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Padavan Law wetlands permits resolution Padavan Process River Corridor Moratorium ordinance wetland setback bufer wetland buffer malta BEAVERTONSearch Results
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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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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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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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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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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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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State of New York Freshwater Wetlands Regulations
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Recreational Uses, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Article 24-Title 7 of New York State Consolidated Laws promulgates the sustained and safe use of Freshwater and Wetlands in the Town. Under the law, any person that wishes to engage in any of the enumerated activities including: draining, dredging, dumping, filling, in wetland areas as designated by the official map, shall seek a permit which will either be granted or denied depending on the outcome of the local government or the commissioner’s consideration of the effect of the proposed activity with reference to the public health and welfare,..
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City of Jamestown Freshwater Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Land Use Planning, Site Plan Approval, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is aimed at preserving and reclaiming wetlands, by creating a permit system, for persons who seek to conduct, or who are conducting, any activity on a freshwater wetland. ..
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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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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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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 Hyde Park Water Resources Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Water Conservation, Watershed Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Hyde Park’s public policy is to preserve, protect, and conserve its water resources while simultaneously balancing the rights of individual property owners’ with the rights of the community. Unless otherwise exempted, the Hyde Park requires a permit for activities including, but not limited to, draining, dredging, septic tank installation, vegetation removal, or any activity that may pollute the Town’s water resources.
The Planning Board takes a number of factors into consideration when approving, approving with conditions, or..
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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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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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County of Douglas Environmental Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The ordinance establishes environmental overlay districts in order to protect the groundwater and wetlands of the community. Activities having the potential to impact the groundwater or wetlands are regulated, including the lot size for new homes which will require a septic tank or septic field, chemical or petroleum storage tanks, and any development within 100 feet of a wetlands area. The districts are marked on the town’s Zoning maps. ..
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City of 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 Brookhaven Wetland Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Overlay District, Site Design Standards, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Increasing demand for development on property containing wetlands and surface waters may adversely impact and impair such natural resources. This statute creates an overlay district to protect property containing such resources. This statute uses Chapter 81 of the Town Code, Articles 24 and 25 of the New York Environmental Conservation Law, and maps drawn by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to determine what areas should be considered wetlands, buffer zones, etc. and protected in the overlay district. This statute ..
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Town of Barnstable Wetlands Buffer Zone Regulation; Conservation Commission Regulatory Summary
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Buffer Zones, Coastal Protection, Development Standards, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Barnstable’s Wetlands Buffer Zone Regulation Summary acknowledges that accelerated sea level rise will result in increased coastal erosion processes and impact land erosion, storm drainage, flooding and wetland loss. To address these impacts, the Town of Barnstable requires fifty-foot buffer zones for any land subject to flooding, inundation by groundwater, surface water, tidal action, or coastal storm flowage.
In the Conservation Commission’s Regulation Summary, revised in 2006, the Commission established additional performanc..
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Town of Yorktown Clustering and Flexibility Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this article is to encourage flexibility of design and development of land in such a manner as to promote the most appropriate use of land, to facilitate the adequate and economic provision of streets and utilities and to preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open land. ..
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City of Eugene Ordinance Concerning Erosion Prevention and Construction Site Management Practices
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
In 1994 Eugene became the first city of its size in the nation to be issued a municipal NPDES stormwater permit. To protect local waterways from construction-related activities, the City implemented the Erosion Prevention and Construction Site Management program in 1997. This program relies upon an "outcome-based" approach allowing contractors to choose the erosion prevention and construction site management practices best suited for a site. Eugene must approve erosion permits before any other construction permits are issued. Applicants must..
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Town of Falmouth Wetlands Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation, Site Design Standards, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Falmouth’s Wetland Regulations recognize that “special transitional areas,” portions of coastal floodplains that are immediately landward of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and barrier beaches, require special protection. To that end, these regulations require that relative sea level rise be considered in development proposals, and that buildings and other structures in special transitional areas be designed to incorporate a relative sea level rise of at least one foot per 100 years in “A-zones” (coastal storm flowage zones) and at le..
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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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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 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 Greenburgh Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Overlay District, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this law is to provide performance criteria assuring conservation of natural resources during and after development in a conservation district (CD). The CD is to be an overlay zone over any other zone allowed in the town. The Conservation District will be evaluated by criteria set out under this provision including the development standards. ..
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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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Town of Cortlandt Steep Slopes Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law recognizes the importance that the future development of land has on the Town of Cortlandt, and focuses on steep slopes in particular as they demand a higher degree of environmental sensitivity. Chapter 259 of the Town Code of Cortlandt establishes regulations which prevent improper disturbance or alteration of steep slopes. The purpose legislature was not to restrict general development in the town but to protect natural resources and preserve the visual and environmental character of the land. ..
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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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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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City of Decorah Conservation & Open Space (COS) Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control...
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City of Decorah Conservation & Open Space Regulations
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control...
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Town of Ellington Age-Restricted Cluster Housing Zone
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Affordable Housing , Clustering & Cluster Development, Overlay District, Senior Housing, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Age-Restricted Cluster Housing Zone (ARCHZ) is a floating zone designed to increase availability of market rate privately developed, common interest communities for empty nesters and seniors, while maintaining the rural character of the town, preserving open space and protecting natural resources. ARCHZ zoned property shall only be used for single-family, attached or detached residential housing. Each unit must contain at least one individual 55 or over (or the survivor of such a person); and no more than one child, who must be at least 18 ..
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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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Town of Amherst Development Methods Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Clustering & Cluster Development, Open Space Preservation, Planned Unit Development, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for a variety of Smart Growth activities within the town including cluster development, planned unit development, and open space community development according to general standards...
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Town of Brookhaven Central Pine Barrens District
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Brookhaven, New York, uses its zoning code to prevent floods, protect floodplains and other sensitive environmental areas. The zoning contains the Pine Barrens Credit Program, a transfer of development rights program, to maintain the value in lands designated for preservation and protection. Additionally, the program allows environmentally sensitive development to occur in an efficient and orderly fashion, which protects the quality and quantity of waters and the integrity of the Suffolk County Central Pine Barrens ecosystem(s). The..
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Town of 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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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 Amsterdam Development near Streams, Rivers & Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Law requiring that any development near streams, rivers, and wetlands receive a special use permit and approval from the zoning board. ..
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Town of 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 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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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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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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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 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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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 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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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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City of Ann Arbor Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Required Open Space Ordinance is to require wetland setbacks, which are not designated under the state wetlands law...
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Town of New Paltz Steep Slope Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Scenic Resources, Steep Slope Protection, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to protect the physical and aesthetic integrity of steep sloping topographic features in the Town of New Paltz. To this end, the law places restrictions on the construction methods used by builders in sensitive areas, and creates a permit process one must go through to get approval to build. ..
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Town of Mamaroneck Recreation District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Recreational Uses, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 240 of Mamaroneck’s Town Code creates the Recreation District and describes the qualities of such district...
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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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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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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 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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Town of Mamaroneck Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Flood Prevention, Quality of Life, Stormwater Management, Watershed Protection
State: Not Applicable
The intent of the enactment of the below regulations is to control and regulate land-disturbing activities to assure that best management practices are used which minimize water pollution, retain valuable topsoil and vegetation and prevent flooding, erosion and sedimentation. The Town therefore declares that the purpose of this chapter is to safeguard persons, protect property, prevent damage to the environment and promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development ..
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Town of 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 Kennett Open Space Design Options Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is a lengthy and detailed open space ordinance that contains a component emphasizing protection of steep slopes and ridgelines...
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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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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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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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County of Collier Coastal Zone Management Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Coastal Protection, Environmental Impact Review Requirements, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
In order to protect, conserve, and appropriately use its coastal areas, the Collier County Coastal Zone Management ordinance requires planning consistence, site development prioritization, and impact planning that considers potential impacts of sea level rise. The law requires that all new and existing development in the coastal zone furthers the goals, objectives and policies of the Growth Management Plan’s Conservation and Coastal Management Element, preserving native vegetation and limiting development densities for sites within undeveloped..
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New York State Statutes that Provide for the Protection of Agricultural Lands
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
Michael Morea’s article reviews different New York State statutes and different methods that can be implemented to preserve farmland and still allow development. The author concludes that New York State is trying to carry out its Constitutional policy of preserving farmland, but that the statutes are largely separated and it is difficult for the municipality to create a effective policy. Some of the statutes that the author discovered provide tax breaks and financial incentives for the creation of easements restricting the land to agricultural ..
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City of 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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Town of Kent Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Kent’s Freshwater Wetlands ordinance contains enforcement provisions which specifically related to the protection of this natural resource. ..
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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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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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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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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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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 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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Town of Gardiner Zoning Definitions & Word Use Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law provides the definition of terms used in Gardiner’s zoning laws. Some of the definitions listed include: wetland, dwelling, central sewage system, commercial excavation, development, impervious surface, junkyard, kennel, farm operation, floor area, lot, mobile home, principle use or structure, substantial improvement, and watercourse...
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Village of Bronxville Site Plan & Subdivision Approval Standards
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Site Design Standards, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Approvals, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Bronxville, New York, requires any land being cleared or altered, any building or other structure being constructed, demolished, moved, externally altered or enlarged, any water course, floodplain or wetlands being diverted, dredged or filled, any use of land, building, or other structure being changed, any building or other use permit being issued, to receive the final approval of a site plan granted by the Planning Board. However, detached single-family residential buildings permitted as-of-right under the applicable zoning reg..
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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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Town of Yorktown Conservation Area Protection Laws
Date Added: Wednesday, March 30, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
The Conservation Area Protection Laws regulate certain land uses to preserve the physical condition of certain real property. Specifically, the purpose of the Chapter 140 is the preservation or maintaining the scenic, open, historic, architectural, natural or open physical condition of the real property...
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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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City of Jamestown High Groundwater Table Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District, Water Conservation, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Jamestown designated a High Ground Water Table and Impervious Layer Overlay District in which, in order to preserve the town’s fresh water supply, the area has been deemed unsuitable for unrestricted development. The District is divided into two sub-districts: sub-district A has a higher groundwater table, and thus heightened restrictions on development, and sub-district B, a lower groundwater table, and less restrictive development requirements. The ordinance lays out the restrictions on development within each zone, as well as th..
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City of Ann Arbor Required Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance, is to require wetland setbacks, which are not permitted under the state wetlands law...
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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 Wilmington Mixed Use District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning, Mixed/Multiple Use
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for the granting of density bonuses for various environmental improvements, transportation enhancements, affordable housing, preservation of historic resources and improvement of pedestrian facilities. The more significant the community benefit, the greater the bonus awarded. ..
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Town of Brookhaven, Chapter 8: Bay and Harbor Bottoms
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Coastal Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to prevent conflicts of use and provide for the safe navigation of waters within the Town. It provides definitions of those assets and land affected by the ordinance and then sets forth the different permitted uses and forbidden acts in regards to the area. In particular, a permit policy is established and punishments prescribed for the breaking of the ordinance. ..
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Town of Yorktown Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 30, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Yorktown Erosion Control Ordinance requires landowners to obtain a permit for all land disturbing activities not exempted. Each permit must contain information about site conditions, the proposed activity, and an erosion and sediment control plan which allows the approval board to make informed decisions. General standards are also set forth in order to ensure that actions are taken to minimize the potential for erosion and to reduce the harmful effects on adjacent resources. Further, the ordinance requires activities exempted fr..
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City of 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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City of Newburgh Environmental Constraints Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Environmental Law, Steep Slope Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law limits the areas within the City of Newburgh, NY in which construction can take place, as a means of protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Particularly, this law places restrictions on construction in wetland and watercourse areas, as well as steep slope areas. ..
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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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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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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 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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Town of Babylon Structures Over Water Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Coastal Protection, Site Plan Approval, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 213, Article XXXII, allows building permits to be given for structures erected over water (which are usually banned under the zoning laws) if two criteria are met. Those criteria are: that the town board must find that (1) No discharges of pollutants or other activities of any kind deleterious to surrounding wetland and surface water shall be permitted to occur on the site, and (2) there shall be provision made for the safe collection and disposal of waste. ..
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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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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 Somers Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Somers delegated the authority to review and approve site plans to the Planning Board. The board may prescribe conditions to encourage the most appropriate use of the land taking into account of among other items open spaces, environmentally sensitive lands, trees and vegetation. ..
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Town of Clifton Park Selective Cutting of Timber Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 184 of the Town Code for the Town Clifton Park regulates the cutting of trees six inches or more in diameter at breast height. In order to cut such trees, the law requires loggers to apply for a permit in accord with the permit procedure enumerated in § 184-3 of the ordinance. The ordinance charges the Building Inspector with the enforcement of the ordinance and the ordinance also sets for the penalties for noncompliance...
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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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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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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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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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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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Agricultural District
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
The town of Ulysses, New York created policy to protect an area of historical and functional use as an agriculture district. The stated purpose of this zone is “to protect the agricultural production resources. . . viable agricultural operations and the agricultural heritage of the town.” This zoning district – called A1 – has been designated as an area whose primary land use is agriculture; the town created limitations on what structures can be erected and what purpose the land can be used for within the district. They also state that any prac..
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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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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 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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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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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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Buncombe County Land Development and Subdivision Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Stormwater Management, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this chapter of the Buncombe County Land Development and Subdivision Ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for the subdivision of land within the county to facilitate the adequate provision of streets, water, sewage, disposal, and other considerations essential to public health, safety, and general welfare. Section 70-66 sets forth general requirements of subdivision standards to serve this purpose. These include conformity to existing maps or plans, the continuation of adjoining road systems and road names whenever ..
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City of Lewes Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Despite its lengthy Zoning Chapter, the City of Lewes in Delaware only mentions solar panels once throughout the entire chapter. The Chapter states that the Lewes Historic Preservation Commission may not deny the addition of solar panels in the city’s Historic District except to designate reasonable alternative design and/or placement. ..
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City of 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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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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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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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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City of Santa Fe Terrain and Stormwater Management Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management
State: Not Applicable
The Santa Fe Terrain and Stormwater Management Ordinance is designed to help capture stormwater and increase its infiltration in order to reduce substantial erosion hazards due to uncontrolled runoff, and to conserve and capture water resources. There are exemptions for development meeting such standards as less than 1000 SF of land disturbance and on slopes less than 10%. The ordinance provides for minimum grading standards, soil engineering reports if over 1,000 cubic yards of earth is moved, and the use of BMPs during construction. There are..
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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 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 Manor Protection of Natural Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Steep Slope Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
§ 220-15 of the Municipal Code for The Village of Briarcliff Manor promulgates policy designed to protect the Village’s natural resources which include but are not limited to steep slopes, wetlands, forests, water bodies, exceptional or unique views and various unique, unusual or specific surface or subsurface factors pertaining to the soil. Special limitations are provided to protect the largest slopes as these shall not be developed or in any way physically modified, except when necessary for access, land or natural resources, preservation or..
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County of Miami-Dade Science & Technology Committee Climate Change Advisory Task Force Statement
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
In July 2006, the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance creating the Miami Dade Climate Change Advisory Task Force to provide technical assistance and advice to the Board of County Commissioners concerning mitigation and adaptation measures in response to the impacts of global climate change. The Task Force consists of twenty-five appointed members representing various sectors of the Miami-Dade community including government agencies and educational institutions.
The Science and Technology Committee is one of six commit..
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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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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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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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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 Fairbault Zoning and Development Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Fairbault, Minnesota permits solar energy systems in all of its zoning districts. In a separate sub-section within its Code of Ordinances, Fairbault lists a few solar energy systems regulations that only apply to properties that have more than four square feet of solar panels. These regulations include a maximum of one hundred twenty square feet of solar panels on one property parcel; specific requirements for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems; and that an applicant must obtain building and electrical permits for all systems over four squ..
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City of 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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Salem Area Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
Identified as a model for Oregon by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, Salem’s comprehensive plan identifies specific areas called public investment areas (PIAs) where improvements are focused. Their purpose is to coordinate and concentrate investments for urban services, such as sewer, water, drainage, streets, parks, and schools, to provide full-serviced land for development, and to reduce the amount of dispersed development. Salem’s focused public investment plan (FPIP) ensures that planned projects are timed so that services..
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City of Issaquah Landscape & Tree Preservation Regulations - Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Issaquah’s tree preservation provisions authorizes the approval authority to grant a tree removal permit if removal will provide solar access to buildings incorporating active solar devices, including windows that face south and contain special storage elements to distribute heat energy. City of Issaquah, WA Landscape & Tree Preservation Regulations §§ 18.12.1380(B)(3)(a)(2), 18.12.1385(B)(5), 18.12.141(B)(3). ..
