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Hackensack Transit Oriented Development
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Hackensack, New Jersey Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Report focuses on the process of a community-based vision to bring TOD to the areas surrounding the city’s two NJ TRANSIT rail station and its bus terminal, as well as the recommendations that resulted from the process. The development plan builds upon assets already present in Hackensack, such as its dense and diverse population, it being the seat of county government and that there is a growing health care sector centered on Hackensack University Medical Center. The report is a com..
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Transit-Oriented Development Opportunities in Somerset County, New Jersey
Date Added: Monday, July 20, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Somerset County Planning Board conducted the study on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Opportunities as a part of the County’s Smart Growth planning initiatives to enhance and encourage transit use and pedestrian and bicycle activity. This study was created to assist local municipalities in effectively implementing TOD. Through a planning process that involved public and stakeholder participation, transit system analysis, physical site analysis, and an understanding of market conditions, five potential sites for TOD were chosen. Three sit..
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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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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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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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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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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 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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Multi-Family Dwelling District
Date Added: Sunday, June 3, 2018Transportation Efficient Development, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
The City of Beacon plans to create a new community center for youth and seniors in or next to the central business district. The City encourages the police department to be involved in the planning and implementation of some of the youth planning through community policing. The goal is to create new opportunities for community development and for the youth and seniors to partake in activities to lead active and healthy lifestyles. The program also helps form a positive image of police officers in the community, which helps create stronger relat..
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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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Portland, OR Green Roofs
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Healthy Communities, Climate Change Planning
State: Not Applicable
Portland requires all new buildings with a net building area of 20,000 square feet or more in the Central City Plan District zoned CX, EX, RX, and IG1 to have green roofs (33.510.243 Ecoroofs). Up to 40% of the roof can alternatively house mechanical equipment, skylights, solar panels, wind turbines, rain capture equipment, or common areas. Green roofs are cooler than conventional roofs, help with air pollution, and keep buildings cooler...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Town of Guilford Plan for Open Space and Municipal Land Needs
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides a comprehensive approach to land acquisition. The community looks at the needs of the town in terms of open space protection, passive recreation, active recreation, and municipal facilities to help plan for the future...
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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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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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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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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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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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Traffic Signals and Narrower Lanes to Improve Safety
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
Ossining, New York’s Comprehensive Plan includes traffic-calming measures to be implemented throughout the village, though particularly on Route 9. Route 9 is the primary north-south arterial reaching through Ossining and onto major highways in New York. Route 9’s increasingly congested condition has resulted in residential road use throughout the village. These residential roads are narrow, steep, and winding, and often dangerous during inclement weather. Ossining’s goal is to improve pedestrian safety and comfort, and to change the behavior o..
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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 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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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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County of Teton Natural, Scenic, Agricultural, and Tourism Resources Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Development Standards, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ridgeline ordinance prohibits any ridgeline development from "skylining" meaning that no sky can be seen behind the structure as seen from specified public roads...
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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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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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Kearny Transit-Oriented Development Vision Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Vision Plan of the Town of Kearny was developed by Regional Plan Association (RPA) to conduct a planning study of the area and a public visioning process for the Kearny Station area, near Bergen Avenue and the Harrison-Kingsland Branch Line, that was to be built as a part of New Jersey’s Access to the Region’s Core project. This report detailed the process of stakeholder meetings, a public community design workshop, and other public participation efforts RPA used to develop two consensus plans. The first o..
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Rio Grande Valley State Park Management Plan
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This resolution outlines components of a management plan for a park along the Rio Grande River. It includes elements to protect the structural integrity of the river, the water quality, and the wildlife habitat along the river. It also includes an environmental monitoring component...
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Build-Out Analysis Pittsgrove Township, Salem County
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Land Use Planning, Build-Out Analysis
State: Not Applicable
Pittsgrove Township completed its build-out analysis in August 2009 for the purpose of determining the capacity for new septic systems (and the homes they service) to be located within the township. To achieve this purpose, Pittsgrove not only examined the amount of development authorized by its zoning code like Fairfield Township, it also considered whether septic system yields affected the amount of development that was likely to occur in the community. Importantly, Pittsgrove looked at the fiscal implications that would result from full buil..
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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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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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From Fitness Zones to the Medical Mile: How Urban Park Systems Can Best Promote Health and Wellness
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Healthy Communities, Parks & Recreation
State: Not Applicable
The Trust for Public Land conducted a study and determined that in order for a park system to poster mental and physical well-being, it must be used by the public. The professionals in the fields of public and mental health, parks and recreation, landscape architecture, and urban planning discussed and analyzed park elements such as trails, sports fields, playgrounds, drinking fountains, restrooms, and other facilities, and how they are provided, promoted, and signed. The professionals also considered important variables external to the parks s..
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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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City of Newburgh Zoning Law, Section 300- 52 Environmental Constraints
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Consistent with the general purposes of the City of Newburgh Zoning Law, the Supplementary Regulations set forth environmental constraints to control potentially objectionable external aspects of all uses. The regulations require specific conditions for steep slopes (greater than 15%): adequate erosion control and drainage measures must be in place to prevent erosion and sedimentation; the cutting of natural vegetation must be minimized; safety hazards such as subsidence, road washouts, landslides, flooding, or avalanches must be prevented; and..
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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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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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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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Town of New Paltz Wallkill River Recreation Overlay District
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Floodplain Regulations, Open Space Preservation, Overlay District, Recreational Uses, Smart Growth, Wildlife & Fish Habitat
State: Not Applicable
This law creates the Wallkill River Recreation District, which is to be an area that serves the combined purposes of recreation, open space preservation, floodplain management, wildlife protection and scenic resource preservation. The law outlines the procedures for obtaining land to be used in the project and creates restrictions to be placed on these lands once they become part of the project. The 2011 amendment adds “The public hearing upon the application for renewal of such special permits shall be noticed in accordance with Article XVI, ..
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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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Health & Green Infrastructure
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Healthy Communities, Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
The three pillars of sustainability (economy, environment, and equity) provide a useful framework for understanding the health benefits of green infrastructure. This report provides examples of how green infrastructure promotes health through all three pillars, and provides explanations, examples, and best practices for each pillar. ..
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Health and Planning Roundtable
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
This article discusses how the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is has focused on improving policies to advance community public health on the state-level and local-level. The Oregon American Planning Association is working with health-related organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the American Public Health Association, to improve health through planning practices. In Oregon currently, at the state-level, there is limited mention of the built environment’s impact on health. At the local-level, in places l..
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Health and Planning Roundtable
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
This article discusses how the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association is has focused on improving policies to advance community public health on the state-level and local-level. The Oregon American Planning Association is working with health-related organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the American Public Health Association, to improve health through planning practices. In Oregon currently, at the state-level, there is limited mention of the built environment’s impact on health. At the local-level, in places l..
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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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Promoting Enhanced Bicycle Infrastructure
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Grand Rapids, Michigan has created legislation to improve existing bike paths and install new bike paths that accommodate recreational trips as well as trips to work, shopping and school. The goal of this legislation is to meet the City’s plan to make 10% of all regional travel made on bicycle. Limiting dependency on cars has manifold benefits: serves those without the capacity to drive (senior and minors); reduces congestion and time spent commuting; reduced land consumption through roadways and parking; tax re-allocation from roadways; improv..
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Promoting Enhanced Bicycle Infrastructure
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Economic Development, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Grand Rapids, Michigan has created legislation to improve existing bike paths and install new bike paths that accommodate recreational trips as well as trips to work, shopping and school. The goal of this legislation is to meet the City’s plan to make 10% of all regional travel made on bicycle. Limiting dependency on cars has manifold benefits: serves those without the capacity to drive (senior and minors); reduces congestion and time spent commuting; reduced land consumption through roadways and parking; tax re-allocation from roadways; improv..
