducted studies which concluded that impoverished areas, and particularly communities of color, had less access to healthy produce within the City. These communities most often use corner stores for daily food purchases, and these stores rarely have fresh produce for sale. As a result, these communities often have disproportionate health risks.
The Minneapolis Health Department teamed up with corner store owners to improve access to fresh produce and healthier foods. The program’s objectives are to (1) in..
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Town of Woodstock Preliminary Discussion Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
State: Not Applicable
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..
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Town of Clifton Park Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Clifton Park, New York, solar arrays, both ground- or pole-mounted, are permitted as a special use in Agricultural/Residential 3 Districts, Residential 1 Districts, Conservation Residential Zones, and Hamlet Residential Districts. Clifton Park outlines factors in a separate subsection to be considered by the Planning Board in determining the sighting requirements for solar installation in these zoning districts. These factors include the “setbacks proposed and available in relation to other applicable setbacks for the zone within which the i..
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Montclair Township Unified Land Use + Circulation Element Draft
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Land Use Planning, Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Montclair Township has experienced several shifts identified through a demographic, transportation, and economic analysis that will impact future municipal policy, such as decreasing household sizes, stagnant wages, increased housing prices, more people using transit to travel to work or working from home, an increased amount of elderly residents, and a lack of availability of a diverse range of housing types. The plan uses Unified Land Use and Circulation approach which is largely unprecedented in traditional Master Planning. Through inter..
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Town of Brookhaven Land Division Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Subdivision Approvals, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law sets forth the application requirements for persons seeking to divide their land into multiple plots. ..
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Vacant Building Maintenance Licensing Program
Date Added: Thursday, June 2, 2022Vacant & Distressed Properties, Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Cincinnati, Ohio enacted the Vacant Building Maintenance Licensing Program that utilizes code enforcement and registration strategies. Cincinnati’s program requires vacant-building owners who do not have a satisfactory development plan and proof of financing to apply for a vacant building license ..
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Town of Guilford Land Acquisition Commission
Date Added: Monday, September 19, 2016Land Acquisition
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes a Land Acquisition Commission to enact the goals of the Town of Guilford Plan for Open Space and Municipal Land Needs, as adopted into the Plan of Conservation and Development for the town. The commission evaluates land as it becomes available and may work towards acquiring the land for the community...
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State of North Carolina Scenic Resource Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Scenic Resources, State Land Use Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
At § 160A-402, the North Carolina General Assembly declares that “the rapid growth and spread of urban development in the state” is threatening many open spaces and areas that have significant “scenic or esthetic values,” and that cities and counties should have the authority to spend public funds to acquire property interests in such open spaces and areas to protect them. Open spaces and open areas are defined at § 160A-407(a) as “any space or area (i) characterized by great natural scenic beauty or (ii) whose existing openness, natural condit..
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Town of Brookhaven Central Pine Barrens District
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Brookhaven, New York, uses its zoning code to prevent floods, protect floodplains and other sensitive environmental areas. The zoning contains the Pine Barrens Credit Program, a transfer of development rights program, to maintain the value in lands designated for preservation and protection. Additionally, the program allows environmentally sensitive development to occur in an efficient and orderly fashion, which protects the quality and quantity of waters and the integrity of the Suffolk County Central Pine Barrens ecosystem(s). The..
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Town of Brighton Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Stormwater Management, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is intended to allow for the redesign of the drainage system in order to protect the residents from the dangers of stormwater runoff. There are requirements for where the drain patterns may lie and a hydraulic design will be used for the watershed. There are also provisions on how to improve the previous damages from stormwater runoff. ..
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County of Douglas Single-Family Residential Drainage, Erosion, and Sediment Control Requirements
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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...
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Town of New Paltz Steep Slope Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Scenic Resources, Steep Slope Protection, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to protect the physical and aesthetic integrity of steep sloping topographic features in the Town of New Paltz. To this end, the law places restrictions on the construction methods used by builders in sensitive areas, and creates a permit process one must go through to get approval to build. ..
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Arden Hills Minimum Distances Ordinance for Fast Food Restaurants
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Low Nutrition Uses, Equity
State: Not Applicable
Arden Hills, Minnesota enacted a minimum distance ordinance. In Arden Hills, “drive-in businesses” and “fast food restaurants” are not permitted within 400 feet of schools, churches, public recreation areas, and residentially zoned property. Fast-food restaurants also must be a minimum of 1,320 feet from one another. This helps prevent food swamps near important public places.
..
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Town of Blooming Grove Zoning & Overlay Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 235, Section 235-5, of the Town Code for the Town of Blooming Grove establishes different zoning and overlay districts and it describes the purpose of these districts. The purpose of the overlay district is to protect specific types of resources such as scenic views/ scenic roads, and ridgelines. Overlay districts do not change the use of the district, but impose on it, specific requirements that must be followed...
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Town of Brighton Subdivision Regulations Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Environmental Compliance, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
The town of Brighton, New York, requires developers to create and submit a separate drainage report in the preliminary plat when applying for subdivision approval. The drainage report includes calculations for runoff and pipe and channel sizing, will clearly indicate the disposal and flood hazard preventions and how all runoff will be handled during grading and development operations, and erosion and sedimentation prevention measures. Further, the stormwater mitigation facilities shall be as specified in the Town of Brighton Minimum Specificati..
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City of Lenexa Pedestrian Oriented Design Standards
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD)
State: Not Applicable
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..
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State of Massachusetts Municipal Growth & Development Policy Committees Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Intermunicipal Agreements, Local Boards, Local Governance, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
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 developmen