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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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency Review
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Coastal Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York approved a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency Review Ordinance (or Chapter 225 of the Municipal Code) to ensure a proper balance between protection of natural resources and the need to accommodate population growth and economic development within the Village. The Law establishes a Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. First, a Village agency must prepare a coastal assessment form (CAF) to assist with the consistency review for any program approval or fu..
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Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency Review
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Coastal Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York approved a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency Review Ordinance (or Chapter 225 of the Municipal Code) to ensure a proper balance between protection of natural resources and the need to accommodate population growth and economic development within the Village. The Law establishes a Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. First, a Village agency must prepare a coastal assessment form (CAF) to assist with the consistency review for any program approval or fu..
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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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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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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 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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Updated Town and Village of Middleburgh Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Economic Development, Flood Prevention, Historic Preservation, Land Use Planning, Open Space Preservation, Solar Energy, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town and Village of Middleburgh, New York’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan calls for commercial-scale solar farms to be allowed through a Special Use Permit and that standards be applied to this use that ensures consistency with the scenic, environmental, and agricultural needs of the community. According to the plan, modifications to the community’s zoning ordinance should be made to ensure that these farms do not create negative aesthetic impacts and or direct glare onto roads or neighboring properties. The Plan also calls for the Town’s zoning ..
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Town of Woodstock Preliminary Discussion Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
State: Not Applicable
Prior to submitting a formal application for a zoning permit or special permit, applicants in the Town of Woodstock are encouraged to prepare a rough conceptual plan of the proposed project or use, and to discuss the proposal with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission. These discussions are informal and non-binding. In addition, to better facilitate the overall subdivision application and design process in Woodstock, it is strongly recommended that a pre-application meeting be held between the Applicant, the si..
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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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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 Cazenovia Lake Watershed Residential Use District
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Development Standards, Open Space Preservation, Site Design Standards, Watershed Protection, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
§ 165-11 and § 165-12 of the Town Code for the Town of Cazenovia list several regulations that are designed to limit the use of the lake and the development of property around the lake. Buildings in the designated area around the lake, except for churches and schools, have height limits, and buildings and lots have minimum size requirements. No machinery, equipment, or vehicles used in a business can be stored outside. Boat houses cannot be used for residential purposes and are limited by size and structure requirements. Recreational use an..
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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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Model Ordinance for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Date Added: Thursday, March 29, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In order to ensure that solar resources are developed in a way that protects the environment and preserves community character, the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (RPDB) created a model zoning ordinance as part of it’s work to help get Central New York “Solar Ready.” The model zoning ordinance was developed to assist local governments to address land use concerns and to provide clear guidance and direction to developers and property owners for the appropriate development of solar energy systems...
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Town of Greenburgh Protection of Steep Slopes Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Steep Slope Protection, Watershed Protection, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of Chapter 245 of Greenburgh’s Town Code is to prevent erosion and sedimentation, including loss of topsoil, and protection of the water quality. Through this chapter, the Town also seeks to minimize the development of hilltops and ridgelines wherever possible. ..
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Town of Brookhaven Water Resources Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Aquifer Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 78 of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven intends to protect local groundwater from appropriation, pollution, and removal. No person may remove subterranean water or discharge industrial waste into such water within the town without obtaining a permit. A person may remove subterranean water provided it is recharged into the ground in the town. Permits are issued only if the removal of the water or the discharge of waste will not diminish or harm the supply of groundwater. The town may charge a fee to use the water. The town ma..
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Town of North Salem Freshwater Wetlands Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Erosion & 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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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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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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The Land Use Stabilization Wedge Strategy: Shifting Ground to Mitigate Climate Change
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Emissions, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Land Use Planning, Local Environmental Law, Local Governance, Solar Energy, Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
This article by John R. Nolon was published in William & Mary Environmental Law & Policy Review. The article describes how local governments, through the clever application of existing land use techniques, can mitigate climate change. This strategic path follows one developed by Princeton professor Robert Socolow, who identified and described fifteen categories for organizing society's climate change mitigation efforts. Five of Socolow's strategic categories fall within the reach of local land use authority: reduced use of vehicles, energy effi..
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City of Ashland Incentive Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Ashland uses a performance-based system to allow increased development densities with quality design. The purpose of the Ashland City Code Title 18 is to allow an option for more flexible design than is permissible under the conventional zoning codes. Designs should stress things such as energy efficiency, architectural creativity and innovation, and use the natural features of the landscape to their greatest advantage. ..
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Town of Geneva, New York Zoning Code § 130-4: Solar collectors and installations for major systems or solar farms
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
§ 130-4 of the Geneva Zoning Code is called Solar collectors and installations for major systems or solar farms. It highlights the requirements a solar system must follow to be allowed within all zoning districts in Geneva. This section also highlights the provisions of a decommissioning plan for solar sites, which must be included with all applications...
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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 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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County of Kent Comprehensive Plan Update
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 7 of Kent County’s Comprehensive Plan discusses various areas of importance and recommends general guidelines for protection of these areas. Included is discussions of the importance of the preservation of wetlands, beaches and shorelines, coastal areas, and stormwater managements, as well as information regarding more specific areas such as the Silver Lake Watershed. ..
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Town of North Castle Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of North Castle finds and declares that the preservation of trees as defined below is necessary to protect the quality of life in the Town of North Castle because trees provide shade, impede soil erosion, aid water absorption and retention, inhibit excess runoff and flooding, and enhance the community in various other ways. ..
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Town of North Castle Parkland Reservations Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Recreational Uses, Site Plan Approval, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
It is the intent of the Town Board to require the provision of parkland and recreation land in conjunction with the granting of site development plan approval for multifamily uses in all zoning districts of the Town of North Castle where such uses are permitted. The Town of North Castle finds that multifamily housing places an added burden on the Town of North Castle in regard to providing adequate park and recreation areas to service the needs of the inhabitants of such housing. In the event that it is not practical, in the opinion of the Plan..
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City of Saratoga Springs New York Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 31, 2017Stormwater Management, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of the City of Saratoga Springs Zoning Ordinance is to encourage physical development while promoting public health, safety, and welfare. The ordinance is intended to classify, designate, and regulate the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, or other uses, and to divide the City into districts best suited to carry out the regulations set forth in the General City Law and provide for their enforcement. The regulations and district boundaries identified in the Zonin..
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Town of Blooming Grove Tree Harvesting Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Enforcement, Landscaping, Quality of Life, Timber Harvesting, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 219 of the Town Code for the Town of Blooming Grove is intended to regulate timber harvesting, require land reclamation and utilize professional management expertise in timber harvesting. The general purpose of the article is to promote the welfare of the residents of the by protecting the natural environment and public safety as may be affected by timber harvesting. The article sets permit requirements as well as standards, enforcement authorizations and penalties...
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Town of Chili Agricultural Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Accessory Uses , Open Space Preservation, Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law was created by the Town Board of Chili, NY, in an effort to protect agricultural lands within the town by creating the Agricultural Conservation District. The law describes: the accessory and conditional uses that are allowed, the dimension requirements for the district, incentive zoning requirements and other miscellaneous requirements needed to set up the district. ..
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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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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 Big Flats Aquifer Protection Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District, Zoning, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to protect the local drinking water in the interest of public health and safety. The town is creating an Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) to create districts in which certain uses of water are permitted. There are also various uses of water that are and are not permitted which vary by the districts that are set forth in the ordinance...
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Town of Gorham Land Use and Development Code § 1A-4[A][4]- Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Gorham’s density bonus provisions provide a maximum density bonus of 25% over the allowable base density for residential and nonresidential uses in planned unit developments (PUD) in exchange for public amenities, including solar access and energy efficient design, layout, and construction. To qualify for a bonus of 5 percent above the allowable base density, a PUD may provide solar access to 40 percent of the dwelling units and ensure through appropriate deed restrictions that dwelling units will utilize solar energy systems for wa..
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Village of Long Grove Conservancy Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is meant to act as a supplement to already existing zoning regulations to create conservation districts. Within these districts, additional protection will be afforded to protect against the degradation of the environment through such things as erosion, flooding, deforestation, and pollution...
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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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City of Brookfield Well Head Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to provide protection to the City of Brookfield’s water supply. The law includes standards and regulations, relating to well head protection, which apply to businesses and residents of the City. These standards proscribe distances which must separate the City’s well heads from certain types of businesses and certain land uses. The law also has placed a ban on some activities which present a possible danger to the City’s water supply, and discusses the penalties which would accompany the violation of these regulations. ..
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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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State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Moratorium on Development
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Local Boards, Moratoria
State: Not Applicable
This instructional paper gives local leaders an overview of ways in which to implement a moratorium on development in their communities. The paper covers such topics as: defining moratoria on development, the purpose of creating a moratorium on development, how and when to implement the moratorium, the authority under which communities are able to implement the moratorium, a description of what limitations and concerns may come up, and examples of municipalities putting moratoria into action.
..
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Town of Croton-on-Hudson Environmental Compliance Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Environmental Compliance
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates the position of an environmental consultant empowered to monitor new development to ensure that it is being complete in full compliance with the Town’s environmental protection laws. ..
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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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Village of Cross Plains Hill Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Buffer Zones, Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Cross Plains established the following general regulations to protect the bluffs surrounding the village from development. They prohibit use or disturbance of hillsides and hilltop edges and require hilltop development to limit any land, vegetation, or scenic disturbance...
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Town of Gardiner Subdivision of Land Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
The Subdivision of Land ordinance in Chapter 188 of the Town Code for the Town of Gardiner charges the Planning Board with approval of all subdivisions and parcels within the Town. The code gives a full description of the transfer and uses of the land within subdivisions. The ordinance also imposes penalties for violations of the subdivision rules. ..
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City of Grand Rapids Alternative Energy Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Under its section on Alternative Energy within its Code of Ordinances, Grand Rapids, Michigan incorporated a subsection on solar energy. According to that sub-section, solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all districts. “In Residential Zone Districts, solar energy systems may be installed on the roof of a primary or accessory structure.” The subsection goes on to list placement regulations as well as the factors the Planning Director will have to consider for an Administrative Departure to allow for solar panels on the fron..
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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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Environmental Compliance Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Development Standards, Clustering & Cluster Development, Environmental Compliance, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This law authorizes the village Planning Board, and other advisory boards within the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, to retain the services of an Environmental Consultant to review and consult the board(s) concerning development taking place within the village’s environmentally sensitive areas, and to assure that environmental compliance measures are followed. The law also describes the role and duties of the Environmental Consultant. ..
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Conservation and Development: Comprehensive Plan Region 10 Alaska
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
The Juneau Comprehensive Plan sets out both sustainable growth visions and natural resource goals for the borough. Adopted in 1995, the plan states policy goals and options for implementing these goals. With respect to development, the plan calls for compact urban areas to minimize environmental impacts and protect natural resources. The natural resources chapter highlights Juneau’s unique natural setting and the importance of regulating habitat and resource protection at the local level. It calls for the protection of wetlands and streams, w..
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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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State of Louisiana Green Space Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Land Use Planning, Local Environmental Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This model law provides a template for Louisiana parishes wishing to implement a green space ordinance to preserve water resources. The model law creates a servitude on the property between the property owner and the parish government and is a mandatory prerequisite for the issuance of any and all building permits. The servitude provides for a certain percentage of land on a property that shall remain in a natural, undisturbed or revegetated state, and allows the parish to enter the land for random inspections or following a complaint; the pa..
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Village of Port Chester Waterfront Consistency Review Law
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Local Environmental Law, Waterfront Revitalization
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of Port Chester’s Waterfront Consistency Review Law is to provide consistent review procedures in the coastal area. It creates a waterfront commission, the duties of which include reviewing Coastal Assessment Forms (CAF) to determine whether proposed actions are consistent with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) by incorporating environmental factors and consideration of coastal resources into the village planning and decision-making processes...
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City of Hudson Watershed Rules Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Watershed Protection, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Law requiring minimum distances between potentially polluting activities and the public water supply sources. The law also restricts activities the City has deemed harmful to the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. ..
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Agricultural Residential Zone for Readington Township in Hunterdon County
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
Readington Township passed this Agricultural Residential Zone Ordinance to preserve open space and farmland. This ordinance requires that within the designated Agricultural Residential (AR) zone, any lots over 40 acres must be developed as 1.5 acre open space clusters. Land tracts that are 30 acres or greater adjacent to deed restricted farmland or open space within the AR zone must also be developed as 1.5 open space clusters. ..
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State of New York Series I: Basic Tools and Techniques Issue Number 3 Local Boards and Practices
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Land Use Planning, Local Boards
State: Not Applicable
The New York state legislature has created a system of local boards to govern the use and conservation of land and the quality of life as it is affected by land use. The local legislature adopts zoning and land use regulations; after a zoning code is adopted by this first group, a zoning board of appeals is created to perform quasi-judicial and administrative functions; and a planning board is created to perform advisory and administrative functions related to community planning and land use decision-making...
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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 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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Town of Southampton, NY Pre-Application Process
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Healthy Communities, Health Impact Assessments
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Southampton, NY requires an in-depth pre-application process for subdivision approval for developers. The zoning code involves detailed steps that requires a lot of information from the developer upfront. The developer is required to set up a fee schedule with the town and may have to pay the town an upfront cost to be held in escrow for any additional clerical or consulting costs incurred during the application process. The subdivision developer must also provide an alternative cluster plan to their development. The planning board ..
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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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Land Use Law Center Streamlined Review & Approval Process
Date Added: Saturday, April 22, 2017Streamlining
State: Not Applicable
For cities and villages to encourage needed development and the tax base benefits it brings, they must be certain that the process of receiving, reviewing, and acting on applications for land use approvals is efficient, saving applicants the time and cost of undue delays. Streamlining ensures that this process is as clear and understandable as possible, from the moment an applicant enters city or village hall until a Certificate of Occupancy for a project is secured. This document is designed to assist municipalities in assessing the purpose o..
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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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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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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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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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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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State of Massachusetts Conservation Restrictions Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Farmland Protection & Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This statute grants the authority to “any governmental body” to acquire and hold conservation restrictions for purposes including conservation of land or water area. The restriction is subject to approval by the secretary of environmental affairs. In determining whether the restriction is in the public interest, the governmental body shall take into consideration the public interest in conservation and any national, state, regional, and local program as well as any public state, regional, or local comprehensive land use or development plan af..
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State of New York Local Leaders Guide to Comprehensive Planning
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
This instructional paper gives local leaders an overview of ways in which to implement comprehensive planning in their communities. The paper covers such topics as: a definition of comprehensive planning, the purpose of developing a comprehensive plan, how and when to implement the plan, the authority under which communities are able to implement the plan, and a description of what limitations and concerns may come up. ..
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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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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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Proposed Hatfield Zoning Amendment - Water Supply Protection District
Date Added: Wednesday, July 22, 2015Aquifer Protection, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This zoning amendment delineates the boundaries of the Water Supply Protection District and specifies what uses are prohibited or restricted inside of the district, such as the prohibition of a certain percentage of impervious surface. The requirements for obtaining special permits, which may only be granted provided that no adverse effect on water quality or quantity occurs, are also described...
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State of New Hampshire State Land Use Enabling Act
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Planning, Local Governance, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
New Hampshire does not require local governments to adopt zoning, but if a local government chooses to zone it is required first to adopt a master plan. The master plan must include a vision section and a land use element. It may also include transportation, community facilities, economic development, natural resources, natural hazards, and recreation elements. The state’s grant of power to local governments extends the purposes of the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act to expressly include the use of innovative planning techniques and the use..
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City of Bainbridge Island Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 18.90 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code describes the purpose, procedures, and zoning incentives related to the creation of affordable housing...
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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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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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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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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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Town of Shelter Island Nature Preserve System
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Shelter Island Nature Preserve System is a regulation meant to supplement existing town regulations and procedures so that certain Town-owned and privately owned properties can be protected from inappropriate use and development. The Act is meant to protect the natural diversity that exists in natural areas that are being threatened by population growth and a developing economy. ..
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Town of Dover Aquifer Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Dover aquifer overlay district ordinance regulates activities by performance standards. These standards pertain to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, wastewater treatment systems, sediment generation, and the control of other chemicals that have the potential to adversely impact aquifers...
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Village of Larchmont Critical Environmental Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
The statute designates specific areas within New York State as critical areas of environmental concern and affords protections to these areas from adverse actions prescribed by law and regulations...
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State of Massachusetts Conservation Commissions Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Floodplain Regulations, Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This statute grants conservation commissions regulatory authority over the use of flood plains. The statute authorizes a city or town to establish a conservation commission for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the city or town. Such commission may adopt rules and regulations governing the use of land and waters under its control to achieve its purpose. Its authorities include the study of land and water and subsequent creation of plans and maps consistent with the town ma..