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FOCUS Kansas City
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
FOCUS Kansas City is a comprehensive twenty-five year plan. It is too large to be online, and can be purchased from the city. It has over 600 initiatives, and Kansas City has been working on and with the document since 1994. Phase II of the plan along with implementation strategies were adopted by the City Council in October of 1997. The plan has resulted in seven neighborhood FOCUS centers intended to house neighborhood projects and keep local projects close to home...
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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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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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Unified Development Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Density, Infill
State: Not Applicable
The zoning code was amended to create a mixed-use residential district to promote infill while also maintaining community character. This technique would allow for much of the zoning code, and therefore community, to remain the same while certain aspects are changed to promote Missing Middle development. The city targets affordable housing as a major factor in this development...
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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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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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Michigan Sample Conservation Easement
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This is a model conservation easement that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. Particular sections are specific to Michigan, but the general format may be followed in other states. ..
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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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Get Healthy Philly 2015 Annual Report
Date Added: Tuesday, July 17, 2018Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
The Get Healthy Philly program was launched in 2010 as a public health initiative aimed to prevent disease, increase accessibility to healthy foods, promote increased physical activity through open space design and planning for walkability, and encourage smoke-free policies. This program, developed by the City’s Department of Public Health, is focused on six major strategies: media and communication campaigns regarding the benefits of exercise and tobacco-free environments; policies aimed at decreasing exposure to secondhand smoke and increasin..
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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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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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Double Curbs for Complete Streets
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
Included in Nassau’s 2010 Master Plan is an initiative to improve the aesthetic and environmental performance of their downtown area through the repurposing of medians. Landscaping medians along arterial roadways and in use as parking lot buffers can improve the physical appearance and the environmental performance of a city.
Trees in parking areas can provide shade and reduce heat generated by large areas of asphalt. This is a simple measure to combat the larger issues of heat island effect and climate change mitigation. Planting areas also..
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Replacing Paving with Trees
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Nassau County suggests planting medium height plants and trees on paved medians. Nassau goes further by promoting the use of double curbs to improve the aesthetics and allow rain to percolate into the ground, reducing runoff and improving water quality. These low impact development and green infrastructure policies will reduce sotrmwater runoff and improve water quality...
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City of Tuscon Transit-Oriented Development Handbook Final Draft
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
This handbook outlines the City of Tucson’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan for the Tucson Streetcar Corridor. Its purpose is to guide planning and development around modern streetcar stops. Factors such as customer experience, land use, context sensitive design, pedestrian amenities, parking, and stop circulation and access are all addressed in relation to TOD along a streetcar corridor. A review of plans in peer communities is also provided to demonstrate successful implementation of TOD strategies...
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Water Supply Protection
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Aquifer Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Water Supply Protection Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson establishes protective land use regulations for the watershed affecting well fields. It defines the three zones affecting the quality of the aquifer and provides a degree of regulation or management for each zone in order to protect the water supply source from contamination. The three-zone system is superimposed on existing land use zones, and requirements of the underlying districts shall continue to apply, except in the event of a conflict, where the more restrictive require..
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Culdesac Tempe: A Car-Free Neighborhood
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Density
State: Not Applicable
Culdesac Tempe is a car free neighborhood in Arizona that has 636 housing units on 16 acres. All buildings are connected via walkways and courtyards. The development also has a bike share program and is located next to public transit. This is a mixed-use, high-density zone to encourage pedestrian-oriented development that provides housing opportunities for a variety of income levels...
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Development and Design Standards
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Open Space Preservation, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
In chapter 21.07 of the Code of Ordinances of Anchorage, Alaska, the city outlines an updated standard of city planning based on the relationship between urban development and the natural environment. The purpose of the chapter is to encourage a prudent use of the local land by promoting a balance between the built environment and the preservation of open space and natural resources. This can be simplified into two primary objectives.
First, their public planning integrates usable open space and natural attractions in order to tailor the cit..
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Village of Mamaroneck TOD Zoning Study
Date Added: Thursday, October 29, 2015Affordable Housing , Overlay District, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Mamaroneck was awarded a grant from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) and the One Region Funders’ Group to conduct a community-based Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning study that would result in a draft zoning ordinance for the area near the Mamaroneck Metro-North Railroad Station.
Mamaroneck has access to public transit, through the Westchester County Bee-Line Bus and Metro North, as well as major transportation corridors including I-95 (New England Thruway), the Hutchinson River Parkway and U.S. Route 1 (B..
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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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Town of Irondequoit Environmental Protection Overlay District
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Overlay District, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of Article XI of the Town Code is to protect the environment in Irondequoit through the establishment of overlay districts established in this article which provide special controls over land development located in sensitive environmental areas within the Town of Irondequoit. ..
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Skagway Comprehensive Plan 2030
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
Skagway, Alaska has included multiple affordable housing goals in its 2030
Comprehensive Plan. A town of just over 1,000, Skagway is encouraging
residential development to accommodate anticipated population growth. The
town owns 8,850 acres of land in its borders and has created a residential land
disposal program to sell publicly owned land for residential development.
Target residential development categories include senior housing, affordable
housing, housing for full time workers and residents, and housing for those
earning 120% AMI ..
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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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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 Florida State Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Incentive Zoning, Smart Growth, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
Below is the State of Florida’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan provides an example of a state legislature’s attempt to guide its constituent regions and municipalities in their respective efforts towards planning and development. Elements of the Priority Growth District concept are present in this plan...
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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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Eliminating Barriers to Transit-Oriented Development
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
State: Not Applicable
In New Jersey, two of the main barriers to implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) are community concern about new development potentially causing parking problems and increased traffic and negative fiscal impacts due to increased school enrollment. In order to determine if those concerns were warranted, this report studied differences between households located within a half mile radius of ten selected rail stations in New Jersey and those located in the nearby region. This report compared auto use, auto ownership, parking use, and sch..
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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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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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Reduce Dependency on Automobiles by Promoting Walking and Bicycling
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
Niagara County, New York’s Public Health and Safety Chapter of their Comprehensive Plan outlines their goal to create safe, healthy, and walkable communities. They recognize health and safety of communities as one of the most important but overlooked aspects of a high quality of life. It stimulates the local economy and increases the variance and character of a community.
One objective to accomplish this goal is to reduce the community’s dependency on automotive transportation by increasing the network of pedestrian and bicycle trails. To op..
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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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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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Building a Transit-Friendly Community
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
State: Not Applicable
This report is based on key findings and conclusions from NJ Transit’s “Transit-Friendly Communities for New Jersey” pilot community program. The report takes those lessons and translates them into helpful information to guide and assist other communities’ efforts for transit-friendly development, on topics such as access, development, and parking. The process used is broken down into steps to assist other communities in getting the process started...
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Township of Jackson Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Resolution, Jackson Township in Ohio has included a chapter on solar energy systems. According to the chapter, an accessory solar energy system is permitted as an accessory use in any district, subject to a number of regulations outlined in sections throughout the rest of the chapter. Some of those regulations include specific requirements for roof/structure mounted and ground/pole mounted systems as well as solar energy production facilities. For example, a solar energy production facility must be located on at least five ac..