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Model Active Use Conservation Easement for Western United States
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, specifically the easement address provisions that may be relevant for properties that intend to stay as working farms or ranches. The source of this sample is the Red Lodge Clearinghouse, which seeks to resolve resource conflicts in the western U.S. ..
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Worcester County, Maryland Alternative Energy Facilities Regulation
Date Added: Thursday, June 30, 2016Alternative Energy, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its alternative energy facilities regulation, Worcester County defines solar energy systems, in part, based on energy capacity. It defines large solar energy systems as those with a rated capacity of two hundred kilowatts or greater. Medium solar energy systems are ground-mounted systems with a rated capacity greater than five kilowatts but less than two hundred kilowatts or roof-mounted systems of any capacity in excess of five kilowatts. Finally, small solar energy systems have a rated capacity of five kilowatts or less. ..
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County of Douglas Single-Family Residential Drainage, Erosion, and Sediment Control Requirements
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes minimum sediment and erosion control requirements in Douglas County to protect the “life, property and the environment.” It was awarded the International Erosion Control Association (IECA)'s Environmental Achievement Grand Award in 2004. It applies to all single-family and includes slope requirements for final pervious and non-pervious grades on the lot, and the installation of Best Management Practices before the Certificate of Occupancy can be issued...
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Town of New Milford Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Subdivision Approvals, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for subdivision of lands subject to approval. Characteristics evaluated to determine approval include steep slopes, hazardous conditions, and subject to flooding...
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County of 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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City of Ann Arbor Land Development Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Development Standards, Local Environmental Law, Planned Unit Development, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas...
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City of Ann Arbor Land Development Regulations
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Development Standards, Local Environmental Law, Planned Unit Development, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas...
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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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Town of Batavia Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Overlay District, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to protect those areas of the town which are important to ensuring a safe and healthful drinking water supply for the Batavia area, local residents, employees and the general public through the preservation of the town's groundwater sources. The designation of two Wellhead Protection Areas (WPA) within the Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone and the careful regulation of activities with these zones will reduce the potential for groundwater contamination. The Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone will preserve and maintain the exist..
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Town of Guilford Land Acquisition Commission
Date Added: Monday, September 19, 2016Land Acquisition
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes a Land Acquisition Commission to enact the goals of the Town of Guilford Plan for Open Space and Municipal Land Needs, as adopted into the Plan of Conservation and Development for the town. The commission evaluates land as it becomes available and may work towards acquiring the land for the community...
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Town of Brookhaven Nature Preserves Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this law is to create nature preserves and to keep these areas in their existing natural or near natural state for the benefit of present and future Town residents. The law address such topics as the evaluation and dedication of parcels to nature preserve, management of nature preserves, volunteers, nature preserves designated on lands not owned by the Town, use of nature preserves, hours of operation, responsibility for loss, damage or theft, prohibitions, removal of all or portions of site from nature preserve, “Adopt-A-Preser..
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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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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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Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Coastal Protection, Comprehensive Planning, Intermunicipal Agreements, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program offers a comprehensive vision for the preservation and development of the Long Island Sound coast in the State of New York. It focuses on four main issues: “The Developed Coast,” which seeks to incorporate the natural landscape of the sound with community development; “The Natural Coast,” which aims to achieve sustainable use of the Sound’s natural resources; “The Public Coast,” which has the goal of providing more public access to the Sound; and finally, “The Working Coast,” which encourages th..
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Massachusetts Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This statute authorizes a city or town to establish a conservation commission for the promotion, development and protection of the natural resources of the city or town. Paragraph two below authorizes such commission to adopt rules and regulations governing the use of agricultural lands under its control to achieve its purpose. Such regulations shall not be less stringent than those regulations under section forty of chapter one hundred and thirty-one, which sets the statewide minimum standard for the regulation of the environment and natura..
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State of Massachusetts Conservation Commissions Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Aquifer Protection, Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 40, § 8C grants conservation commissions implied regulatory authority to protect aquifers. It authorizes a city or town to establish a conservation commission for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the city or town. Such commission may adopt rules and regulations governing the use of land and waters under its control to achieve its purpose. Its authorities further include the study of land and water and subsequent creation of plans and maps consistent with the town ma..
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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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County of Fairfax Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance not only requires that land disturbing activity meets Virginia best management practice guidelines, but lists several more stringent controls. For instance, the use of brush or rebar-enforced straw bale barriers is not allowed. Additionally, this ordinance lists a number of fees which must be paid prior to the issuance of any land disturbing permits including: soil report fees, drainage study fees, and water quality fees...
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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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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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State of Massachusetts Agricultural Incentive Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Incentive Zoning, Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This statute authorizes a city or town to determine and designate agricultural land or land with horticultural use as agricultural incentive areas upon consultation with, and review by local and regional planning and zoning boards. Section two of this statute authorizes a municipality to establish an agricultural incentive area committee for purposes of performing the functions under this chapter, “Agricultural Incentive Areas,” namely the preservation of agricultural or horticultural lands via the designation of agricultural incentive areas a..
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Residential Infill Pilot Program 2.0
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Density, Infill
State: Not Applicable
Created the Residential Infill Pilot Program 2.0 to encourage residential infill development within the city. This program aims to promote multi-family development within traditionally single-family neighborhoods to add affordable units, increase housing choice, increase density, maintain scale and character of neighborhoods, and more. This plan will apply to single-family districts and outlines the permitted number and style of units depending on zone and lot size...
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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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City of Dubuque Unified Development Code; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In Dubuque, Iowa’s Unified Development Code, solar collectors are permitted in Single-Family Residential Districts, Two-Family Residential Districts, Alternate Two-Family Residential Districts, Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential Districts, Multi-Family Residential Districts, Office Residential Districts, and Office Commercial Districts as accessory use structures. Dubuque’s Development Code also includes a Sustainable Subdivision Development program whereby applicants must achieve a minimum score of forty points by utilizing a list of to..
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City of Albuquerque Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law attempts to set out guidelines for water conservation in Albuquerque, NM. It includes restrictions on landscape watering, guidance on water conservative fixtures for home building, and a program to promote xeriscaping. ..
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State of Illinois Watercourse Protection – County Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Corporate county authorities are granted broad authority to protect and maintain watercourses, pursuant to 55 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/5-15008 (2004). County authorities may regulate streamflow and dams along any watercourse located within county boundaries. However, county authorities may not “abridge or in any manner curtail any vested water power rights or other rights.”..
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State of Illinois Watercourse Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities are granted broad authority to protect and maintain watercourses, pursuant to 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-1 (2004). Municipal authorities may “deepen, widen, dock, cover, wall, or alter channels of watercourses.” Furthermore, municipal authorities may construct and repair canals and slips to accommodate commercial interests, 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-2 (2004), and water-related landing facilities. 65 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-104-3 (2004). Municipal authorities may also relocate existing water courses within muni..
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City of Biloxi Environmental Advisory Board Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Board advises the City Council gives advice and assistance on specific environmental issues to the City Manager and Planning Commission. The Board conducts studies on environmental improvements and conservation and issues reports on its findings. The advisory board also bestows annual awards to individuals and groups who contribute to environmental quality, “including development that is consistent with a quality environment.” (Code 1959, § 2-12-1; Ord. No. 1557, § 1, 6-19-89)..
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City of Peekskill Watershed Protection & Enforcement Officer
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Environmental Compliance, Local Boards, Local Governance, Watershed Protection, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes the position of a Watershed Protection and Enforcement Officer and sets out the membership requirements and the duties entrusted to the position, with the goal of ensuring that the Environmental Conservation Law and the Penal Law of the State of New York are adhered...
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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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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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City of Santa Fe Water Harvesting and Irrigation Standards
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance discusses ways of harvesting water for irrigation. The goal of the ordinance is to preserve potable water as much as possible by making use of water gained from other sources. Water sources encourages are passive water collection techniques such as surface water collection, in-ground storage collection, and active water collection such as storage and distribution systems...
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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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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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Town of Woodstock Agricultural Land Preservation and Land Acquisition Fund
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Agriculture
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance authorizes and sets up funds for the preservation and acquisition of agricultural land as open space in the town. A commission was established to promote this goal made up of both citizens as well as community board members...
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Housing Options Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Density
State: Not Applicable
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and duplexes are permitted as-of-right in all
residential zones in Olympia while cottage houses, triplexes, fourplexes, and
townhouses are permitted as-of-right in most residential zones. The city
amended its zoning code to encourage infill development in three urban
residential areas to prevent urban sprawl...
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Town of Blooming Grove Zoning & Overlay Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 235, Section 235-5, of the Town Code for the Town of Blooming Grove establishes different zoning and overlay districts and it describes the purpose of these districts. The purpose of the overlay district is to protect specific types of resources such as scenic views/ scenic roads, and ridgelines. Overlay districts do not change the use of the district, but impose on it, specific requirements that must be followed...
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State of Massachusetts Municipal Growth & Development Policy Committees Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Intermunicipal Agreements, Local Boards, Local Governance, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
A growth and development policy committee consisting of two or more municipalities may be established under this statute and “engage in all acts and conduct for the purpose of intergovernmental planning of balanced growth and development issues.” Paragraph one broadly defines “balanced growth and development issues.” Subject to the committee’s comment and review are issues which may have a “significant impact upon the health, safety or welfare of the member municipalities’ citizens, including issues pertaining to growth management and land us..
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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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Village of Bronxville Site Design Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Bronxville created site plan and approval standards for use by the Design Review Committee and the Planning Board in reviewing applications for development. These standards include regulations for: landscape and environment; relationship of structures and open space; circulation and parking; protection of neighbors; compliance with other laws and regulations; surface water drainage; and applications for accessory uses...
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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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City of Auburn & Town of Owasco Public Water Supply Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, March 23, 2017Drinking Water Protection & Conservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
State: Not Applicable
These rules and regulations apply to the protection of Owasco Lake and its tributaries, which are a source of the public water supply for both Auburn and Owasco. They require materials harmful to the public water supply, which include agricultural waste, sewage, pollutants, herbicides, and pesticides, to be a certain distance away from the lake and its tributaries. The rules and regulations also require regular inspections of the lake and its tributaries to ensure there are no violations of the public water supply boundary requirements...
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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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Town of Malta Environmental Board Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The legislature’s intent in drafting Chapter 8 of the Town Code for the Town of Malta is to preserve and improve the quality of the natural and man-made environment within the Town. This has become more challenging in the face of population growth, urbanization, and technological change and its effect on the environment all of which impact the health, welfare and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants of the Town. Chapter 8 creates an Environmental Board which is charged with seeing that these goals are pursued. ..
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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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San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s 2008 Bay Plan incorporates policy considerations that are responsive to sea level rise. Because the Commission found that water levels in the Bay are likely to increase due in part to rising global sea levels, the Bay Plan establishes policies that structures on fill or near the shoreline have adequate flood protection and that all proposed development projects be “sufficiently high above the highest estimated tide level” for the expected life of the project. Furthermore, the Pla..
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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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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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Town of Gardiner Commission for the Conservation of the Environment Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
Town of Gardiner Commission for Conservation of the Environment establishes the guidelines for the Commission, including the Commission’s intent, membership, powers, and required reports. The Commission’s intent is to conserve, preserve, and improve the natural and man-made environment of Gardiner in order to protect the health, welfare, and well being of the town’s citizens. The Commission’s duties include: advising the town board, conducting studies and surveys, obtaining and maintaining town maps, and working cooperatively with the Planning ..
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Village of Briarcliff Manor Conservation Advisory Council
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law, passed by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor, creates an advisory council which is to be known as the “Briarcliff Manor Conservation Advisory Council”. The law outlines the membership qualifications for persons on the council, describes the procedures for appointing officers, setting meeting times and creating reports, and vests the council with its powers. ..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Conservation Advisory Council Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Local Boards, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson is creating a Conservation Advisory Council in the fight to preserve and improve the quality of the natural and manmade environment of the Village in the face of population growth, urbanization, and technological change. The Conservation Advisory Council will serve to reinforce the environmental interests of the community by developing community programs to foster understanding of environmental issues, conducting studies to carry out their protective purposes, coordinating efforts of private groups, maintaining c..
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County of Frederick Forest Banking Program
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Forest Management, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The County of Frederick Forest Banking program allows a person to create new forest areas or designate certain existing forest areas to be held in reserve, in order to be used to meet future forestation requirements imposed on regulated activities by this Ordinance...
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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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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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Village of Irvington Environmental Conservation Board Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Boards, Local Environmental Law, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Environmental Conservation Board section of the Irvington Code establishes the Irvington Environmental Conservation Board (ECB), which consists of up to nine members appointed by the Village Board to serve for terms of two years, two members of which may be selected from the sixteen to twenty-one year old age group. The ECB will work to increase resources and public programs concerning the preservation, development and use of the natural resources, features, and conditions of the Village of Irvington insofar as beauty, quality, biologic int..
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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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Town of Dunn Rural Preservation Program
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates the Town of Dunn Land Trust Commission. This commission was established to preserve the rural character of the town, determine the interests of the land owners, recommend land acquisition, recommend changes to the Open Space program, and conduct public hearing. The ordinance specifies the board makeup as well as the procedures they must follow...
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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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New York’s Second Land Use System: A Description of New York City Land Use Law
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Land Use Planning, Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Kathryn M. Ryan’s paper describes New York City's complex zoning regulations. Its purpose is to condense and explain the most important features of that code in a digestible format. It relies heavily on materials to be found on a variety of the City’s web pages, including that of the Department of City Planning, some of which is presented here verbatim...
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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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Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
The Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina defines solar energy systems, in part, based on their physical size measured in acres. According to the state’s model ordinance, Level 1 Solar Energy Systems include those that are “ground-mounted on an area of up to 50 [percent] of the footprint of the primary structure on the parcel but no more than [one] acre,” and Level 2 Solar Energy Systems are ground-mounted systems with a footprint of less than or equal to a half acre in residential districts, less than or equal to 10 ac..
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North Carolina’s Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina defines solar energy systems (“SES”), in part, based on their physical size measured in acres. According to the state’s model ordinance, Level 1 SESs include those that are ground-mounted on an area of up to 50 percent of the footprint of the primary structure on the parcel but no more than 1 acre. Level 2 SESs are ground-mounted systems with a footprint of less than or equal to a half acre in residential districts, less than or equal to 10 acres in general commercial business a..
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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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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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Grow Solar Local Government Solar Toolkit for Minnesota: Planning, Zoning, and Permitting
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The model addresses concerns that are primarily in counties, townships, and rural areas rather than cities and urban areas. The incentive portion of the urban model ordinance can be applied in rural areas, as are provisions addressing solar access and aesthetic considerations in those rural areas with development patterns at an urban scale (typically lots smaller than 1 acre). This ordinance addresses solar energy as both a principal use and as an accessory use to the primary residential or commercial use. The model outlines height restriction..
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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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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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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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City of Falcon Heights Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Falcon Heights, Minnesota has incorporated an extensive solar energy systems section with its Zoning Chapter. In Section 113-254, active solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts, subject to a number of regulations. Those regulations include height requirements for building- or roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and pole-mounted systems; a number setback requirements; and that “active solar energy systems be designed to blend into the architecture of the building or be screened from routine view from public right..
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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Penn Future's Solar Installation Guidebook
Date Added: Tuesday, June 19, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Penn Future’s Western PA Solar Installation Guidebook provides information on how to handle zoning and permitting solar energy in one’s municipality. Section B contains a model zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines a “building-mounted system” as one “attached to any part or type of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit . . . and that is either the principal structure or an accessory structure . . . .” The ordinance defines a “ground-mounted system” as one “mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles constructed spec..
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State of Massachusetts Affordable Housing Zoning – by Special Use Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This statute authorizes the issuance of special permits authorizing increases in the permissible density of populations, provided that the applicant provide housing for persons of “low or moderate income. This statute authorizes zoning ordinances or by-laws to provide for special permits for uses that are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance or bylaw. Such permits may also impose conditions, safeguards and limitations on time or use. ..
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State of Massachusetts Cluster Development by Special Use Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Clustering & Cluster Development, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Section nine of chapter 40A authorizes zoning ordinances or by-laws to provide for special permits for uses that are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance or bylaw, including special permits for cluster developments. Such cluster developments are to be permitted upon review and approval by a planning board pursuant to the subdivision control laws of chapter forty-one, sections 81K to 81GG inclusive. See paragraph six. Paragraph seven defines cluster development, as among other things, residential developments separa..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Excavation, Filling & Topsoil Removal Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Environmental Compliance, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson has declared it policy that the natural topography of the land of the Village should be preserved and safeguarded, prohibiting changes to the land except those that are absolutely necessary in order to permit the proper and appropriate use of the land and the water. The topsoil, trees, and other materials which constitute the land, such as plant and wild life are of vital concern to the people of the Village. Therefore, the Village will regulate or prohibit excavation, the removal of tree..
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Fairfax County, VA ADU
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
ADUs in Fairfax County previously were only permitted in single family detached homes where approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The occupant of the main house or ADU was required to be at least 55 years old or have a disability. Only single-family residences are permitted to have an ADU and only interior ADUs are permitted as-of-right. The homeowner must live in one of the units and there must be at least one parking space for the ADU. The ADU can have a maximum of two bedrooms...
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City of Bentonville Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The city of Bentonville, Arkansas has created a separate Article, 601, in its Zoning Code for all use regulations. Section 601.24 specifically describes the requirements for solar energy systems. Bentonville considers the number of solar panels and supporting equipment as one system, without any limitation as to the number of modules and arrays installed on the property. The section includes location, height, and setback requirements for roof mounted, ground mounted systems, and pole mounted systems. Section 601.24 also includes regulations for..
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Town of Addis Zoning Ordinance; Passive Solar Energy
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In its zoning ordinance, the Town of Addis lists and defines its different zoning districts. It makes only a small mention of solar energy systems, specifically passive ones, in Section 6. There, the ordinance describes that all structures in the Town of Addis shall maximize passive solar energy systems and shall not require a variance if the system infringes upon required yard areas. However, the ordinance does not specify design or placement standards for these passive solar energy systems, presenting a barrier to its implementation.
..
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City of 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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Unified Solar Application; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson adopted the NY-Sun Unified Solar Permit (USP), a combined building and electrical permit for certain solar energy systems developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the City University of New York’s Sustainable CUNY. The USP expedites the permitting process for “small-scale solar electric systems,” that have a rated capacity of 12 kW or less and that are installed on a permitted roof structure of a building, or on a legal accessory..
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City of Lenexa Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within Lenexa’s Zoning District Regulations, solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use. According to the regulations, solar energy systems are to be designed to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and comply with a number of standards. Those standards include maintenance and access; location; and compliance with the Building Code requirements. The Regulations also outline specific requirements for roof-mounted equipment. ..
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City of Boulder Code § 9-9-17 Solar Access Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Monday, December 18, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Boulder, Colorado’s solar access regulation divides the city into three solar access areas to provide maximum solar access protection for each area, consistent with planned densities, topography, and lot configurations and orientations. The regulation then establishes solar fences in two of these solar access areas. Each solar fence completely encloses a lot in question, and its foundation is contiguous with lot lines. Further, solar fences are vertical, opaque, and lack any thickness. The regulation then forbids the construction of..
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City of Albuquerque Solar Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, December 2, 2015Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance was created to clarify the rights people have in terms of using solar power. Specifically, there are limits to the creation of solar power rights, as well as a permitting and recording requirements...
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City of Ronhert Park Local Energy Efficiency Standards & Green Buildings Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Rohnert Park’s “Energy Efficiency Standards” set minimum energy efficiency requirements for all new low-rise residential construction of any size, all low-rise residential additions equal to or greater than one thousand square feet of conditioned floor area, and all residential and nonresidential swimming pools and water features. The standards operate by setting required levels of efficiency that exceed the state-level energy requirements by a certain percentage. The percentages are imposed on a sliding scale, such that increasing..
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Accessory Uses of Land in New York State
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Accessory Uses , Local Boards, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Accessory Uses of Land in New York State, by Jeffery B. Durocher, explains how local communities take different approaches to permitting accessory uses of land, using the test of whether the proposed use is incidental and customary to the primary use of the land. The article also explains that religious and educational uses are usually permitted in residential areas because they contribute to the general welfare...
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City of 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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City of Bend Solar Setback Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
Title 10-10 of the Bend Code attempts to provide as much solar access as feasible during the winter solar heating hours to existing or potential buildings by requiring all new structures to be constructed as far south on their lots as is feasible and necessary...
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Town of Brookhaven Great South Beach Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law was created to protect the Great South Beach in Fire Island National Seashore from ecological damage due to overdevelopment. The law does so by placing regulations on construction within the three districts that the island has been separated in to, which are: Residential, Oceanfront, and Commercial. ..
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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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Village of Briarcliff Manor Tree Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Environmental Compliance, Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The Code of Briarcliff Manor Tree Ordinance sets out a well-defined tree-based protection plan consistent with the unique character of the Village which derives great benefit from the maintenance of the tree population. Tree removal is regulated based on the needs and desires of the community in both the public and private sector and local planning boards are developed as approving authorities in order to ensure compliance with the overall plan. ..
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Town of Brookhaven Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Quality of Life, Urban Renewal
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 82 if the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven is aimed at preserving aesthetic integrity of residential neighborhoods, preventing neighborhood blight, protecting residential property values, encouraging residential property maintenance and enhancing the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. ..
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Town of Irondequoit Open Space District Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The Open Space (OS) District permits recreational and open space uses that serve the residents and visitors to the Town and that generally preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic and environmental qualities of open space areas. This Chapter presents articulates the numerous goals of this district...
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Town of Brookhaven Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Site Design Standards, Tree Preservation & Protection, Subdivision Approvals, Timber Harvesting, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 70 of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven regulates the destruction and removal of trees within the town. Permission must be obtained from the town before a tree can be removed from property which is zoned for commercial or industrial use or which is larger than two acres. Permission must also be obtained for acts that will cause a tree to die on such property. When determining the size of the property, contiguous parcels of property that are subject to common ownership are deemed merged. There are however, certain exemptions. ..
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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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County of Riverside Construction, Reconstruction, Abandonment and Destruction of Wells
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
Riverside County established an ordinance regulating the Construction, Reconstruction, Abandonment and Destruction of Wells in order to “(a) protect underground water resources, and (b) provide safe water to persons within Riverside County.” Applications for permits must include a variety of information on the physical characteristics property, the well specifications, and additional property features, which include other wells, underground storage tanks, and waste disposal sites. ..
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Town of Mamaroneck Tree Cutting Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 207 of the Town Code for the Town of Mamaroneck seeks to correct barren and unsightly conditions caused by the destruction or damage to shade, ornamental and evergreen trees and plants and the indiscriminate and excessive cutting of these trees in subdivisions and on private property. This Chapter sets out regulations on the removal of trees...
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Town of Irondequoit Open Space District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Article XII, § 235 of the Town Code of Irondequoit creates an Open Space District for the purpose of preserving a suitable character and a stable environment for the establishment and maintenance of recreational and open space, and activities conducted within the Town. ..
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City of College Place Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Code of Ordinances, College Place, Washington has not integrated a separate section on Solar Access, but has defined it to mean “direct sunlight for the purpose of successfully operating a solar energy system.” The Zoning Ordinance outlines certain requirements for a planned unit development and allows for the maximum number of dwelling units permitted to be increased by 15 percent and an additional five percent for developments which incorporate street and lot orientation to maximize solar access; tree plantings selected to avoid wi..
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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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Town of Amenia Special Permits & Site Plan Review
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Alternative Dispute Resolution, Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
Preliminary conferences are required. At any point in the application review process the Planning Commission can assign a mediator to address concerns raised by a Special Permit use. The mediator’s decision is non-binding and the cost of the mediation will be charged to the applicant as part of the application process...
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City of Mansfield Natural Resources Management Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes criteria and regulations for the preservation of trees within the City. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote site planning which furthers the preservation of mature trees and natural areas, to protect trees during construction; to facilitate site design and construction, which contribute to the long term viability of existing trees. This ordinance also requires that persons must obtain a tree removal permit before cutting down, destroying, or removing any protected tree as defined by the ordinance. ..
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The Town of Middleburgh Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Lots Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Flood Prevention, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Middleburgh has several districts which must meet certain specifications. Parcels in the Flood Protection District (FPD) must comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Law and new parcels (after 12/31/07) must comply with the district requirements. The Planned Development District (PDD) was designed to accommodate such large-scale uses as to the benefit to the community. The law is not intended to restrict the construction or use of underground or overhead public utility distribution facilities. There are specific restrictions on gaso..
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County of Mecklenburg Green Permit Fee Rebate
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Mecklenburg County, which is located in the southwestern portion of North Carolina, contains seven municipalities and includes the state capital, Charlotte. The County has an area of 546 square miles and approximately 953,304 residents, making it the most populous county in North Carolina. As a 50% population increase is projected in the next 25 years, the County is prioritizing the protection of its natural resources.
Part of this plan is the County’s Green Permit Fee Rebate Ordinance, which provides reductions or partial rebates of build..
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Town of Dover Special Permits & Site Plan Review Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building, Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
Prior to submitting a formal application for a zoning permit or special permit, the applicant is encouraged to prepare a rough conceptual plan of the proposed project or use, and to discuss the proposal with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission. This discussion is informal and non-binding...
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Village of Port Jefferson Wireless Communications Towers and Antennas Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Communications
State: Not Applicable
This law places regulations and restrictions on the construction of wireless communications towers and antennas within the Village of Port Jefferson. ..
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City of Little Rock Land Alteration Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to prevent sedimentation and erosion from clearings within Little Rock, which has a number of hillside neighborhoods. The ordinance was developed and written by a citizens group and places limits on tree clearing and grading, requires a landscaping plan and that a qualified superintendent be on site during all land clearing activities. Additionally, the ordinance requires that all but the building permit be issued before approval of the grading permit and that construction is ‘imminent.’..
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Town of Batavia Sewer Use Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This law regulates the use of public and private sewers and drains, the installation and connection of building sewers, the discharge of waters and wastes into the public sewer system, the quantity and quality of discharged wastes, the degree of pretreatment required, the control of industrial wastewater discharge and of other miscellaneous permits and provide penalties for violations thereof in the Town of Batavia, Genesee County, New York. These regulations prohibit the disposal into the public sewer system of any pollutant or waste by any pe..
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County of Kitsap Hearing Examiner - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
The County Commissioners gave the hearing examiner the authority to include pre- and post-hearing mediations. Hearing examiners conduct quasi-judicial proceedings to resolve land-use disputes. ..
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Yolo County, California Code § 8-2.1104, .1105
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Yolo County’s solar energy regulations allow approval of small solar energy systems for onsite uses through the issuance of a building permit and a zoning clearance, provided the application meets setback and other standards set forth in the solar energy regulation. . If the County’s chief building official believes a small solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the official may require the applicant to apply for a use permit. Medium-sized solar energy systems for onsite and/or offsite uses ..
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Town of North Castle, New York Code § 258-4. Permitting
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Historic District Preservation, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 258 of the Town of North Castle, New York Code is titled Solar Infrastructure Siting. § 258-4(N) allows historic district preservation plans to incorporate solar technologies, if a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued by the Town’s Landmark Preservation committee...
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Town of Hilton Head Fees and Permit Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
According to the Fees and Permits Ordinance, construction permit fees are reduced by fifty percent for any project that has qualified for affordable housing financial assistance from any government or non-profit entity. Proof of funding must be provided in the form of legal documentation. Rental residential construction fees are reduced by the percentage of affordable housing units provided. ..
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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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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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Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
California’s new legislature reduces impediments on ADUs. Local legislatures may no longer use minimum lot sizes to limit ADU development, eliminates all owner occupancy requirements, prohibits local governments from setting maximum sizes under 850 square feet, renders CC&Rs void where unduly restrictive on ADU development, and requires local governments to create affordable units for various income levels. ..
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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 Brookhaven Historic Preservation District
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Historic District Preservation, Local Boards
State: Not Applicable
This law empowers the Town Planning Board to create a Historic Preservation District in the Town of Brookhaven. The law also includes provisions for: creating the Historic District Advisory Committee, the possible exclusion of religious institutions from the district, the maintenance and taxation requirements for structures within the district, and the penalties for disobeying the requirements of the law for persons owning buildings within the district. ..
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Town of West Warwick Development Fee Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Real Estate Transaction Fee
State: Not Applicable
This Development fee ordinance provides for a consolidated schedule of fees and allows for a periodic review and modification of fees assessed for development. These fees include Planning Board Fees, Zoning Board Fees, Town Board Fees and Building Inspection Fees...
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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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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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Washington Township Town Center District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Transportation & Land Use Planning, Transportation Efficient Development
State: Not Applicable
Washington Township’s “Town Center District” ordinance establishes standards for four different town center districts that create a mixed-use of housing, commercial, public and open space. It articulates policy statements to guide the review of all development applications within town center districts. There are 22 policies, including one that promotes a multi-modal transportation system, one that discourages uses that are automobile dependent, and one that promotes the creation of spaces that promote social interaction. The ordinance establ..
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City of Evansville Environmental Protection Agency
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Enforcement, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Evansville Environmental Protection Agency, through the ordinances in its portion of the city code, is tasked with control air and noise pollution. Although not an especially innovative set of environmental ordinances, it sets clear standards and enforcement mechanisms and is a good example of local command and control ordinances...
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Town of Erwin Viewshed Protection Overlay District
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
This law provides a very detailed set of regulations with the primary purpose of protecting the viewshed and natural beauty of the town...
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Oklahoma City Cluster Housing Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Clustering & Cluster Development
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is a subsection zoning ordinance regulating Planned Unit Development. Cluster zoning allows for a higher density of housing units to be developed in a given area to protect more contiguous open space in another section of the development. The overall density of housing units cannot exceed the limits for the zoning class the development sits in. ..
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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 Santa Barbara Energy Efficiency Standards
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Santa Barbara, California, modified its energy efficiency standards to correspond with the first level of the Architecture 2030 Challenge and to reduce its fossil fuel usage in its buildings by 50% below the regional average. Also, the City has set a goal to reduce energy consumption to achieve “carbon neutrality” by 2030 in new buildings and retrofits.
In order to meet these goals, the City has set forth increased minimum energy efficiency standards for all new construction (residential and commercial) of any size, additions to..
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Town of Bethlehem, New York Code § 128-67.2 – Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Date Added: Monday, June 18, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
§ 128-67.2 of the Town of Bethlehem, New York’s Code specifies zoning requirements for various types of solar collector units in different zoning districts within the City. For a building-mounted system, solar panels shall be set back no less than 3' from the edge of the roof to allow for fire access and ventilation. On sloped roofs, this requirement does not apply along that portion of the bottom edge located more than 3' from a side edge. Small-scale ground-mounted systems shall be permitted in a required minimum side yard or rear yard setbac..
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Town of Canadice Wind Energy Conversion System Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Canadice enacted a law to regulate wind energy conversion systems (WECS) in 2006. This law establishes regulations for industrial, commercial, and residential WECS. The law establishes requirements related to issues including: setbacks, height, aesthetics, wildlife and noise. The law also has provisions related to deconstruction and removal of inactive wind turbines...
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Village of Irvington Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Quality of Life, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 202 of the Municipal Code for the Village of Irvington regulates the cutting, killing and destruction of trees in the Village. This law was enacted as a result of the Village’s findings that the presence of trees contribute to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens...
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Town of Babylon Building Regulations §§ 89-91 to 89-95; Solar Zoning; Solar Panel Permit Application
Date Added: Monday, December 18, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Long Island United Solar Permitting Initiative, a collaborative effort of the Suffolk County Planning Commission, Nassau County Planning Commission and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), developed the model LIPA Fast-Track Permit Application to help Long Island municipalities streamline and standardize the building permit application process for “standard” installations of grid-tied PV or Residential Solar Hot Water (RSHW) systems. Babylon Town Code Ch. 89, Art. X established a solar energy system fast-track permit process modeled afte..
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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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Town of Fenwick Island Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Under its Renewable Energy System section within its Zoning Chapter, the Town of Fenwick Island in Delaware permits solar energy systems its zoning districts. According to Section 160-9(A), a “solar energy system is a renewable energy system designed and used to obtain energy from the sun in order to supply energy to a principal use of a structure.” These systems include but are not limited to solar hot water, air heating and cooling, and photovoltaic systems. The solar energy system sub-section goes on to list a few conditions that an applican..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Multiple Development Use District
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Development Standards, Historic Preservation, Mixed/Multiple Use, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
This law creates guidelines for creating a multiple/mixed use district in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. The law includes information such as: eligibility requirements, general conditions, permitted uses, site development standards, procedures for MDU designation and approval of site development plans, lapse of approval of site development plan, performance guaranty, phasing of development, amendment of site development plan, and revocation of MDU designation. ..
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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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Town of New Hartford, New York Code § 118- 74 – Solar Energy Systems
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of New Hartford’s solar energy system regulation defines freestanding or ground- mounted solar energy systems as those directly installed in the ground and not attached or affixed to an existing structure. Rooftop mounted or building mounted systems are defined as those with solar panels mounted on top of a roof structure either as a flush-mounted system or modules fixed to frames that can be tilted toward the south at an optimal angle. The regulation defines small-scale solar as solar photovoltaic systems rated up to ten kW per hour o..