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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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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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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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Our Built and Natural Environments: A Technical Review of the Interactions Among Land Use, Transportation, and Environmental Quality Second Edition
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Land Use Planning, Quality of Life, Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
This report was developed to assist federal, state, local government agencies, real estate developers and investors, and communities to understand the important relationship between the built and natural environments. A review of scientific literature for this report shows transportation infrastructure, and building siting and design can directly and indirectly affect environmental quality, human health, natural habitats, and community quality of life. This report details the ways that how we build and where we build effects the natural environ..
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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 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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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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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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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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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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Hartford CT Fresh Food Requirement for Stores
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Food Deserts, Low Nutrition Uses, Equity
State: Not Applicable
In Hartford, Connecticut, the zoning code requires twenty percent of the net floor area of any convenience store to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, whole grain cereal, dairy products (excluding ice cream), and canned or dried goods without unhealthy additives. Requiring convenience stores and food trucks to provide more healthy food options helps combat food swamps and deserts. ..
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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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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 Raleigh Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Guidebook
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Healthy Communities, Equity, Equity
State: Not Applicable
This guidebook is split into five sections: 1) introduction 2) design principles 3) station area 4) policy toolkit 5) action plan. The introduction discusses why it is important to plan development around transit and what the goals for growth and affordability. Sections two through five are aimed at how to achieve these goals. Specifically, the documents suggests using zoning to advance equitable transit-oriented development through a TOD overlay zone. Complete streets, density changes, and use changes are also advanced...
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City of Raleigh Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Guidebook
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Healthy Communities, Equity, Equity
State: Not Applicable
This guidebook is split into five sections: 1) introduction 2) design principles 3) station area 4) policy toolkit 5) action plan. The introduction discusses why it is important to plan development around transit and what the goals for growth and affordability. Sections two through five are aimed at how to achieve these goals. Specifically, the documents suggests using zoning to advance equitable transit-oriented development through a TOD overlay zone. Complete streets, density changes, and use changes are also advanced...
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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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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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County of Clark Stormwater and Erosion Control Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
This chapter combines the county's stormwater and erosion control regulations are combined into one chapter, and apply to development or redevelopment activities that include adding 5,000 SF or more impervious surface in rural areas and 2,000 SF or more in urban areas. Stormwater requirements include off-site analysis of impacts _ mile downstream and conveyance standards. Erosion control requirements include variable requirements for small parcel and large parcel developments, signage at points of entry for subdivisions or short plats, and form..
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Promoting Public Health Through Smart Growth: Building Healthier Communities Through Transportation and Land Use Policies and Practices
Date Added: Thursday, July 12, 2018Smart Growth, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
This document emphasizes how living smart growth communities leads to greater overall public health. It discusses practices that can be used in a variety of locations and focuses on how planners should create compact development that allow people to walk to their homes, supermarkets, schools and retail. These strategies are also used to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives goals, such as reducing climate change, air pollution and traffic congestions, increasing convenience and accessibility for people of all ages and increasing..
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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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Better Housing By Design
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
Portland, Oregon created a report titled “Better Housing By Design” to create plans to promote affordable and diverse housing. The report is a compilation of Portland’s recent zoning code amendments. Portland implemented code changes to address housing affordability and diversity, expand outdoor spaces and green design, building design and scale requirements, and more. Housing affordability and density changes were implemented in multi-family residential zones outside of the city core in order to expand options, diversity, and walkability. The ..
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Transit Supportive Planning Toolkit: Guidance and Resources for Plan and Policy Development
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Puget Sound region is estimated to grow to 5 million people and 3 million jobs by 2040 and in order to accommodate that growth, better access to a strong multimodal transportation system is needed. This Toolkit was developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to provide strategies that strengthen the linkage between land use and transit in local plans and implementation regulations, as well as to provide important PSRC and transit agency contacts and web resources.
The three general strategies for successfully implementing trans..
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Comprehensive Plan for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
This comprehensive plan has several interesting provisions for natural drainage systems through arroyo protection. The plan also includes transportation provisions to create a more bicycle friendly transportation system. ..
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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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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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The City of Redmond Site Requirements for Residential Zones Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Development Standards, Land Use Planning, Planned Development Districts
State: Not Applicable
The City of Redmond established basic site requirements for residential zones while implementing Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan, the Growth Management Act, and the County-Wide Planning Policies. These requirements set basic dimensional standards for residential development while providing flexibility in project design, maintaining privacy between adjacent users, and preventing public nuisances. There is a prescribed level of permitted density, this is to maintain a consistent and compatible land use pattern in Redmond’s residential neighborhood. ..
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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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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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Massachusetts Brownfields Revitalization Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Brownfields
State: Not Applicable
Brownfield redevelopment in Massachusetts is regulated and overseen by the state under chapter twenty-one E, the “Massachusetts Oil and Hazardous Material Release Prevention Act.” Section (b)(3) of this chapter requires the state to provide technical assistance to municipalities, redevelopment authorities, redevelopment agencies, community development corporations, economic development and industrial corporations, and other persons interested in redeveloping brownfields. State brownfields program incentives are available to buyers, and sometim..
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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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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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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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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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City of New Britain: Principles For Transit-Oriented Development
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
This station area planning study provides an in-depth explanation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), its role in municipal land use policy and its general principles. The study was developed for the City of New Britain to assess the existing conditions of the city’s Cedar and East Street Stations and provide design and development recommendations. The report contains detailed maps and visual representations of typical development and proposed development that can be used to assist communities in their own development planning...
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Traffic Safety Policy
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
The goal of San Diego, California’s “Mobility Element” plan is to develop a multi-modal transportation network that gets citizens where they want to go while minimizing environmental and neighborhood impacts. Among the goals of this policy, San Diego aimed to increase general traffic safety of pedestrians.
The city collaborated with community groups and interested private and public parties to design and implement safe pedestrian routes to schools, transit centers, and other highly frequented destinations. After locating these priority areas..
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Enhanced Public Rights of Way and Pedestrian-Oriented Features
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
The Mobility Element section of San Diego’s Comprehensive Plan makes facilitating walking and biking as viable forms of transportation a priority for the city. The plan calls for the creation of mixed-use neighborhoods connected by public transportation; building residences closer to parks, schools, shopping, employment and transit; and a safe and accessible walking environment created by designing streets to increase pedestrian safety.
To accomplish this, San Diego plans to—among other things—enhance public rights of way, design site plans ..
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Town of Livonia Land Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Steep Slope Protection, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law outlines the Town’s procedure for creating Land Conservation Areas, and for protecting these areas from potentially harmful development. These areas were created on the basis of a soil and existing land use survey, and have been grouped in to seven categories, which include: natural forest/woodland, wetland, steep slope, floodplain, major scenic overlook, stream corridor, watershed and sites of historical/archaeological significance. ..
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Town of Eden Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Development Standards, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 177 of the Town Code for the Town of Eden serves to decrease stormwater and erosion problems, associated with increased development in Eden, NY. Article II. Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Within the Regulated MS4 Overlay District was added in 2007 and describes regulations to manage stormwater, and erosion and control sediment within the RMS4 overlay district, which is a district which has been determined by federal and state agencies to be a regulated municipal separate storm sewer system (RMS4) under the Phase..
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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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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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Effects of the Built Environment on Transportation: Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Other Factors
Date Added: Monday, July 20, 2015Emissions, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
This report is part of a series of report and tools developed as a part of the U.S. Department of Energy Transportation Energy Futures project. There is a substantial amount of literature that examines the relationship between the built environment, travel, and energy use and this report reviews and summarizes it. It was developed with the intent to inform national policy experts and decision makers about how changes to land use and the built environment could reduce transportation energy use and identifies possible federal actions that effect ..
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2017 Comprehensive Plan- Town of Reading, New York
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Economic Development, Land Use Planning, Solar Energy, Stormwater Management, Water Resource Protection, Wind Energy, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Traffic Calming & Safety, Parks & Recreation
State: Not Applicable
Reading, New York’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan promotes the use of solar energy throughout the community. It calls for Reading to provide information about the feasibility of solar energy to residents and to collaborate with state and other organizations in programs that encourage growth in solar energy systems. The plan also calls for Reading to reform its land use regulations to specifically allow certain types of solar energy systems and to establish procedures for review and approval of both small-scale accessory systems and large-scale instal..
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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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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 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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City of Orlando Density and Intensity Bonuses
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Density and intensity bonuses are available for development in office, mixed-use corridor, and activity center districts in order to provide incentives for infill and redevelopment and to reduce travel distance and promote energy conservation by limiting urban sprawl. Such development must provide connections to public transit and enhance bicycle and pedestrian accessibility. The ordinance also incorporates a transportation linkage incentive that allows reduction of the minimum required intensity in exchange for contributions to a city transpo..
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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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Austin Healthy Food Access Initiative
Date Added: Tuesday, July 17, 2018Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Zoning, Urban Farming & Community Gardens, Vulnerable Populations
State: Not Applicable
This initiative began in 2015 with an American Planning Association Plan4Health grant to address access to healthy food in the North Central area of Austin, Texas. The City, through its Office of Sustainability, created a Food Planning Pilot Program focused on priority populations who have historically struggled to find healthy, fresh foods at affordable prices. These populations include school children who qualify for free lunches, immigrants, refugees, and other struggling low-income groups. In response to the City Council’s Resolution in 201..
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The Town of Coxsackie Waterfront Residential District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Land Use Planning, Planned Development Districts
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Coxsackie created the Waterfront Residential District (WR) to protect areas adjacent to the Hudson River. The purpose of this district is to protect the waterfront, maintain the existing residential character, and allow for low impact water-dependent and water-related recreational uses appropriate for the community and the river. A few specific purposes of the WR is the preservation of natural, scenic, and historic values along the Hudson River and to encourage compatible land uses along the Hudson River. Buildings must be set back ..
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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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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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Establishing Urban Farming and Community Gardens
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Broadview, Bitter Lake, and Haller Lake (BBH) is a collaboration of neighborhoods in the city of Seattle who help to provide vision and planning procedures for community growth. One of these visions is greater access to local and healthy foods. Healthy food access has been shown to increase the health of the population, stimulate the local economy, and provide a better sense of community. In 2012, the BBH Neighborhood Plan Update included a short article on community-member interest in local and healthy food access. With the use of community re..
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Town of Irondequoit River Harbor District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Economic Development, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The River Harbor District, as laid out in Article XXIV of the Town Code, is designed to provide a suitable character and stable environment for the establishment and maintenance of water-dependent and/or water-enhanced uses and activities along the east bank of the Genesee River near the Port of Rochester. The district is also designed to promote appropriate residential and economic development and to improve public access to the riverfront. Other goals of the district include protection of the unique and sensitive environmental features that e..
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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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Town of Saugerties Waterfront Overlay District
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Land Use Planning, Overlay District, Planned Development Districts, Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Saugerties adopted the Waterfront Overlay District (WOD) to protect and enhance the shoreline by protecting water quality and preventing erosion along the Hudson River, Esopus Creek, and Plattekill Creek. All development in the WOD District will be reviewed on a case by case via the site plan review process to ensure appropriate layout and design of all properties. The WOD is superimposed over the basic zoning districts, therefore regulations from the underlying district and the WOD apply in those areas. Properties or portions of pr..
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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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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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Town of Eden Classes of Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Development Standards, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Overlay District, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Eden has created several zoning districts, and use regulations in those districts, that will help control flooding and protect floodplains from uninformed and overdevelopment...
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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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State of Massachusetts Protection of Floodplains, Seacoasts, and Other Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Coastal Protection, Floodplain Regulations, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This statute authorizes a municipality’s conservation commission, authorized and formed under section eight(c) of chapter forty, to review applications of projects that may affect natural areas, including areas prone to flooding (floodplains). See paragraph one. The commission is authorized in paragraph seventeen to impose conditions on the submitted application to achieve its purpose of protecting floodplains. Under certain circumstances, such as when the commission fails to hold a public hearing or when it fails to make a final determination..
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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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City of Kingston Roundout Creek & Hudson Riverfront Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Waterfront Revitalization, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law creates the Rondout Creek and Hudson Riverfront Districts, in order to afford priority to water dependant uses, achieve public access to the coastal area, control development, and to implement the policies and purposes of the City of Kingston Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. This law also sets up a permit and special permit system, for person’s seeking to build or conduct certain activities within these protected districts. ..
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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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Town of Perinton Limited Development District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
Town of Perinton created Limited Development Districts for certain variations in terrain, hydrology that render certain areas susceptible to flooding to supersede the other zoning provisions. Development must be directed by the intrinsic character of the land in order to provide for the safety and welfare of the citizens and the natural environment. The limits of an LDD shall be determined by its soil, vegetation, terrain, and hydrologic characteristics. The limits are determined using detailed maps, in consultation with the Conservation Board...
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East New York Neighborhood Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Affordable Housing , Economic Development, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
New York City’s East New York Neighborhood Plan was first released in 2016 and updated in 2017. The Plan’s 2017 update calls for a subset of the East New York community to be enrolled in the SolarizeNYC Program. This Program brings together local businesses and residents and connects them with the tools needed to install solar energy systems, including financial assistance, permitting guidance, and more. Per the 2017 update to the Plan, leaders in the neighborhood are to take the initiative on enrolling members of the community...
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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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Water Supply Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Water Supply Protection Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson dictates that each Waterfront Development District shall be comprised of 10 or more contiguous acres of dry land under single ownership and shall have a minimum of 1,000 feet of shoreline along the Hudson River. Permitted uses include specific recreational, residential, and special permit uses, but accessory uses are limited to those uses that are customarily incidental to the permitted uses. It additionally provides the requirements regarding enclosure, landscaping, bulk, heig..
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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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A New Transit-Oriented Development District Zoning Regulation for Meriden
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Meriden, Connecticut prepared a presentation for a public information meeting outlining the new Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Regulation. The presentation detailed the goals and implementation strategies, laid out TOD sub-districts, use regulations, parking standards, development standards, density goals, and detailed the TOD Master-Plan. In addition to laying out the details of the regulations, the presentation had many maps and mock-ups showing how the development would look in different districts on different streets, including aerial v..
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Town of North Salem Historic Road Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Historic Preservation, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
This law designed to protect and preserve historical roads in the Town of North Salem, NY. The law is designed to accomplish this by: (1) designating, protecting, preserving and maintaining certain roads within North Salem which shall qualify, under the definition stated in this chapter, as historic roads, (2) setting forth criteria for designation of roads within the Town, which may be found to qualify, (3) prescribing guidelines for maintenance of these historic roads, and (4) providing for the educational, cultural, recreational, environmen..
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Philadelphia Food Trust
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Food Deserts
State: Not Applicable
In 2010, Philadelphia received $25 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to combat obesity and lower tobacco consumption through a variety of policy, systems, and environmental interventions. In response to studies which showed that Philadelphia’s population had significantly higher health risks than the rest of the country, as well as a low availability of healthy food options, money from this grant was directed into improved food programs. This funding included the creation of The Food Trust, a healthy corner store initiati..
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County of Westchester Non-Profit Housing Providers List
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
A list of non-profit housing providers, along with their contact information, in Westchester County, NY...