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City of Calimesa Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Calimesa, California has created a subsection under its zoning chapter on Residential Zone District specifically for listing solar energy design standards. Calimesa requires that future structures should be oriented to maximize solar access opportunities and that “streets, lot sizes and lot configurations should be designed to maximize the number of structures oriented so that the south wall and roof area face within 45 degrees of due north.” Other standards include that roof-mounted solar collectors be placed in the most obscure location and ..
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Zoning Prohibiting Fast-Food Establishments
Date Added: Monday, June 4, 2018Healthy Communities, Low Nutrition Uses
State: Not Applicable
This zoning code removes fast-food establishments from the community and improves the public health through reducing consumption of unhealthy foods. Section 4.7.1 of Concord’s zoning code expressly states: “Drive-in or fast food restaurants are expressly prohibited. A drive-in or fast food restaurant is defined as any establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods or beverages in a ready-to-consume state, for consumption within the building or off-premises, and whose principal method of operation includes: (1) sale of foods and bev..
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City of Scottsdale Historic Property Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The (HP) Historic Property zoning overlay district is intended to protect and enhance the cultural, historical, social or archaeological heritage of the City of Scottsdale. The HP
District encourages the retention of historic resources by keeping them in active use in their original appearance, setting, and placement...
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City of Cleveland Heights Zoning Supplementary Accessory Use Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its zoning supplementary accessory use regulations, Cleveland Heights, Ohio integrated two sub-sections on solar panels and building-mounted systems. Under its solar panels sub-section, Cleveland Heights lists certain regulations including the requirement that solar panels be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways and that all power transmission lines from a ground-mounted solar energy system be located underground. Under its building-mounted systems sub-section, the city ..
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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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Town of Brookhaven Planned Retirement Congregate Housing Community Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Senior Housing
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 85, Article XIIA of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven creates a Planned Retirement Congregate Housing Community District, in order to give affordable housing options to the elderly community in the Town of Brookhaven, NY. ..
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Town of 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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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Trees Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Tree Ordinance provides requirements for minimum distances between trees and (1) other trees, (2) curbs and sidewalks, (3) street corners and hydrants, and (4) utilities. Topping of trees and removal of healthy trees is prohibited. A tree removal permit will be required before removing: (1) any tree eight inches or more (diameter at breast height or DBH) on any parcel of land capable of being subdivided under the zoning provisions applicable to the district in which the parcel is situated or on any parcel of land..
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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 North Hempstead Planned Unit Development District
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 79, Article XD requires certain zoning specifications for The Planned Unit Development District (PUD). These specifications relate to: landscaping, water conservation, utilities, sewage, disposal, garbage and refuse facilities, signs and fences and other aspects of the PUD. In erecting the development, building’s population, density, height, plot area, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking facilities must all be considered. ..
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Town of Kingston, New York Code - Article XV: Solar Energy Systems
Date Added: Thursday, June 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Kingston amended its zoning ordinance to permit small-scale solar energy systems by right and ground-mounted solar energy systems as accessory structures in all zoning districts. Large-scale solar energy systems are allowed in the Town by a Special Use Permit.
..
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Western PA Rooftop Solar Challenge Final Solar Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016State: Not Applicable
Penn Future’s Western PA Rooftop Solar Challenge Final Solar Zoning Ordinance provides an example of solar energy systems defined based on type. The ordinance defines a “building-mounted system” as one “attached to any part or type of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit… and that is either the principal structure or an accessory structure…” Additionally, the ordinance defines a “ground-mounted system” as one “mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic system and ..
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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 Santa Fe Escarpment Overlay District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 19, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
Creates an overlay district in the area of the escarpment (ridgetop). Stricter regulations and more plans are required to build in the escarpment area. No new subdivisions may be permitted that are entirely in the escarpment overlay district...
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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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Garden City Village, NY Affordable Housing
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities, Density
State: Not Applicable
Garden City Village enacted an Affordable Housing Density Bonus to promote affordable units within the village. Affordable housing is affordable for those whose income is 80% or less AMI. The density bonus includes a density increase by at least 10% or an increase in floor area ratio, and the additional units created must be dedicated affordable. These bonuses are permitted in any residential or mixed use zones in which five or more residential units are being developed. The ordinance also sets guidelines for permitting, deed, ownership, and co..
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Town of Henlopen Acres Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Henlopen Acres in Delaware only permits roof-mounted solar panels/collectors to be installed and used on any principal structure. These panels are subject to any applicable building code, “including but not limited to the International Residential Code, Section M2301 and approved by the Environmental Review Committee (ERC).” The Town sets forth certain regulations for solar panels such as prohibiting the panels from being installed on the roof surface facing the street and requiring they be parallel to and not higher than six inches..
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Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Renewable Energy Ordinance Frameworks; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018State: Not Applicable
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) Renewable Energy Ordinance Frameworks serve as a resource for municipalities as they develop and update ordinances to govern the siting of small-scale renewable energy systems in their community. The frameworks provide clear, consistent guidance on how to construct renewable energy ordinances and promote safe and sound community development. These frameworks provide a menu of sample ordinance language options, both permissive and restrictive, to allow municipalities to build a customize..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Telecommunications Towers Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Communications, Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson seeks to establish predictable and balanced regulations for the sitting and screening of various personnel wireless service antennas, towers, and accessory structures in order to accommodate the growth of such systems within the Village, while protecting the public against any adverse impacts on resources, avoiding the potential damage to adjacent properties for tower failure through structural standards and setback requirements, and reducing the number of towers needed to serve the community by maximizing the us..
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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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Town of Mendon Nonconforming Uses & Structures Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Nonconforming Uses, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This law creates regulations and prohibitions concerning nonconforming uses and structures in the Town of Mendon, NY. ..
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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 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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City of Pekin Groundwater Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is designed to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of groundwater resources through the establishment of setback zones and regulation of routes and sources of contamination. General activities and uses that are prohibited in setback zones are delineated, including the establishment of new potential primary or secondary sources and routes of contamination. Provisions for exclusions, permits, waivers, and fines up to a $1000 for violations of the ordinance are included...
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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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Model Small-Scale Solar Siting Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, June 18, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Columbia Law School’s Center for Climate Change Law developed the Model Small-Scale Solar Siting Ordinance, which includes several helpful solar energy system definitions. The model ordinance defines building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems as those that integrate photovoltaic modules into the building structure, such as the roof or fac¸ade, but which do not alter roof relief. The model defines freestanding or ground-mounted solar energy systems as those directly installed in the ground and not attached or affixed to an existing structur..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Tuesday, June 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Local governments are promoting healthy eating and active living by supporting community gardens, which are spaces where community residents can gather to cultivate different crops. Planning for Healthy Places, which is a Public Health Law & Policy, has created a set of complementary model land use policy to help communities, specifically in California, create and preserve community gardens. This resource provides examples of communities that have existing laws and policies promoting community gardens and other resources that provide helpful in..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Tuesday, June 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Local governments are promoting healthy eating and active living by supporting community gardens, which are spaces where community residents can gather to cultivate different crops. Planning for Healthy Places, which is a Public Health Law & Policy, has created a set of complementary model land use policy to help communities, specifically in California, create and preserve community gardens. This resource provides examples of communities that have existing laws and policies promoting community gardens and other resources that provide helpful in..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Planning for Healthy Places put together a model zoning code which would be successful through a two-pronged approach: (1) making community gardening an approved use in appropriate use-based zones to prevent them from being closed down as illegal and (2) establishing a separate use-based zone dedicated to the use of community gardens. The model code is well written, and includes additional comments for ways that different municipalities may choose to alter the language to effectuate different types of gardens (allowing chickens, for example).
..
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Establishing Land Use Protections for Community Gardens
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Healthy Communities, Urban Farming & Community Gardens
State: Not Applicable
Planning for Healthy Places put together a model zoning code which would be successful through a two-pronged approach: (1) making community gardening an approved use in appropriate use-based zones to prevent them from being closed down as illegal and (2) establishing a separate use-based zone dedicated to the use of community gardens. The model code is well written, and includes additional comments for ways that different municipalities may choose to alter the language to effectuate different types of gardens (allowing chickens, for example).
..
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Town of Ellington Earth Excavation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping
State: Not Applicable
This law requires that excavation and removal or importation of more than 1,000 cubic yards of earth within any zoning district over one year, from any single parcel of land, requires a special permit. A detailed erosion control plan and a final landscaping plan must be submitted before the permit can be issued. A sufficient amount of topsoil must be set aside and not removed from the premises. Excavators must keep sound levels within prescribed limits, restrict hours of operation, buffer the work site, and control truck access to minimize dang..
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City of Olean, New York Code of Ordinances Article 10.25 – Solar Energy Production Facilities
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Article 10.25 details the requirements for solar systems in the city of Olean, New York. A Solar Energy Production Facility (aka a Solar Farm) is permitted in certain districts under a Special Use Permit.
§ 10.25.5 subsections (1) and (3)(a-d) describe decommissioning and abandonment requirements. All applications for a solar farm shall include a decommissioning plan to ensure that the site will be restored to a useful, nonhazardous condition without delay upon abandonment or cessation of activity. The decommissioning plan shall include, b..
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City of Vestavia Hills Soil Erosion Best Management Practices
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This erosion and sedimentation control statute provides that there shall be no “land-disturbing activity” within the city unless there is a permit or authorization for it. In order to obtain such a permit or authorization Best Management Practices must be used as specified...
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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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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 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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Town of Babylon Coastal Erosion Hazard Zone Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Coastal Protection, Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance establishes standards and procedures for minimizing damage to structures and to protect natural resources from coastal erosion. It employs the NYSDEC’s coastal erosion area delineation, and specifies separate definitions and restrictions for nearshore, beach, and dune areas. Special consideration is given to the protection of bird nesting and breeding areas, and other special wildlife habitat as identified by the NYSDEC. The local law goes beyond state guidelines by prohibiting development in nearshore and beach areas...
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County of Maui Planned Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Open Space Preservation, Planned Development Districts, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
Maui County Zoning Ordinances include provisions for Planned Development and Lot Reduction, Open Space Incentives, and Cluster Development Overlay Zones. Planned Development is intended to encourage better design and land use, protect the natural environment, minimize traffic congestion, and improve living conditions. At least 20% of Planned Developments must be preserved as protected open space and designed as a park-like area. Lot reductions of 20% and multi-unit buildings are permitted in these developments, specific numbers depending on und..
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Town of Morristown Transit Village Core Zone (TVC)
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transportation & Land Use Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Code of Ordinances for the Town of Morristown, New Jersey, provides for a Transit Village Core Zone (TVC), which is aimed at creating a livable, walkable community that decreases the need for cars. The town was the first of five transit villages designated in 2000 by New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit, as its downtown includes a New Jersey Transit station on the Midtown Direct Line that connects commuters to New York Penn Station. In September 2009, the town unveiled a $75 million, 217-unit condominium project kn..
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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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Town of Somers Planned Hamlet (PH) District
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Somers created the Planned Hamlet (PH) District pursuant to its Comprehensive Master Plan, to provide the opportunity and encouragement for the creation of a village-like development cluster containing a combination of housing, jobs and other nonresidential uses linked to, and supportive of, neighboring retail shopping areas. This ordinance sets forth the principal and accessory uses in the district, the approvals process, and the design guidelines applied in the district...
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Town of Blooming Grove Landscaping & Environmental Requirements; Performance Standards Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 5, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Local Environmental Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Landscaping and Environmental Requirements; Performance Standards ordinance requires conformance with standards for noise; vibration; smoke, dust, and other atmospheric pollutants; odors; toxic or noxious matter; radiation and electromagnetic interference; fire, explosive and heat; liquid and solid wastes; traffic and lighting. The planning board may vary or waive minimum landscape requirements and erosion and sedimentation control due to special characteristics of the project or site...
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City of Milton Historic Preservation & Solar Apparatus Regulations § 34-162.3; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Milton’s regulations for historic preservation districts include solar apparatus criteria for the historic preservation commission’s (“HPC”) review of alterations in historic districts. The review criteria allow passive and active solar apparatus that do not detract from a building’s architectural integrity and are as unobtrusive as possible. Solar devices may not hide significant architectural features from street view, result in the loss of these features, or become a major feature of the design because they are large in scale. City of Milton..
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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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City of Hannibal Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance includes a detailed description of items to be separated from trash for recycling and the containers in which to put the recycling. ..
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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 Hailey Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
In June of 2002, the town of Hailey adopted a local ordinance requiring the reduction of nighttime lighting, to “protect and reclaim the ability to view the night sky.” The law regulates light pollution by requiring outdoor lighting to shine downward only, and by regulating the illuminance or brightness level. Energy conservation and the ability to view the night sky are the primary environmental benefits. All residents and businesses must comply with the regulation within 1-3 years of its adoption. There has been little controversy, if any..
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Accessory Dwelling Units
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Allows ADUs to provide additional housing choice for its residents. This code focuses on moderate income housing and requires the owner of the primary dwelling and ADU reside in one of the units, but does not specify the requisite time period. The ADU may not exceed 900 square feet or 35% of the primary dwelling unit size. Biddeford sets moderately strict requirements for stairways, balconies, parking, entrances, exterior materials, lot orientation, and number of occupants...
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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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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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Town of Farmington Ridgeline Protection Zone
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
State: Not Applicable
This law provides a very detailed set of regulations with the primary purpose of protecting the viewshed and natural beauty of the town. It uses specific geologic features that form the mountains to determine the boundaries of the protection zone...
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City of New York Floor Area Bonus for Subway Station Improvements
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Incentive Zoning, Site Design Standards, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
The City of New York created incentive zoning in 1961 to acquire available open space in densely packed commercial or business districts. Article VII, Chapter 4 in the New York City Zoning Resolution grants floor area bonus by special permit for improving subway station...
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State of North Carolina Floodplain Protection Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Provisions regarding the authority of local governments to regulate use in floodplains are found in Part 6, Article 21, of Chapter 143. Under § 143-215.54, local governments are authorized to adopt ordinances to regulate uses in flood hazard areas and to grant permits for use in such areas. Flood hazard areas are defined at § 143-252(1d) as areas that local government has determined that development must be regulated in order to prevent flood damage. Base floodplains, defined at § 143-252(1b) as areas subject to a 1% or greater chance of floodi..
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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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Chapter 9: Affordable Housing, Article II: Accessory Apartments and Apartment Units
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Seeks to create additional affordable housing through permitting unpermitted existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and encourage the creation of new ADUs. The ordinance also creates a local chapter of the states 40B, “Comprehensive Permit” program which “encourages the development of low- and moderate-income rental and owner-occupied housing and provides a means for the Board of Appeals to remove local barriers to the creation of affordable housing units.” Additionally, the ordinance commits certain resources in accordance with the towns Com..
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Town of Cortlandt Aquifer Protection District
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Aquifer Protection, Recreational Uses, Subdivision Approvals
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 307 regulates the use of open space in Cortlandt. Among other things, the Town requires developers to set aside recreational land within a subdivision and leaves financial findings to the Town Board. ..
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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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Town of Ellington Earth Excavation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Ellington, Connecticut’s Earth Excavation Code sets out the criteria for excavation activities including erosion control, wind erosion control, dust control, working slopes, minimum setbacks, topsoil preservations, buffering, and landscaping. The Earth Excavation Code also limits sound pressure levels, truck access, and hours of operation when working at an excavation site adjacent to a residentially zoned district...
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City of Mountain Brook Flood Plain Overlay Zone
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Flood Prevention, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This overlay zone provides for recognizing lands which are subject to flooding and restricting the use to which the lands may be put. An exclusive list of proper uses for the land includes activities such as recreational facilities, short-term parking, and cooking facilities...
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Village of Westfield Zoning Code § 155-57 Solar Systems; Solar Zoning; Solar Access
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Westfield’s supplemental zoning regulations regulates the use of active and passive solar energy systems. Westfield’s solar regulation requires special permits to authorize the placement of a solar electric system on an owner’s property. After a system’s owner obtains this permit, adjoining property owners must obtain a special permit prior to placing buildings, towers, vegetation, or other possible obstructions of the permitted system’s solar access. The regulation specifies that placement of potential obstructions “shall be suc..
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Carrboro, North Carolina Tree Requirements
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Healthy Communities, Climate Change Planning
State: Not Applicable
Town of Carrboro, North Carolina sets requirements for tree retention and protection in parking lots, new developments, and more. There is a tree canopy coverage minimum for every lot or tract for which a zoning, special use, or conditional use permit is issued. Residential developments must meet a minimum of 40% lot coverage. If existing canopy is less than this, additional trees should be planted. Increasing trees acts as “air conditioning for cities” and can help mitigate Urban Heat Island. No pavement can be closer than 15 feet to the trunk..