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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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Philadelphia Complete Streets Design Handbook
Date Added: Monday, June 25, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
This Handbook will help inform the City, design professionals, developers, and community groups that are involved in the planning and design of streets and changes to the public right-of-way in Philadelphia. The Handbook identifies 7 conceptual complete streets components that make up the public right-of-way: Pedestrian, Building & Furnishing, Bicycle, Curbside Management, Vehicle/Cartway, Urban Design, and Intersections & Crossings. This Handbook will promote more efficient project implementation by serving as a comprehensive resource to guide..
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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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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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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 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 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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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 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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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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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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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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City of Knoxville Open Space Preservation District
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
An Open Space Preservation District is established in the zoning code to provide areas in which the principal use of the land is devoted to open space and/or the preservation and protection of park and recreation lands, wilderness areas, beach and shoreline areas, scenic routes, wild and scenic rivers, historical and archaeological sites, watersheds and water supply areas, and wildlife and their habitats. Property classified under this district must meet the criteria set forth in the open space plan of the City of Knoxville and such property w..
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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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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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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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Parking Best Practices: A Review of Zoning Regulations and Policies in Select US and International Cities
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Parking
State: Not Applicable
This document is a compilation of parking regulations and policies used in various cities throughout the United States, Canada, and London. The study identified 21 policies implemented in 15 different cities that address on-street and off-street parking resources, as well as traffic congestion. A comprehensive list of definitions and examples of the parking policies are provided, in addition to case studies illustrating their implementation. Resources are provided where more information can be obtained about individual cities, as well as genera..
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The High Cost of Free Parking
Date Added: Wednesday, October 28, 2015Parking
State: Not Applicable
This paper identifies free parking as the fundamental problem planners face with parking, and explores the consequences associated with it. Actual monetary cost as well as raised housing costs, and reduced urban density are all evaluated in relation to minimum parking requirements. The paper also provides information on how charging for curbside parking, as an alternative to minimum parking requirements, is more beneficial...
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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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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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Transit Oriented Development Best Practices Handbook
Date Added: Friday, July 17, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The Transit Oriented Best Practices Handbook explains Transit Oriented Development (TOD), its characteristics, its benefits, and its challenges by detailing the key planning principles behind successful TOD as well as summarizing practices for designing and implementing TOD. The document also contains an extensive list of best practice methodology and implementation techniques to assist communities in planning successful TOD...
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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 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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Town of Ellington Crystal Lake Sewerage System Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance sets out the methodology by which the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) assesses residential and commercial property owners in the Crystal Lake area most benefited by the sewer system constructed to eliminate public health hazards of under-sized, on-lot disposal systems and raw wastewater discharges in this high density area. Vacant land shall not be assessed by the WPCA until it is built upon and derives direct benefit from the system. Assessments may be spread out over up to 30 years, as determined by the WPCA, but remai..
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Town of Ellington Hockanum River Watershed Sewerage System Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Sewage Management, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law details the Water Pollution Control Authority’s ability to assess commercial and residential pieces of property abutting sewer lines and connected to sewer lines. Definitions for use within this law include deferred assessment, capacity charge, commercial property, industrial property, sewer lateral line, residential unit assessment, and storage space. The law details how assessment of benefits occurs with residential property, commercial and industrial property, developer-constructed sewer extensions, and farmland. While all properti..
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Standards of the Connecticut Gateway Commission
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Timber Harvesting, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes standards for building within a designated “conservation zone.” Activities regulated include design of buildings, height, setback distance, and as well as land coverage...
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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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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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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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Grocery Store Attraction Strategies
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Healthy Communities, Food Deserts
State: Not Applicable
Lower income communities can have difficulties accessing fresh food, which can affect the physical health of the community residents and the economic health of the neighborhood. This report discusses research that has been conducted which highlights the difficulties that communities face in attracting a grocery store and having the store be successful, and serves as a resource to help communities organize a strategy to attract grocery stores. It also discusses the resources of local governments and local community-based organizations which have..
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City of Fargo Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRI) is an effort in Fargo to encourage growth in the city center. The program offers economic incentives for residents to move into older single-family homes in the downtown area instead of developing on the City’s fringe. The incentives to develop an older home include low interest loans, child care assistance and gap financing (Stein 2003)...
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City of New York Executive Order 230 & Executive Order 233
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Floodwater Management, Post-Disaster Management
State: Not Applicable
Following Executive Order 225 (extending the State of Emergency caused by Hurricane Sandy) and the release of FEMA’s new advisory base flood elevation maps for areas impacted by Sandy (containing the most up-to-date information on flood hazard zones and necessary buildings heights to prevent flood damage) New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued Executive Order 230. Executive Order 230 suspends height limits and other restrictions for new construction and reconstruction in areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, as part of the re..
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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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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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Planning for Active Transportation - Bicycles and Pedestrians
Date Added: Thursday, April 12, 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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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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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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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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Carbon Footprint Decrease
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Climate Change Planning
State: Not Applicable
Nassau County’s development through the 20th century gave rise to sprawling suburban developments that necessitated the automobile and extensive roadway development. Nassau’s County’s 2010 Master Plan projected expected land use expansion over the next few decades based on current land use trends and population growth to discover an unsustainable trajectory. If this growth is dispersed throughout the county consistent with current land use trends, it is expected that traffic congestion, energy consumption and carbon emissions will continue to g..
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New York State Constitution Article on Conservation
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017State Land Use Law, Tree Preservation & Protection, Transportation & Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
The New York Constitution, Article 14, establishes that it is a function of the state government to provide for the protection of forested lands, but provides exceptions for the development of certain highways. This provision also designates provisions whereby these lands may be used on a limited scale for construction and maintenance of reservoirs and establishes how violations of this provision shall be handled...
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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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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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Affordability Unlocked Development Bonus Program Applicant Guide
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Austin’s “Affordability Unlocked” program provides waivers and bonuses in exchange for setting aside at least 50% of a new development’s units for a minimum of 40 years for rental and 99 years for ownership units. In rental units, 20% of all units must meet 50% AMI and affordable units must be affordable to households at 60% AMI or below to qualify. 25% of affordable units must either (a) have two or more bedrooms, (b) serve as supportive housing, or (c) serve as elderly housing. For sale units, affordable unit prices must be affordable to hous..
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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 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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City of Buffalo, NY Chapter 413 Streets and Sidewalks, Article XIV: Complete Streets
Date Added: Thursday, June 21, 2018Healthy Communities, Complete Streets
State: Not Applicable
Article XIV within Chapter 413 of the City of Buffalo, NY Code outlines the Complete Streets code provisions for the city. This Section provides that the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks, and Streets shall include pedestrian and bicycle facilities in all new street construction, reconstruction, maintenance, public works, and projects undertaken by the City. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board reviews all new construction/projects and provides consultation regarding the implementation of complete streets. The inclusion of bicycle and pe..
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Town of Newtown Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Agriculture, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The town of Newtown created a conservation and agriculture zone, which, in part, is focused on the retention of agriculture as a beneficial industry within the town. No land or structure within the zone may be altered except for the purposes of natural resource conservation or farming...
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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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Town of Lewisboro Wetlands & Watercourses Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Buffer Zones, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The legislature’s intent in creating Chapter 217 of the Town Code is to assure that activities conducted in and around wetlands, watercourses and associated buffer areas be done so in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and in a manner which promotes the preservation of wetlands, watercourses and associated buffer areas as specified in the findings of fact seen at the beginning of the Chapter. ..
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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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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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City of Ithaca (NY) Municipal Code, Chapter 283: Stormwater Utility
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
The City of Ithaca’s Stormwater Utility chapter describes the calculation of stormwater user fees charged for costs incurred by the City in providing stormwater services. This monthly fee is equal to the product of $4 and the number of Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs) of impervious surface area on the lot, less any credits for the lot approved by the Superintendent of Public Works. One ERU is equal to 2,300 square feet, the average amount of impervious surface area on a residential property as determined by the Common Council. The stormwater..
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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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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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Town of Geneseo Municipal Code, Chapter 54 Erosion and Sediment Control
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This chapter guides and regulates the design, construction, and maintenance of any development or activity which disturbs the topsoil or results in the movement of earth on land in order to promote the public welfare and safeguard persons, protect property, and prevent damage to the environment, including Conesus Lake and all bodies of water or watercourses in the Town of Geneseo. Performance standards include retaining existing vegetation and constructing sediment control measures prior to beginning any land disturbance activities, with all ru..
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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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Berkeley votes for historic housing change: an end to single-family zoning
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
Berkeley’s zoning code was amended to eliminate all single-family zones and replace them with multi-family zones, allowing for development of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes to alleviate the city’s housing strain. This is estimated to add an additional 9,000 housing units in the next several years. Berkeley was nationally known for being the “birthplace of exclusionary zoning,” and the town decided it was time to address the issue. The new units will match existing neighborhood style while also maintaining historic character...
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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 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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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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Municipal Code, Chapter 150 Zoning, Article IIA Environmental Protection Overlay Districts, Section 150-9.20 EPOD 3 Steep Slope Protection District
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
ep Slope Protection District sets forth regulations designed to minimize the impacts of development activities on steep slopes, including soil erosion and sedimentation, destruction of vegetation, increased stormwater runoff, and landslides. Regulated activities within the District include the clearing of or construction on land; the construction of sewage disposal systems; filling, cutting, or excavation; and discharge of stormwater and/or construction and placement of stormwater runoff systems. In order to be permitted to undertake such regul..
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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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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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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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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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Town of Yorktown Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 30, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
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 or other activity which disturbs or breaks the surface of soil or results in the movement of earth on land situated in the Town. ..
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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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New York City's Racial Equity Reports Int. No. 1572-B
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Healthy Communities, Equity
State: Not Applicable
This legislation calls for the development of an equitable development data tool that will contain citywide, boroughwide, community district, and neighborhood-level data in New York City. The tool will be available online for public use and will contain data on demographic conditions, economic security, neighborhood quality of life and access to opportunity, housing security/affordability/quality and housing production. The data tool will also include a Displacement Risk Index. Data is disaggregated by race and ethnicity. The tool must be avail..
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Phoenix's Transit Oriented Development Strategic Policy Framework
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Transportation & Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Complete Streets, Equity
State: Not Applicable
This document describes the opportunity for transit-oriented development (TOD) for Phoenix. Specifically, it calls for a by-right zoning codes to create shorter and more predictable construction timelines. Form-based standards are promoted. Specifically, the document suggests increasing the permitted height of buildings within a quarter-mile radius of light rail stations and creating a minimum of 30 percent of housing units dedicated to long-term affordability in TOD zones. The update to this document also
includes a portion on equity...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Town of Brookhaven Critical Environmental Areas and SEQRA Implementation
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Environmental Impact Review Requirements, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law creates a list of Type I and Type II actions, for the purpose of the Town implementing the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). ..
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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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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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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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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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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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Avoiding Accumulation of Standing Water and Mosquitoes
Date Added: Thursday, April 12, 2018Healthy Communities, Infectious Disease Control
State: Not Applicable
To avoid accumulation of standing water, Brevard County is planning for public facilities to be located outside of floodplains or wetlands. One of the goals of this policy is to avoid water damage of those facilities due to flooding, but the policy was also implemented to control the mosquito population in public facilities. Avoiding the accumulation of both standing water and mosquitoes in public facilities will help to reduce the spread of infectious diseases within the County...
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Town of Mendon Environmental Protection Overlay Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Historic Preservation, Official Map, Overlay District, Scenic Resources, Sewage Management, Steep Slope Protection, Timber Harvesting, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law creates environmental protection overlay districts for the Town of Mendon, NY. The districts include: Wetland Protection Overlay District, Steep Slope Protection Overlay District, Watercourse Protection Overlay District, Scenic Vista Protection Overlay District, Historic Preservation Overlay District, Waste Disposal Overlay District, Woodlot and Timber Harvesting Protection Overlay District, Flood Damage Prevention Overlay District, and Soils Susceptible to Ponding Overlay District. ..
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City of Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan – Environmental Element
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Comprehensive Planning, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Bainbridge Island has explicitly addressed the potential for sea level rise in the Environmental Element of its comprehensive plan. Adopted in 2004, the plan recognizes that Bainbridge Island is potentially subject to flooding, erosion, landslides, seismic events, and soil subsistence. The overall goal of the Environmental element is to avoid adverse impacts where possible; to minimize, reduce or eliminate impacts over time; and to compensate for unavoidable impacts. The plan outlines protections for critical areas including tran..
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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 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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County of Union Mountain Protection Plan
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance attempts to protect environmentally sensitive features within the county. Specific provisions prohibit tree removal without reforestation, conserve flora and fauna, and, and protect the counties aesthetic attributes...
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State of North Carolina Wetlands Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Cities and counties have a fairly limited role in wetlands protection. The provisions for North Carolina’s Wetlands Restoration Program are found at §§ 143-214.8 to 214.13 within Article 21 of Chapter 143. It is a statewide, non-regulatory program established within and operated by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the purposes of restoring wetlands and replacing critical wetlands functions. § 143-214.8, § 143-214.9. As part of the program, DENR manages a Wetlands Restoration Fund, through which local..
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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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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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Multigenerational Planning: using smart growth and universal design to link the needs of children and the aging population
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018Smart Growth, Healthy Communities, Equity
State: Not Applicable
This article discusses how multigenerational planning is a “holistic approach” that assess the needs of many different age groups while planning policies that include zoning, local laws and building codes. The ultimate goal is creating a community that ensures “generational equality”. The article begins by discussing changes in population and demographics that impact how planners address certain issues. It articulates the needs, wants and concerns of each age group and what kind of communities they look to live in. Planners must provide a desig..
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Town of Clifton Park Open Space Incentive Zoning
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Incentive Zoning, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law gives the Town Board to grant incentives to private land developers to advance the town’s specific policies in accordance with the Town’s GEIS for the western lands of Clifton Park, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan update, the 2003 Open Space Plan, and in coordination with other community planning mechanisms or land use techniques. ..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Gateway Overlay District Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Development Standards, Overlay District, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Croton-on-Hudson has developed a scheme for the creation of physical gateway areas comprised of roads and surrounding areas where those first encountering the village will derive a sense of arrival and connection to the village, which will establish a favorable impression of the community. Restrictions will be placed on development within these areas to ensure and preserve a residential feel and provide a more defined entrance into the village for incoming motorists and pedestrians, which ultimately will bring a more favorable image to the comm..
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How To Do A Build-Out Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Build-Out Analysis
State: Not Applicable
The instructions formed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an overview of the process a municipality should use in conducting a Build-Out Analysis. This document contains helpful information on what a Build-Out Analysis is and why it is a useful tool, issues that should be considered when conducting an Analysis and additional information that is available on conducting one. The instructions details two phases in the process, Phase I which visually depicts changes on a map and Phase II which quantifies the impact of the changes..
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Effect of Suburban Transit Oriented Developments on Residential Property Values
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
Community opposition is often a barrier to implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD). In suburban areas, residents may feel that TOD will cause noise, air pollution, increased congestion and crime into their communities. This study was completed by the Mineta Transportation Institute to determine whether TODs have a negative effect on surrounding residential neighborhoods, which is shown through lower housing prices. Studying the impact of four San Francisco Bay Area suburban TODs and the data compiled suggested that homes within 0.5 mile..