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City of Rahway Mixed-Use Zone
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Pedestrian Oriented Design (POD), Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
State: Not Applicable
The City Code of Rahway, New Jersey provides for an “M-X” zoning district (mixed use zone) that aims to create a high-density area near the Rahway Train Station (which underwent a $16 million renovation, including a public plaza in front of the station) by providing for multiple uses and pedestrian linkages to the waterfront and downtown areas. The renovation of the train station has led to an increased effort in downtown revitalization, with new residences, restaurants, and art galleries being constructed in the downtown area.
The M-X ordin..
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County of Lane Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Planned Unit Development
State: Not Applicable
The County of Lane, Oregon has an ordinance that provides for Planned Unit Developments (PUD). Lane County has a population of about 350,000, and includes the cities of Springfield and Eugene. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Cascade Mountain range. The county is almost 90% forested, and its constituents have a high interest in protecting the natural beauty of the surrounding environment by promoting sustainable development. The PUD ordinance seeks to accomplish this goal by providing a tool that promot..
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City of Rogers Land Alteration Regulations
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance attempts to minimize the ecological disturbances resulting from development of land. In particular, this ordinance sets up guidelines and requirements for the use of such erosion/sedimentation control structures as stormwater screenings and silt fences. The ordinance requires that developers obtain a grading permit before beginning work on a site, and that they draw up grading and drainage plans certified by engineers, detailing how erosion will be controlled and how trees will be protected...
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Affordable Housing
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Comprehensive Planning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts Chapter 9, Article II, Accessory Apartments and Apartment Units seeks to create additional affordable housing through permitting unpermitted existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and encourage the creation of new ADUs. The ordinance also creates a local chapter of the states 40B, “Comprehensive Permit” program which “encourages the development of low- and moderate-income rental and owner-occupied housing and provides a means for the Board of Appeals to remove local barriers to the creation of affordable hous..
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Town of Duck Rebuilding & Reconstruction; Damaging Storms Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Duck, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a coastal community that has adapted local regulations implementing the State’s Coastal Areas Management Act of 1974. The Act encourages cooperative land use planning between the state and local governments and is the State’s policy that “adequate plans for post-disaster reconstruction should be prepared by and coordinated between all levels of government prior to the advent of a disaster.” The town of Duck created a short-term building moratorium to allow the community time to assess dama..
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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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South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
Tacoma established the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District in order “to prevent the degradation of groundwater in the South Tacoma aquifer system by controlling the use and handling of hazardous substances.” Permits are required for all activities that use hazardous substances and applicants must have “demonstrated that said facility complies with all provisions of this chapter and the standards set forth in the General Guidance and Performance Standards.”..
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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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City of Greensboro Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to “regulate certain land-disturbing activity to control accelerated erosion and sedimentation to prevent the pollution of water and other damage to lakes, watercourses, and other public and private property by sedimentation”. Permits for land disturbing activity are required for properties that meet certain conditions. Generally, a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan is required and must contain the control objectives including identifying critical areas, limiting time of exposure, limiting exposed ar..
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City of Malibu Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan – Shoreline & Bluff Development
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Development Standards, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Malibu requires the design and siting of all new shoreline development and shoreline protective devices to consider anticipated accelerated sea level rise. The City requires that new development be sufficiently set back and elevated to minimize to the maximum extent feasible hazards associated with anticipated sea level rise over the expected one-hundred year economic life of the structure. All applications for new beach or bluff-top development must include an engineering analysis of coastal hazards, including future projections ..
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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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City of Clayton Overlay Zoning Districts Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
The overlay zoning districts enable Clayton to make zoning districts that are identified by geographical characteristics. Overlay zoning district boundary maps define the limits to overlay districts, and the CBD is intended to promote pedestrian friendly commercial centers...
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City of Columbia Land Preservation Act
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Stormwater Management, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Columbia Code of Ordinance Land Preservation Act protects people and land by taking action to control stormwater runoff through regulating disturbances, preserving trees, and controlling stormwater drainage. ..
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City of Kingston Historic Preservation Commission
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law creates The Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the guidelines for the Commission to follow. ..
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City of Chicago Rooftop Solar PV System Application Process; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Chicago has made installation of both small rooftop solar PV systems (<13.44kw) and large rooftop solar PV systems (those generating greater than 13.44kw) easier than ever before by easing restrictions and streamlining processes, saving time and design costs. Applicants for small rooftop systems can now access the City’s Easy Permit Process (EPP) where qualifying projects can receive same-day permit approvals at reduced fees. For projects that meet the Easy Permit Process (EPP) requirements, the permitting process was cut down from ..
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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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San Francisco Green Building Code
Date Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
To ensure that all buildings are healthy, sustainable places to live, work and learn, the San Francisco Green Building Code requirements reduce energy and water use, divert waste from landfills, encourage alternate modes of transportation, and support the health and comfort of building occupants in San Francisco. The 2008 green building requirements apply to newly constructed residential and commercial buildings and for major renovations to existing buildings. New construction in San Francisco must meet all applicable California codes, provide ..
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Massachusetts Model Solar Bylaw: Allowing Use of Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations
Date Added: Monday, July 11, 2016Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs’ Department of Energy Resources developed a model zoning bylaw that defines large-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installation as solar photovoltaic systems that are structurally mounted on the ground (not roof-mounted) that have a minimum nameplate capacity of 250 kW DC...
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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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Town of Brookhaven Moratorium on Development of Substandard Parcels
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Moratoria
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 17C of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven creates a moratorium halting construction on substandard parcels (lot width of less than 60 feet or a lot area of less than 6,000 square feet) until the Board completes planning studies to enact comprehensive zoning changes. Though, there are exceptions for work in progress and hardship as described below. The moratorium is based on a desire for comprehensive planning and smart growth for the present and the future. ..
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City of Carlsbad Second Dwelling Units Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Affordable Housing , Development Standards, Fair Housing, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Second Dwelling Units Ordinance allows the construction of second dwelling units by permits, subject to certain requirements, in order to achieve affordable housing goals...
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Energize CT Solar PV Model Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, June 20, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Energize CT developed a model solar PV zoning ordinance to aid municipalities in developing their own solar PV zoning ordinance. The model provides example height restrictions for various types of solar collector units. It states that ground-mounted solar PV systems are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts upon issuance of the proper permit and that they must not exceed thirty-five inches in height. Roof-mounted solar PV systems (permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts upon issuance of the proper permit) shall be ..
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City of Arnold Floodplain Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 27, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Arnold has very specific and stringent regulations for all construction in the Meramec and Mississippi River floodplains below 420 feet above sea level which range from permit requirements to enforcement provisions. In addition, the lowest floor of all floodplain construction must be elevated to at least three feet above the base flood elevation and in the floodways encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge. Although not part of the ordinances, Arnold has a very aggressive buyou..
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Town of North Castle Conservation Subdivisions Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
Simultaneously with the approval of a subdivision plat and pursuant to § 281 of the Town Law, at the written request of the applicant, the Planning Board is authorized to modify the zoning regulations in residential districts with respect to lot area and dimensions, provided that the enumerated criteria are met. ..
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Village of Schaumberg Code § 154.62(C) Solar Access Protection; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Schaumberg’s Solar Access Protection law authorizes the creation and recording of solar skyspace easements across contiguous or nearby lots, tracts, or land to protect an existing or intended solar collector’s exposure to the sun from obstruction of buildings and trees. Further, the law requires building permit applicants for structures that will increase the consumption of airspace to certify in writing that no solar skyspace easement exists over the lot. If the Village determines that proposed construction will intrude upon an ..
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City of Springfield Aquifer Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
The provisions of this article are designed to regulate the drilling of wells so that the city may prevent potential hazards to the water quality, and to provide procedures whereby the city may take steps to protect the public health and welfare, including notification for abatement of hazardous situations, prescribing penalties for violation of this article, and prescribing procedures by which the provisions of this article may be executed. ..
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Township of Casco Zoning Ordinance §§ 13.26-13.28; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Saturday, January 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Casco Township passed Ordinance #30-83 to add provisions addressing small, medium, and large solar energy systems in its zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines small solar energy systems as single residential or small business-scale solar energy conversion systems consisting of roof panels, ground-mounted solar arrays, or other solar energy fixtures, and associated control or conversion electronics, occupying no more than one-half acre of land and that produce utility power primarily to onsite users or customers. Medium solar energy systems ar..
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Town of Mamaroneck Local Impact Review
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Development Standards
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of Chapter 130 of the Town Code for the Town of Mamaroneck is to address the impact of noise, traffic, cultural or aesthetic resources, existing patterns of population concentration and community or neighborhood character and thereby provide for the proper care, management and use of the streets and highways of the Town, and the protection, safety, health of persons and property therein...
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City of Arnold Floodplain Management Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 27, 2016Floodplain Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Arnold has very specific and stringent regulations for all construction in the Meramec and Mississippi River floodplains below 420 feet above sea level which range from permit requirements to enforcement provisions. In addition, the lowest floor of all floodplain construction must be elevated to at least three feet above the base flood elevation and in the floodways encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge. Although not part of the ordinances, Arnold has a very aggressive buyou..
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Town of Bedford Aquifer Protection Zone
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
In order to protect groundwater quality, this ordinance gives specific allowances for the amount of sewage flow a specific type of dwelling can produce, and restricts certain activities in the aquifer zone, such as dry-cleaning, photo processing, auto service, and hazardous waste and septic sludge storage and disposal. Activities such as using road salt and deicing material require a special permit. ..
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Massachusetts Affordable Housing Appeals Law
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
The legislature of the Commonwealth, in Chapter 23B of the Massachusetts Code, has created the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. Within the Department of Housing and Community Development, the legislature created a Housing Appeals Committee. Mass. Gen. Law Ch. § 5A (2004).
Under the Commonwealth’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Law, certainties entities who wish to build affordable house may follow a streamlined application process. If the application is denied or conditionally granted, the entity may appeal..
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Town of Ithaca Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning; Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Ithaca has enacted a section on Solar Access within its chapter on the subdivision of land. The section is a short one, but vests power to the Planning Board to require a subdivision to be platted “so as to preserve or enhance solar access for either passive or active systems.” The Planning Board may also mandate site plan modifications if it determines that the solar orientation of the development needs improvement.
The Town of Ithaca has also included a section solely on solar collectors and installation within its Zoning Chap..
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City of Beacon, New York Code-Chapter 223: Solar Collectors and Installations
Date Added: Monday, June 18, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Beacon, New York’s Code has an article dedicated to solar collectors and their installation. The height of freestanding and ground-mounted solar collectors (permitted as accessory structures in all zoning districts) and any mounts shall not exceed twenty feet when oriented at maximum tilt. For large-scale solar collectors or solar farms (which are prohibited in areas zoned for residential use), the maximum height for freestanding solar panels located on the ground or attached to a framework located on the ground shall not exceed 20 ..
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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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County of Broward Solar Zoning Regulations
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Broward County, Florida enacted Ordinance No. 2012-22 to amend its Code of Ordinances, specifically within its Zoning Article, to create a new section, 39-109, entitled “Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Systems.” Section 39-109 permits photovoltaic solar systems as accessory equipment in all zoning categories and provides for severability with an effective date. The section lists height and maintenance regulations as well as the requirements for a permit an owner must obtain before installation. ..
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Article XVII Adaptive Reuse, §27-199.1 Affordable Housing and Multifamily Housing
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
Allows adaptive reuse in the zoning code for multiple family units and affordable housing. Whitehall allows adaptive reuse for affordable housing to be permitted as of right in all residential zoning districts. It is limited to buildings over 5,000 square feet with the existing structure having existed for 50 years before this code was passed. It must have been vacant, partially vacant, or underutilized for a minimum of 3 consecutive years. Affordable units must be 60% AMI or below and rents must remain affordable for 15 years. The code also p..
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Seattle, WA Removes Barriers to ADU Development
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Recently enacted zoning legislation that removes significant barriers to ADU development in order to address the city’s housing crisis. The new code removes off-street parking and owner occupancy requirements while also streamlining the approval process for ADU development. Seattle also created a user-friendly website to simplify the process for its residents, connecting homeowners considering ADUs to members of the design and construction community, even addressing the high cost of ADU development through access to low-interest financing..
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Delaware Township, New Jersey Ordinance #2011-06LU
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The town of Delaware, New Jersey provides specific lot-size requirements based on the type of solar facility. Ground-mounted Minor Solar or PV Energy Facility or Structure must be located on lots of at least one acre gross, while Major Solar or PV Energy Facility or Structure must be located on lots of at least twenty acres gross.
..
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Town of Mamaroneck Waterfront Revitalization Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Waterfront Revitalization
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 234 of the Town Code for the Town of Mamaroneck is intended to provide a framework for agencies of Mamaroneck to consider the policies and purposes contained in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program when reviewing applications for actions and to assure to the maximum extent practicable that such actions are consistent with said policies and purposes. ..
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Town of Babylon Green Building Certification Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Babylon is located on Long Island, New York, with a population of approximately 211,792 people. The Town has a population density of 4,050 people per square mile, and a per capita income of $22,844. Babylon has a total area of 114.2 square miles, and about 54% of the Town’s total area is water. Babylon is home to beaches and several state parks.
The Town of Babylon was the first town on Long Island to adopt Energy Star standards for new homes, but the Town of Babylon did not stop there. Under its Green Building Certification l..
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Town of Batavia Disposal of Solid Waste Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Sewage Management
State: Not Applicable
This law outlines the application procedures for person applying to receive a permit to deposit fill on his or her land for purposes outlined within this section. ..
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Planned Unit Developments
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
Auburn, Maine has recently implemented a zoning code change that allows
Planned Unit Development (PUD). The PUD can be located in residential,
recreation/residential, commercial, and industrial zones provided that public
sewer is available. The code outlines the permitted uses of each PUD zone and
discusses dwelling units, off-street parking, design, density, and more. To
make it easier to establish a PUD, the district allows changes in the
dimensional requirements typically established for each zone. Additionally,
the planning board can..
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Washington State Environmental Policy Act
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Environmental Impact Review Requirements
State: Not Applicable
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) seeks to consider the environmental impacts of government decisions and requires a review of various activities or projects in order to assess the proposal’s impact on the environment. Land, air, water, plants/animals, as well as impacts of noise, traffic, utilities, aesthetics, recreation and housing must be considered under this act. Counties throughout the state are working to coordinate their efforts at meeting the requirements of the Growth Management Act and SEPA. ..
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Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Under the Doraville, Georgia buildings and building regulation, the City formally adopts Version 2.2 of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations rating system (LEED-NC), any future amendments thereto will be reviewed by the City before consideration is given to the adoption of such amendments. Doraville is a northern suburb of Atlanta and covers 3.6 square miles with almost 11,000 residents. The area typically has hot humid summers and mild, but occasiona..
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City of Doraville Buildings and Building Regulation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Under the Doraville, Georgia buildings and building regulation, the City formally adopts Version 2.2 of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations rating system (LEED-NC), any future amendments thereto will be reviewed by the City before consideration is given to the adoption of such amendments. Doraville is a northern suburb of Atlanta and covers 3.6 square miles with almost 11,000 residents. The area typically has hot humid summers and mild, but occasiona..
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City of Boulder Green Building and Green Points Program
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Boulder, Colorado, just 25 miles northwest of Denver, lies within Boulder Valley east of Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder is known for its outdoor activities, including cycling and running, and has earned a reputation as “green” city due to the City’s walkability, transit oriented development, green building techniques, and overall aesthetically pleasing design. The Green Points Program (“Green Points”), created in 1996, was the first mandated municipal residential dwelling building code in the country. Boulder’s green building..
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Town of Warwick Land Use Mediation
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
Recognizing that land use disputes can result in costly, time-consuming litigation, the Town of Warwick passed this Land Use Mediation ordinance to encourage and legitimatize voluntary mediation of disputes that arise during the planning and zoning permit approval process. The mediation of all disputes is authorized, including disputes with the town boards (i.e. the Planning Board). The statute was enacted in the interest of increasing non-adversarial resolution of disputes in the town. The mediation is voluntary but is encouraged and can be r..
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State of North Carolina Regulation of Mountain Ridge Construction by Counties & Cities Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Ridgeline Protection, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Summary inserted Under the Mountain Ridge Protection Act, found within Chapter 113 at Article 14, cities and counties may regulate or ban the construction of buildings and other structures taller than 40 feet on “protected mountain ridges.”§ 113A-208. Section 113A-206 defines “protected mountain ridges” as those at least 3,000 feet above sea level and 500 feet above the adjacent valley floor, and a “ridge” as that portion of a mountain within 100 feet of its crest. Under § 113A-208(d), local governments may also protect lower mountain ridges, a..
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West Hartford, CT Removes ADU Barriers
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
West Hartford previously permitted ADUs, but the lot must have been double the size of what was required for a particular zone. Additionally, only domestic employees or guests of the primary residence owner were permitted to reside in the ADU. A new ADU ordinance was passed, setting size, material, and parking requirements. The restrictive occupancy requirements were removed...
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Town of Eden Wind Energy Conversion Systems Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 217 of the Town Code for the Town of Eden is designed to promote the effective and efficient use of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) and to regulate the placement of wind energy conversion systems so that the public health, safety, natural resources, and aesthetics will not be jeopardized. ..
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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 Ketchum Dark Sky Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, January 19, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
To protect the ability to view the night sky and conserve resources, the city of Ketchum passed a law known as the “Dark Sky Ordinance” in June of 1999. The ordinance regulates exterior lighting by requiring lights to shine downward only and reduce glare. Dr. Stephen Pauley, a local retired physician, was the visionary behind the ordinance. The town focused its efforts on an aggressive awareness campaign for businesses and residents, and provided inexpensive ways to change current fixtures. ..
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City of Pasadena Green Building Practices
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The city of Pasadena, California has adopted into its municipal code Green Building Practices in order to promote sustainable development and environmentally-friendly construction. Pasadena is located in Los Angeles County, surrounded by the Raymond Fault Line, San Rafael Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains. Home to approximately 148,000 residents, the city is perhaps most famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl college football game. In 2007, Pasadena became involved with other cities in the state (including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Fr..
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District of Columbia Tree & Slope Protection Overlay District
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Overlay District, Steep Slope Protection, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this ordinance is to preserve steep slope topography, mature tree stands, surrounding ecological areas and the open space character of residential areas near stream banks and public parks. It protects natural resources by restricting tree removal, limiting impervious cover and restricting ground coverage of new and existing buildings...
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Town of Pawling Enforcement Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Enforcement, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Pawling’s Timber Harvesting ordinance contains enforcement provision related specifically to harvesting issues and protection of natural resources. ..
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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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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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Village of Briarcliff Manor Conservation Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
State: Not Applicable
This law is designed to protect environmentally sensitive undeveloped areas, within the Village of Briarcliff Manor, from harmful development practices. To this end, the Board of Trustees authorizes the village Planning Board to approve conservation subdivisions, according to procedures outlined in the law. ..
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Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Flood Prevention, Floodplain Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Development in Floodplains ordinance in the Town of Gardiner requires that land uses on floodplains be within the boundaries permitted by the Town of Gardiner Flood Insurance Study, with some exceptions. Development in floodplain areas is heavily regulated and variances are granted via permits. Variance permits are granted based on factors such as: alternative means to development, good sufficient cause, safety, and encroachments against property...
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Town of Guilderland Site Plan Approval Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
This law outlines the application procedures required for site plan approval in the town of Guilderland, New York. The topics covered by the law include: authorization to grant or deny site plan approval; time of submittal; preapplication sketch; application for preliminary site plan approval; factors for consideration; modification; action on preliminary application; application for final detailed site plan approval; and action on the final detailed site plan application. ..
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City of Hayward Green Buildings Requirements for Municipal and Private Developments
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
The City of Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of 2007, Hayward’s estimated population was 155,312 residents. The City has a total area of 63 square miles, of which 29.68% is water. The City is located on the Hayward Fault, an earthquake fault, which is still the center of town. Hayward has transit stations for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a heavy-rail system that connects San Francisco with various East Bay cities.
Hayward is located in the environmentally active California San Francisco Bay, and the C..
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New York State Town Law: § 283. Issuance of Licenses and Permits in Certain Towns
Date Added: Wednesday, March 15, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
In towns which have a building department, which has been set up as an adjunct of the town planning board, this law gives authority to that department to issue all license or permits, and to collect whatever fees are required by law. ..
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City of 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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SeaTac, WA ADU
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Accessory Uses , Affordable Housing , Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Requires the primary residence or ADU to be occupied by the owner in order to build and rent out
an ADU. The city allows for ADUs in order to maximize the use of existing housing stock, improve
cost efficiency of existing infrastructure, increase opportunities for homeowners, and provide
housing options for a wide range of income and status. Most ADUs are required to meet a maximum
of 800 square feet while preexisting ADUs may have up to 45% of the square footage of the primary
residence. The code also sets maximum occupancy, height, desig..
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Town of New Pattonsburg Declaration of Community Responsibilities, Covenants, and Restrictions
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Energy Efficiency & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
NOTE: This ordinance was not adopted by the Town of New Pattonsburg
This ordinance would have done many things including lay out specific energy conservation requirements, however it was not adopted, and so has not yet been tested in practice.
..
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Town of Malta Knolls Eleven Planned Development District
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Development Standards, Planned Development Districts, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 167, § 167-27 provides specifications for the creation of a planned development district. These requirements include a newly created dwelling with approvals for water, sewage, drainage systems all with specified sizes and locations. Other requirements and restrictions on the developers are set forth as well...
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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 Yorktown Landmark Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Historic Preservation, Quality of Life
State: Not Applicable
This enactment declares as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts are necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. In response to this policy, the legislature created the Landmark Preservation Commission in Chapter 198 of the Town Code...
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Community Opportunity to Purchase Act
Date Added: Tuesday, June 7, 2022Affordable Housing , Displacement
State: Not Applicable
San Francisco, California’s Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) requires sellers of buildings with three or more residential units, or vacant land that could be developed into three or more residential units, to give qualified non-profit organizations priority to purchase. COPA was created to prevent displacement and encourage the creation and preservation of affordable housing. ..
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City of Santa Fe Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Aquifer Protection, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance is from the Santa Fe Code of Ordinances. It requires all new building to use “low flow” water conservation fixtures in bathroom and kitchen areas, also all residents must retrofit their homes to include these devices by Jan. 1, 2003. All eating establishments will provide water to customers only upon request. Outdoor irrigation is prohibited during the mid-day hours. Use of greywater (recycled water from sources other than the water closet or kitchen sink) is encouraged for landscaping purposes as in compliance with New Mexico st..
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Amendment to Town of Saugerties, New York Zoning Code Chapter 245
Date Added: Monday, June 18, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The amendment to the Town of Saugerties, New York Zoning Code allows large scale solar energy facilities via special use permits. The site for such facility shall be at least the minimum area required in the zoning district and the total area covered by the facility and all related appurtenances shall not exceed 70% of the gross area of the site. The required coverage as set for in the Schedule of Area and Bulk Regulations (Sec. 245-12) shall not apply to solar energy facilities where a solar array is designed and located so that the underlying..
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County of Miami-Dade Coastal Management Planning Element
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Coastal Protection, Sea Level Rise Adaptation
State: Not Applicable
The Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County, Florida, adopted the Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) in order to promote general welfare, maintain conditions under which people and nature can coexist in “productive harmony” and fulfill social, economic, and other requirements for present and future generations. Section 2-113.1 of the Codex specifically incorporates the CDMP’s Planning Elements. The Coastal Management Planning Element requires that sea level rise projected by the federal government b..
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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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North Carolina Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Planned Unit Development
State: Not Applicable
Although there is no independent statute granting cities the authority to allow PUDs, Section 160A-385.1, dealing with vesting rights, specifically names PUDs as one of the types of developments for which a developer may submit a site-specific plan and, upon the city’s approval, gain a vested right. Thus, it can be implied from this statute that cities do have authority to permit PUDs. (See Vested Rights, below.)..
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Town of Brookhaven Moratorium on Telecommunications Facilities
Date Added: Friday, April 28, 2017Communications, Comprehensive Planning, Moratoria, Smart Growth
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 17 of the Town Code for the Town of Brookhaven places a moratorium on telecommunications facilities (cell phone, mobile phone or wireless phone antenna towers) until a comprehensive plan is developed. The town’s purpose is to insure the installation of the towers and facilities in a manner that is expeditious, maximizes services, and benefits the community, while simultaneously minimizing adverse visual impacts and reducing the potential for adverse physical damage to adjacent properties...
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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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San Antonio Ordinance Approving and Adopting Sustainable Task Force
Date Added: Monday, June 27, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Mission Verde focuses on economic growth and development to drive environmental and equitable outcomes, rather than using environmental goals to drive economic growth. The intent of the plan was to invest in energy saving initiatives that would save the consumer and the community money, and serve as a catalyst for job creation and innovation. Ordinance 2009-03-12-0179 discusses adopting the Sustainable Building Task Force, provides amendments to the city code to implement certain recommendations, providing for an effective date and severance. ..
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Town of Bedford Aquifer Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, March 19, 2017Aquifer Protection, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance delineates an aquifer protection zone where certain uses and activities are regulated or prohibited. It includes a Table of Uses and their Wastewater Equivalents, which can aid in community development and planning. The boundaries of the protected zone are delineated on an official map, prepared by hydrogeologists...
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Town of Irondequoit Historic Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Historic Preservation, Local Boards, Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 236 of the Town Code for the Town of Irondequoit recognizes the rich, varied history of Irondequoit. It was enacted to protect and enhance the landmarks and historic districts which represent distinctive elements of Irondequoit's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage; to foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past; to protect and enhance Irondequoit's appeal to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided; and to insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the Town..
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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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Town of Ossining Code § 183-11(B)(2)(d) Tree Protection & Solar Access; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Ossining’s tree protection ordinance authorizes approval authorities to grant a tree removal permit if removal will have a positive effect upon (among other things) solar access for the property owner and nearby properties. Town of Ossining, NY, Code § 183-11(B)(2)(d). ..
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Township of Washington Steep Slopes & Ridge Protection
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Steep Slope Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance sets development restrictions for areas containing steep slopes and ridgelines. Its purpose is to “encourage good land use planning and design, maximize optimal use of the natural terrain, and maintain ridgelines and scenic vistas intact.”..
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City of Aberdeen Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Alternative Energy, Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage alternative energy systems within the City of Aberdeen. The goal is to have a more positive impact on energy conservation while having a limited adverse impact on the City’s community. Chapter 163 defines terms associated with wind and solar energy systems and outlines their placement and design standards within City borders. However, in order for a solar energy system to be permitted as an accessory in any zoning district, a person must first apply for a building permit. This can cause a barrier to s..
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Delaware Regional Planning Commission Municipal Implementation Tool #6: Parking Management Strategies
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Parking
State: Not Applicable
The Parking Management Strategies brochure was developed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission as part of a series of implementation tools based on the recommendations in the region’s long-term plan and specifically addresses strategies to balance the supply and demand for parking. The brochure details two types of parking strategies that are important for managing parking demand, the type that can be used to accommodate existing and future parking demand more efficiently and the type that can be used to reduce parking demand whic..
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City of Asheville Hillside Area Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law regulates the density of development on steep slopes and high elevations. It makes use of natural topography and relative steepness of slope to determine the nature of development and grading...
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Township of Bernards Tree Removal & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Local Environmental Law, Tree Preservation & Protection, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
This tree preservation ordinance contains requirements for the number of trees that must replace a tree removed by developers, based on the size of the removed tree. Because it is not always physically possible to fit the required number of trees onto a parcel, a controversial amendment was added that requires a developer to pay $300 per required tree that cannot be planted. The money is donated to the Shade Tree Commission so that trees can be planted in other parts of town. ..
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City of Memphis Amenity Incentives Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, August 28, 2016Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance provides for floor area bonuses in exchange for public pedestrian plazas/ arcades. To qualify for the floor area bonus, the plaza/ arcade must meet specific design criteria. A floor area bonus may also be awarded for the development of affordable housing. This ordinance is especially notable as development incentives are also established to encourage participation in the implementation of a comprehensive greenway network...
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Washington State Growth Management Act
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Comprehensive Planning
State: Not Applicable
Under the Growth Management Act, cities and counties that meet designated population thresholds are required to adopt comprehensive plans. The Act establishes mandatory elements of comprehensive plans: land use; housing; capital facilities; utilities; rural; transportation; economic development; and park and recreation. ..
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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 Bedford Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Chapter, the Town of Bedford includes solar panels in its Accessory buildings or structures section, § 125-27. Bedford lists solar energy collectors and studios as an accessory structure permitted in all districts, subject to a list of requirements including floor area minimums and maximums, height maximums, and ground floor area measurements. § 125-27, however, does not specify requirements for solar energy systems individually.
Bedford created the Bedford Energy Task Force to help the Bedford 2020 Coalition accomplish ..
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City of San Jose Amendments to Zoning Code to Reduce Parking Requirements
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Transportation & Land Use Planning, Parking
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance amends Chapter 20.90 of the City of San Jose Zoning Code to reduce parking requirements for specific ground floor uses on properties designated with the Neighborhood Business District General Plan overlay, and to reduce parking requirements for ministorage uses citywide...
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City of New York Special Midtown District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Incentive Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The City of New York created incentive zoning in 1961 to acquire available open space in densely packed commercial or business districts. Article VIII, Chapter 1 in the New York City Zoning Resolution regulates floor area bonus for Special Midtown District. As-of-right “floor area” bonuses are not permitted in this district...
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City of St. Louis Division of Forestry Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Local Environmental Law, Timber Harvesting
State: Not Applicable
The St Louis Revised Code delineates requirements for a Division of Forestry and the roles and responsibilities that accompany such a Division. The Commissioner of Forestry’s position is established here, as are his duties (which are to tend and monitor all publicly owned trees)...
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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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Village of Mastic Beach Solar Energy Systems Regulations § 415-2; Solar Zoning; Architectural Review
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Mastic Beach's Code § 415-2 regulates accessory solar energy systems and exempts systems that meet the regulation’s standards from architectural review board approval. These regulations include the requirements that (1) roof-mounted solar systems do not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building where the system is located and (2) ground-mounted solar energy systems not extend into the required rear yard accessory setback when oriented at minimum design tilt. Additionally, system design must make best efforts to blend i..
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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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Town of Braintree Affordable Housing Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Density
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 5.18 of the Braintree, Vermont, Zoning Ordinance establishes that housing is affordable when households spend no more than one-third of their incomes on housing costs. The chapter allows density zoning incentives...
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City of 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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City of Fayetteville Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance was enacted in order to provide for “regulation of the preservation, planning, maintenance, and removal of trees within the city.” This is achieved through the creation of a tree registry to protect trees that are valuable due to their history or their species. In addition, the ordinance provides guidelines for general protection of the trees under circumstances such as development, pruning, and planting. ..
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County of Catawba Building Services Fee Schedule – Green Building Incentives
Date Added: Wednesday, February 10, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Under the Catawba County Building Services Fee Schedule, the County provides owners of new construction with a rebate off of blanket permit fees if the structures achieve certification in a designated green building program. Catawba County, North Carolina, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which provide moderate winter temperatures and summer breezes. The County covers 405 square miles, consisting of 8 municipalities and an estimated population of over 150,000 inhabitants.
Under the fee schedule new structures are e..
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Town of Malta Planned Development Districts – Zoning Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Planned Development Districts, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Chapter 167 of the Town Code for the Town of Malta sets forth the requirements for developing the planned development district. The regulations imposed on the developer include size requirements of developments, the set-asides for work-force, and specifications related to retirement housing. The planning board may also add additional requirements which are deemed necessary. There is an automatic termination within 5 years if site plan approval or the building permit has not been obtained, or construction has yet to commence...
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Town of Gardiner Permanent Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
The Permanent Open Space ordinance regulates the development, ownership, and maintenance of space/ land that has been set aside permanently for nonuse. The code ensures that permanent open space will comport with township rules and guidelines. The regulation provides for ownership of permanent open space by state and private owners. Open space protection provides for preservation of easements, roads, highways, and developments...
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The town of Skaneateles Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Lots Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Development Standards, Mixed/Multiple Use, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The town of Skaneateles created rules that apply to nonconforming uses, structures, and lots. Existing nonconforming lots with impermeable surface coverage may be redeveloped by a special permit. The impermeable surface area must be reduced to the maximum extent possible to minimize the impact on streams, lakes, and groundwater. Measures to reduce the impermeable surface includes infiltration trenches, vegetated streams, and lake buffers. If the lot is within the Skaneateles Lake Watershed, the Planning Board Engineer shall also consult with th..
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County of Lake Green Building & Development Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Lake County, Florida is located in central Florida and is named after the numerous lakes in the area. There are approximately 1,400 named and identified lakes in the County. Lake County has a population of 307,243 people and has a total area of 1,156 square miles. A total of 203 square miles (17%) of the County’s area is water. The County has experienced several devastating storms, tornados and hurricanes in the past four years.
The County has an innovative green building incentive created to establish major environmental goals. The State o..