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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 Eugene Transit Oriented Development Overlay Zone
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Overlay District, Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The City Code of Eugene, Oregon provides for a Transit Development Overlay Zone (TD) in the hopes of encouraging mixed land uses in areas that have a high potential for enhanced transit and pedestrian activity. Eugene is located about 50 miles east of the Oregon coast, on the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, with a population of about 155,000. The city is the county seat of Lane County, and is the second largest city in the state. The Lane Transit District (LTD) is the area’s major public transportation system, providing ove..
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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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Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Local Law No. 3-1966 of the Town of Mamaroneck details what types of places or areas within the Town amount to conservation areas. The several parts of § 77 explain what special regulations apply to such areas; § 77-17 sets out the penalty for noncompliance with the rules governing Conservation Areas in Mamaroneck...
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How to Conduct a Build-Out Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Build-Out Analysis
State: Not Applicable
The instructions formed by the Southern NH Planning Commission detail a step-by-step process a municipality should use in conducting a Build-Out Analysis. This document contains helpful information on what a Build-Out Analysis is, what questions it can answer, and the type of community best served by conducting an Analysis. The instructions detail two stages in the process, Mapping and Interpretation which entails compiling data and creating maps to create estimates, and Quantitative Analysis which is where the information collected is quantifi..
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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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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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Town of Malta Open Space Development & Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Clustering & Cluster Development, Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law was created for the purpose of requiring open space development for any subdivision of land 20 acres or greater within the Town of Malta. The goal of the law is to promote the better use of open spaces, recreational development, existing topography and natural features, design, and to provide for economics inherent with open space development. This law empowers the Planning Board of the Town of Malta, acting in a manner which would promote the above goals, to approve, approve with modifications or disapprove open space development pr..
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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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Township of Bethlehem Land Use Regulations § 102-37.3; Solar Energy Facilities; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Monday, December 18, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Township of Bethlehem’s solar energy facilities regulation requires minor site plan approval for ground-mounted solar energy facilities between 2,000 square feet and 10 acres in size while requiring preliminary and final site plan approval for systems greater than 10 acres in size. The planning board or an appointed site plan subcommittee may waive the minor site plan approval requirement if the proposed facility is reasonable and adheres to the solar regulation’s general purpose and intent. In addition to Bethlehem’s standard site plan req..
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Biking and Walking in the United States 2016
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Healthy Communities, Bicycle Infrastructure
State: Not Applicable
The Benchmarking Project has 3 primary objectives: 1) to promote data collection and availability, 2) to measure progress and evaluate results, and 3) to support efforts to increase bicycling and walking. The project is also motivated by making the connection between active transportation and healthy communities. The first half of this report contains a review of relevant research that supports biking and walking improvements, and the second half of the report provides state and city data. Part one explains the Benchmarking Project and the data..
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Town of Brookhaven Wetlands & Waterways Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Development Standards, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of Chapter 81 of the Town Code, for the Town of Brookhaven is to protect surface waters, lands underwater and wetlands since they are important natural resources to the town. This statute applies to all lands defined as wetlands or waterways, to any activity in an adjacent area of a wetland or waterway, or to any activity that has the potential to adversely impact wetlands or waterways. No person shall conduct any regulated activity within such lands without obtaining permission from the town. Regulated activity includes dredging..
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State of Massachusetts Environmental Impact Review Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Environmental Impact Review Requirements
State: Not Applicable
Section sixty-one of chapter thirty requires all agencies to review, evaluate, and determine the impact on the natural environment of all works, projects, or activities conducted by the agencies and use all practicable means and measures to minimize damage to the environment. Section sixty-two defines “agency” to mean “an agency, department, board, commission or authority of the commonwealth, and any authority of any political subdivision which is specifically created as an authority under special or general law.” Any determination made by an..
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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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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 New Windsor Stormwater Management & Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Environmental Law, Stormwater Management, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law adopts minimally acceptable stormwater management standards which must be met for subdivisions, site plans, and construction projects which impact more than one acre of property within the bounds of the Town. ..
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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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Township of Fairfield 2010 Build-Out Analysis
Date Added: Wednesday, November 4, 2015Build-Out Analysis
State: Not Applicable
The 2010 Build-Out Analysis by Fairfield Township in Cumberland County, New Jersey examined the amount of development authorized by its zoning code. The final document was endorsed by the Fairfield Township Environmental Commission, and adopted by the Fairfield Township Land Use Board as an Amendment to the Master Plan. The methodology used by the Township in the Build-Out Analysis is set forth as well as the zoning standards and acreage for each district type. The document utilizes lists, charts, and maps to illustrate the data collected for t..
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Parking Policy for Transit-Oriented Development: Lessons for Cities, Transit Agencies, and Developers
Date Added: Wednesday, October 28, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
State: Not Applicable
Parking policy is a key factor that can improve the performance of rail transit and Transit Oriented Development (TOD). This article evaluated information and insights of three studies on residential TODs, office TODs, and joint development of transit agency station parking in California. Results from the literature review showed that TOD parking supply and pricing policy are seldom structured to support transit ridership goals. The author has formulated policy recommendations for transit agencies, cities, and developers to improve parking poli..
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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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Philadelphia, PA Voluntary Affordable Housing
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Philadelphia includes in its housing code a provision for voluntary affordable housing. Moderate income units will be priced at levels affordable for 60% AMI, while low income units will be priced for 50% AMI. Where at least 50% of gross floor area will be designated for residential development, floor area, height, or dwelling density bonuses may apply. The bonuses are calculated depending on the zone and income designation. These affordable units must constitute at least 10% of all units, be affordable for 50 years, and be of comparable qualit..
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Pinellas County, FL Incentivizes Affordable Housing
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Pinellas County provides numerous incentives for affordable housing development: expedited permit processing, review fee relief, reduced parking requirements, housing in commercial zones, donation of publicly owned land, identifying qualified renters or buyers, density bonuses, accessory structures, reduced setback requirements, street design modifications, and zero lot lines. Where 20% of the units are affordable to households at 60% AMI or below, these incentives may apply...
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City of Portland, Oregon Code, Title 33.218- Community Design Standards
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Historic District Preservation, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within their Community Design Standards, Portland, Oregon eliminated discretionary review of solar energy systems that adhere to community design standards, thereby making it easier for solar panels to be installed in historic districts...
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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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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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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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Land Use Planning for Public Health: The Role of Local Boards of Health in Community Design and Development
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Local Boards, Healthy Communities, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This article focuses on the health issues arising from the built environment and the roles of both the government and private sector must do to combat these issues. First the article discusses issues affecting the built environment, such as decreases in water and air quality, loss of farmland, increase in traffic and residential segregation. A key focus in the article is how transportation plays a major role in shaping the built environment and how urban design can create greater quality neighborhoods. The article also goes into detail about wa..
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City of San Diego Land Development Manual: Storm Water Standards
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Floodplain Regulations, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed as a manual for selection, design, and incorporation of storm water Best Management Practices (BMPs) into the project’s design plan. It requires identification of pollutants of concern from land use activities and pollutants and conditions of concern in receiving waters. The manual additionally requires pollution prevention throughout. One example is pollution prevention through pest control in the design of a site to avoid pesticide application...
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National Healthy Housing Standard
Date Added: Wednesday, July 18, 2018Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Affordability, location, and quality of housing have all been independently linked to health. The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) have created an evidenced based National Healthy Housing Standard as a tool to reconnect the housing and public sectors, and as an evidence based-standard of care for those in the position of improving housing conditions. The Standard developed by these two groups provides health-based provisions to fill gaps where no property maintenance policy exists and ..
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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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Town of Clinton Cluster Development Residential Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
This residential cluster development law establishes a procedure for specifying the zoning district in which the law is applicable and the objectives to be accomplished. The law’s “standards” provide the applicable density and dimensional requirements and siting guidelines.
The law provides for the preservation of open space land and the granting of perpetual conservation easements to the municipality or qualified not-for-profits that prevent further development.
..
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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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City of Apple Valley Natural Resources Management Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This broad natural resource management ordinance attempts to “protect, preserve, and enhance the natural resources and environment.” It forces the collection of data on the parcel in question and mandates low impact and best practices which preserve water quality, wetlands, trees, an reduce soil erosion among other issues...
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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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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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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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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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 118 of the Municipal Code for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson is designed to prevent erosion and to protect property, roadways, and waterways from the negative effects of erosion, including deposition on roadways, creation of gullies, flooding, clogging of sewers, pollution, the increase of weeds in waterways, and the death of fish. ..
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Town of Mount Pleasant Stormwater Management & Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff, by establishing minimum stormwater management requirements and controls. The Town Board is empowered to create this law and regulate on this subject matter, in order to protect the general health, safety and well-being of its citizens, as provided by the Municipal Home Rule Law of New York...
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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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City of Mapleton Critical Environmental Zone Clustering
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
The Mapleton City Critical Environmental Zone includes an allowance for cluster zoning when such zoning will improve ridgeline protection, decrease or not increase environmental hazards, and decrease the cost of infrastructure to the city. While the overall allowed density is not increased, dwellings that have been approved for clustering are allowed an increase in density from one dwelling per three acres to one dwelling per acre. Designed open space in approved cluster development may be owned by the city or an approved non-profit. ..
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Town of Blooming Grove Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 201 of the Town Code for the Town of Blooming Grove provides for use of structural and nonstructural practices designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate adverse impacts on property, natural resources and the environment. The General Provisions are divided into several areas: Findings; Purpose; Statutory authority; Applicability; Exemptions. The sections of the Stormwater Control provision are: Definitions; Pollution prevention plans; Performance and design criteria; Maintenance and repair of facilities; Administration and enfo..
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City of San Antonio Aquifer Recharge Zone and Watershed Protection
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
San Antonio establishes its Aquifer Recharge Zone and Watershed Protection law in order to meet its “goal of nondegradation which maintains or improves the quality of water entering the Edwards Aquifer.” Persons wishing to develop in the recharge zone must submit a lengthy application that details the features of the property, creates plans for sediment control, drainage, and maintenance, details the activities that will take place on the property, and sets up required monitoring and performance requirements as provided by the law...
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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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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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Town of East Hampton Policy Statement & Coastal Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Coastal Protection, Overlay District, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of East Hampton acknowledges that, while the extent of future sea level rise and increased storm activity may be uncertain, “it is well established that present sea level is rising and statistically certain that storms will be an ever-present threat to the Town’s coastal zone.” By enacting the coastal flooding and erosion control recommendations of the Town’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Policies 11-17, the Town’s Coastal Overlay District (COD) is intended to improve protection of coastal resources in East Hampton. The CO..
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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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Form-Based Codes: Lessons Learned from a Mount Holly, NJ Case Study
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Form-based code merge design specifications for land development with transportation elements in order to attain the desired built environment and encourages a mix of uses and building types while emphasizing form and function. It governs building massing, streetscapes, and parking locations to promote development or redevelopment. Form-based codes were implemented in municipalities, including Mount Holly Township, throughout New Jersey as a part of the Mobility and Community Form Initiative, which is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of T..
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Town of North Castle Wetlands Purpose Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Adult Entertainment, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Scenic Resources, Stormwater Management, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law states the Town Board’s rationale for protecting wetlands within the Town of North Castle, NY. Some of the stated reasons include: the import role the wetlands have in cleaning the water supply, their function as a habitat for plant, fish and wildlife species, their role in absorbing stormwater, and their importance as a scenic resource. ..
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County of Westchester Model Conservation Easement
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. There is an introductory commentary written by the Westchester Land Trust that explains some of the key provisions that are necessary in the terms of the agreement. There are also explanations of key elements and requirements particular to New York. This sample is discussed in the commentary Conservation Easements & Land Trusts: Overview, Examples and their Role in the Development Process, written by Sam Brown...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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Building Healthy Places Tool Kit: Strategies for Enhancing Health in the Business Environment
Date Added: Tuesday, July 10, 2018Land Use Planning, Healthy Communities, Architectural Design Control
State: Not Applicable
The Building Healthy Places Tool Kit focuses on community opportunities to promote health and prevent its members from chronic diseases. This toolkit is meant to serve as a resource for shapers of buildings and projects interested in making “specific evidence supported design” to create a healthier environment. The report lists twenty-one recommendations for promoting “gold star” health organized into three separate categories; “physical activity, healthy food and drinking water, and healthy environment and social well-being”. These strategies ..
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Building Healthy Communities: Residents Live in Communities With Health-Promoting Land use, Transportation, and Community Development
Date Added: Thursday, July 12, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities, Complete Streets, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this guide is to provide strategies to help local planners improve health in their communities through land use design, transportation and community development. The document is broken down into twelve different categories of promising strategies used by local governments to improve overall public health. The it discusses how communities can measure progress after implementing these policies. This document focuses on centering the built environment around a walkable/bikeable community with complete streets policies, safe routes f..
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Healthy Planning: An evaluation of comprehensive plans addressing public health (APA)
Date Added: Wednesday, July 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this project is to create a framework which communities can follow that outline strategies of how to implement public health goals into comprehensive plans. More specifically, the project includes four sustainability plans that have been implemented across the United States. In “Examples” of Robust Public Health Policy, it discusses community examples which include active living, emergency preparedness, environmental exposures, food and nutrition, health and human services policies and social cohesion and mental health. The proje..
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Town of Brookhaven Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
This law attempts to minimize the amount of flood damage in the Town of Brookhaven by: (1) Regulating uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities, (2) Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction, (3) Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which are ..
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Babylon, NY Flood Damage Protection
Date Added: Thursday, April 12, 2018Healthy Communities, Disaster Mitigation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of the Flood Damage Protection legislation is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions.
The City of Babylon created a floodplain development permit which requires all construction in areas designed by the city as “special flood hazards.” Applications for these permits require certificates from a licensed professional engineer or architect showing that they meet the floodproofing requirements established in the legislation. The local administrator..
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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 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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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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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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Appropriate Parking Management Strategy for Successful Transit Oriented Development
Date Added: Monday, July 20, 2015Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Parking
State: Not Applicable
A major challenge to successfully implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is parking, specifically minimum parking requirements which produce an oversupply of parking that undermines the intended benefits of TOD. This Master’s thesis addresses the effects of parking on TOD’s success, the defects of conventional parking requirements, and specific strategies for TOD parking management, as well as providing a case study of parking in King County, Washington. Additionally, recommendations are given to assist communities in implementing park..
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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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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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City of Henderson Use Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Henderson, Nevada solar collection systems are permitted as an accessory use in all use districts. Within its Use Regulations chapter, Henderson lists specific setback, location, and height regulations for these solar collection systems. For example, “in all zoning districts, free-standing solar collection systems shall be located a minimum of six feet from all property lines and other structures.” Henderson further lists requirements for solar collection systems’ appearances such as integrating the system into the design and architectural c..
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