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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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City of Portland Demolition or Repair of Derelict Buildings Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
Portland, Oregon, enacted an ordinance that requires the destruction, repair, rehabilitation, or removal of any dangerous or derelict structure. Derelict structures are usually identified by the Director of the Bureau of Development Services and include, but are not limited to structures that are boarded, vacant, or unsecured, and previously had a public nuisance abated by the city. A property violates the ordinance until it has been lawfully occupied, demolished and regraded under proper permit, or the owner has proved to the Director that t..
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City of Charlotte Development Approval Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Pre-Application & Consensus Building
State: Not Applicable
A public notification process is formalized in the development process for certain land uses to engage the public in a heightened fashion and consider their suggestions before the process is finalized...
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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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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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Transportation and Street Design
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Traffic Calming & Safety
State: Not Applicable
Section 35-506(t) of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code states that the City has identified long, wide streets encourage speeding. The code requires that the length of blocks comply with section 35-15(b)(3); however, blocks can be lengthened if traffic calming features are implemented.
Approved traffic calming features include roundabouts, median islands, and “T” intersections.
The shorter block and increase in traffic calming features will cause residents to feel safer using alternative methods of transportation such as biking or wa..
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Town of Malta Historic Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Historic Preservation, Landmarks & Historical Districts
State: Not Applicable
Article XV, Chapter 167 of the Town Code for the Town of Malta regulates the use of historic areas of the town. The Chapter declares the protection and enhancement of landmarks and historic districts as a necessary matter of public policy for the promotion of economic, cultural and general welfare of the Town...
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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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Township of Harrison Steep Slope Regulations
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Ridgeline Protection, Steep Slope Protection
State: Not Applicable
This law provides regulations for preventing erosion from developments built on slopes greater than twenty percent...
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City of Kirkwood Subdivision Code
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Landscaping, Tree Preservation & Protection, Subdivision Regulations
State: Not Applicable
Kirkwood Subdivision requirements have two main environmental components. The first falls under Article 7, Minimum Design and Development Standards. The regulations require due regard for topography, watercourses, slopes etc. and are geared towards environmental protection. The second falls under Article 8, the Improvements section. This requires that improvements made to a site consider site grading and specific tree planting/replanting requirements...
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Code Compliance Relocation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, June 2, 2022Displacement
State: Not Applicable
Oakland, CA Code Compliance Relocation Ordinance provides for owner paid relocation payments and assistance to tenants who are displaced due to compliance with building, housing, and, fire codes. Relocation benefits and assistance are necessary to ensure that displaced tenants secure safe, sanitary and decent replacement housing. If the owner refuses to make the payment, Oakland can choose to pay the displaced tenant and then place a lien on the property to recover the costs. ..
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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 Limington Article VII: Performance Standards, Specific Activities, and Land Uses – Aquifer Protection Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance regulates those who use the aquifer for the purpose of water extraction and prohibits the extraction of water to the extent that it causes undesirable changes in groundwater flow, pollution, and sedimentation or erosion. The ordinance is designed to provide general provisions that maintain safe and healthful conditions associated with groundwater use and extraction...
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City of Burlington, Washington Zoning Regulations; Solar Access
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Section 14.48.110, placed within the City Code’s chapter on performance standards, lists solar access criteria for any new construction that is south of existing residential land in Burlington, Washington. The criteria include prohibiting multi family, commercial, or industrial structure more than one story in height from shading the maximum building envelope of any existing dwelling as determined by the angle of the sun on December 21st; site plans that show the shading impacts of new structures on existing dwellings or vacant lots; and measur..
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City of Lacey Village Center Zone
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Transportation Efficient Development
State: Not Applicable
Lacey’s “Village Center Zone” is a suburban model that, while perhaps reducing car dependence, does not link with much transit. The ordinance aims to alleviate use-segregated development, reduce sprawl that results in car dependence, and to promote the development of places with a pedestrian emphasis, connectivity, mixed-uses, and centralized public spaces. Bicycle paths and pedestrian connections are encouraged where possible and the use of cul-de-sacs and other roadways with a single point of access are minimized. While parking is limited ..
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City of 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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Town of Tonawanda Code § 215-180(C)(9) Large Scale Solar Applications; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Tonawanda authorizes applicants for large-scale or utility-scale solar energy systems to negotiate with adjacent property owners for any necessary solar skyspace easements and requires the applicant to include documentation of any solar skyspace easement that is properly recorded. The Town lists the elements that must, at a minimum, be included in the easement when an applicant or property owner negotiates a solar easement. Town of Tonawanda, NY, Code § 215-180(C)(9)...
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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 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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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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Town of Gardiner Notification Requirements for Applications Relating to Certain Land Use Approvals Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Site Plan Approval
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Gardiner Notification Requirement for Land Use Approvals outlines the procedure for applications for land use approvals and zoning changes as they affect neighborhood property owners, the Town Board, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The law provides that notices of public hearings must be printed in local newspapers and lists the time frames in which parties must be notified regarding the application and the public hearing. The law also includes what radius of property owners must be notified for the following ap..
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Village of Long Grove Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Tree Preservation & Protection
State: Not Applicable
This regulation used the protection of the trees to further other environmental objectives such as soil stability, reduction of noise pollution, moderation of temperature, and wildlife habitat. It aims to achieve these goals by requiring replacement of trees which have been removed, damaged or destroyed, as well as by protecting older trees as determined by their diameter at breast height (DBH)...
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City of Belmont Traditional Neighborhood Development Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Development Standards, Quality of Life, Site Design Standards
State: Not Applicable
The intent of the Traditional Neighborhood Development Provision “is to minimize traffic congestion, suburban sprawl, infrastructure costs, and environmental degradation”. The ordinance contains general standards and provisions, in addition to design standards for public and civic areas, shop fronts, businesses, multifamily and single family, and general architectural design standards...
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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 Patchogue Historical Preservation and Architectural Review Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Historic Preservation, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
It is the purpose of Chapter 93, § 70 of the Municipal Code for the Village of Patchogue to establish procedures and design criteria necessary to avoid buildings within the Village that lack uniformity or are inappropriately designed and located. The goal is to preserve and enhance the character, historical interest, beauty, and general welfare of the Village and to ensure that the location and design of buildings, signs, other structures, and open spaces in the Village aid in creating a balanced and harmonious composition of the whole as well ..
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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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State of North Carolina Adult Entertainment Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Adult Entertainment, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Section 160A-181.1 authorizes cities and counties to regulate sexually oriented businesses through zoning ordinances, licensing requirements, or other “appropriate ordinances.” Such regulations may include, but are not limited to: restrictions on the location; restrictions on operations, including, inter alia, hours and exterior advertising and noise; reasonable moratoria on new or expanded facilities while studies are conducted and ordinances are considered; and requirements that existing businesses come into compliance with new ordinances. § ..
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City of Fayetteville Imposition of Development Impact Fees Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Impact Fees
State: Not Applicable
Fayetteville has an impact fee statute which requires a developer to pay for engaging in development. This payment of this fee is designed to rebuild infrastructure or otherwise protect the environment in proportion to the developments impact on the community in relation to the impact the activity has on the environment. The ordinance has multiple exceptions for development which does not increase the housing units on a parcel...
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State of Illinois State Zoning Enabling Act – Municipal Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Corporate municipal authorities may regulate by ordinance to provide for comprehensive regulation of beneficial uses, protection from harms, and mitigation of activities associated with the use of land within their jurisdiction. Examples include height and bulk restrictions on buildings; set back lines along streets, trafficways, drives, parkways, or storm or floodwater runoff channels or basins; and limitations on the intensity of the use of lot areas, including the area of open space, within and surrounding such buildings. Municipal zoning a..
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Village of Bronxville Planning Board Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, April 12, 2017Local Boards
State: Not Applicable
The Village of Bronxville established a planning board to prepare a Village Comprehensive Plan and to review and either approve or disapprove of site plans and subdivisions. This law provides the terms, vacancies, compensation and disqualification of planning board members and gives specific powers to the planning board...
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Kansas City Disposal of Tires & Batteries Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance includes specific regulations for disposal of tires and batteries. ..
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Town of Malta Farming Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Right-to-Farm, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
It is the general purpose and intent of this chapter to maintain and preserve the rural tradition and character of the Town of Malta, to permit the continuation of agricultural practices, to protect the existence and operation of farms and to encourage the initiation and expansion of farms and agricultural businesses...
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County of Leon Aquifer and Wellhead Protection Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
The ordinance protects and maintains the quality and quantity of groundwater in the county through the regulation of specific uses and wells. Requirements for the registration of businesses and agencies that use regulated substances and remediation activities should hazardous discharges occur are included. This regulation includes public education requirements, a provision for program funding through a fee system, and a mechanism for inspections...
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Village of Bronxville Controlled Development District Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Site Plan Approval, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In order to facilitate planned and controlled development in accordance with the Village Comprehensive Plan, the Village of Bronxville establishes Controlled Development Districts too allow for possible development on a scale and with a flexibility that could not otherwise be achieved in the Village’s present zoning districts. The newly established districts recognize that some developments require specialized consideration and treatment by providing for the establishment of separate and distinct substantive standards for planned and controlled..
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State of North Carolina Historic District Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Historic District Preservation, State Land Use Law
State: Not Applicable
Under the enabling statutes found within Chapter 160A, Article 19, at Part 3C, both cities and counties (“municipalities”) have the authority to establish historic districts and designate landmarks as part of a zoning or other ordinance. § 160A-400.2, § 160A-400.4. “Such ordinances may treat historic districts as either a separate use district classification or as districts which overlay other zoning districts.” § 160A-400.4. Before a municipality can establish a historic district, it must appoint a historic preservation commission. § 160A-400...
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New York State Town Law: § 267-b. Permitted Action by a Town Board of Appeals
Date Added: Thursday, March 2, 2017Local Boards, Local Governance
State: Not Applicable
This law describes the procedures to be used by Zoning Boards of Appeals in towns within New York State. The topics covered include: orders, requirements, decisions, interpretations, determinations, use variances, area variances, and imposition of conditions. ..
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Bloomington Indiana Green Building Program
Date Added: Monday, June 27, 2016Development Standards, Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
In the Municipal Code contains a Green Building Program, Chapter 2.29. The purpose of this program is to further the city’s commitment to environmental, economic and social stewardship, yield cost savings to city taxpayers through reduced operating costs, provide healthy work environments for staff and visitors, reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare for a current period of reduced supply of oil and natural gas. The program adopts LEED certification. ..
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City of Minneapolis Demolition of Vacant Properties Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
Minnesota state statues allow cities to enact ordinances to handle the problems associated with hazardous and vacant buildings. In turn, the Minneapolis legislature enacted a statute authorizing the city to rehabilitate or demolish buildings to enhance livability, preserve the tax base, and abate public nuisances created by these buildings.
The ordinance allows the director of inspections to secure vacant and hazardous buildings and serve notice on the property owner. If the owner fails to reply within six days, the director may authoriz..
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How Can a Community Create Affordable Housing Opportunities?
Date Added: Wednesday, March 2, 2016Affordable Housing
State: Not Applicable
New York does not allow municipalities to use zoning laws to discriminate on race or socioeconomic standing. Analysis of case law shows a trend of encouraging development of affordable housing, though New York does not expressly forbid exclusionary zoning...
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City of Hillsboro Zoning Ordinances for the SCR-V District
Date Added: Monday, November 14, 2016Mixed/Multiple Use, Transportation & Land Use Planning
State: Not Applicable
The City of Hillsboro enacted specific zoning ordinances for the SCR-V district that surrounds the transit station at the Orenco Station. This zoning is intended to promote mixed-use around the transit center...
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Town of Somers Code § 144-8(C)(4) Standards for Site Plan Approval; Solar Access
Date Added: Sunday, January 7, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
In the Town of Somers, New York, the planning board must consider solar access, including orientation of proposed buildings to sun angles; shading and windscreen potential of vegetation; and relationship to solar access for adjacent uses and properties when reviewing site plans. Town of Somers, NY, Code § 144-8(C)(4). ..
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City of Fairfield Wellhead Protection Program
Date Added: Tuesday, July 21, 2015Aquifer Protection
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance regulates hazardous substances and prohibits specific pollutants in designated wellhead protection zones. Facilities that use regulated substances must register and comply with substance release standards and inspections. A list of regulated substances and uses, which is flexible, is also included...
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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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Town of Gardiner Development in Floodplains Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation
State: Not Applicable
Town of Gardiner NY Development of Floodplains section 220-18, regulates development in the floodplains of Gardiner. Section 220-18(D) establishes conditions in which variances may be issued to include: reconstruction or restoration of structures listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, for good cause, and for showing that substantial hardships will result without the variance. Conditions that will be taken into account when the Zoning Board of Appeals reviews appeals are also included in this section...
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Miami, FL Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning
Date Added: Tuesday, August 31, 2021Affordable Housing , Incentive Zoning, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Passed a mandatory inclusionary zoning ordinance in 2018 that requires affordable units in a certain 30-block district. Because the city ranked lowest in the country for affordable rental units and climate change is forcing residents inland, Miami chose to pass this ordinance. Now, rental developments within the zone must have a minimum 7% affordable or 14% workforce housing. Both of these are designated for households earning 80% less AMI. Developers will be permitted to increase project square footage if they fulfill this requirement. In Miam..
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State of North Carolina Overlay Zoning Ordinances – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina affirmatively grants counties the authority to employ overlay zoning at § 153A-342, the general statute that authorizes counties to create zoning districts. Two specific types of overlay districts are explicitly authorized in other provisions. Section 160A-383.1, which is made applicable to counties at § 153A-341.1, allows counties to create manufactured home overlay districts within defined areas of residential districts. Section 160A-400.4 allows the use of overlay districts for the designation of historic districts. Counties m..
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National Model Conservation Easement
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. The sample was utilized by the Natural Lands Trust and its source is from The Conservation Easement Handbook: Managing Land Conservation and Historic Preservation Easement Programs (1988) compiled by the Trust for Public Land in conjunction with the Land Trust Alliance. 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 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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Chapter 20.28 Infill Housing
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Affordable Housing , Density, Infill
State: Not Applicable
City code includes Infill Development chapter used to implement comprehensive plan goals related to infill development. This development is permitted in all zones except single-family, aside from single-family zones that permit cluster subdivisions. It sets site size, setback, parking, and open space requirements for each type of multi-family development...
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Town of Avon Ridgeline Protection Overlay Zone
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Overlay District, Ridgeline Protection
State: Not Applicable
This overlay district was adopted to protect ridgelines for the conservation of environmental attributes including ground water quality, ground water recharge and wildlife habitat, and in order to prevent erosion. It provides for a setback area from the ridgeline as specified by a qualified professional. The setback area is designated on a map prepared by the Commission...
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Town of Gilbert Water Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 14, 2015Landscaping, Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Gilbert Water Conservation Ordinance was designed to reduce the amount of water used in residential and nonresidential development. The ordinance limits water intensive landscaping, limits high evaporative loss features and requires efficient irrigation systems for all new development projects...
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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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City of Portland Green Building Code
Date Added: Saturday, August 27, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency
State: Not Applicable
Under its Green Building Code, the City of Portland, Maine requires all new construction and renovation projects having total construction costs of greater than $250,000 to attain United States Green Building Council’s (USBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Silver level, if the project is either: (1) to be owned or occupied by the City and is of at least 5,000 square feet in floor area; or (2) to be funded in whole or in part by the City and is of at least 10,000 square feet in floor area. Buildings mus..
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City of 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 Kingston Mixed Use Overlay District
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use, Overlay District
State: Not Applicable
This law creates the Mixed Use Overlay District, which is intended to provide affordable multifamily housing to low income families. ..
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State of North Carolina Overlay Zoning Ordinances – Cities
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Overlay District, State Land Use Law, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
North Carolina affirmatively grants cities the authority to employ overlay zoning at § 160A-382, the general statute that authorizes the creation of districts for zoning. Two specific types of overlay districts are explicitly authorized in other provisions. Section 160A-383.1 allows cities to create manufactured home overlay districts within defined areas of residential districts, and § 160A-400.4 allows their use for the designation of historic districts. Cities may not include in an overlay district land owned by the State of North Carolina w..
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City of Bainbridge Island Environmentally Sensitive Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law focuses on the importance of having native vegetation zones in critical areas. It creates regulations for the preservation of these vegetation zones on Bainbridge Island, Washington...
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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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City and County of San Francisco Green Building, Environment Codes - Better Roof Requirements for Renewable Energy Facilities
Date Added: Wednesday, June 22, 2016Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency, Solar Energy
State: Not Applicable
In order to combat climate change and its potential effects on the peninsula based city, San Francisco has become the first large American city to enact an ordinance mandating that all new structures, fewer than 10 stories tall, must be outfitted with solar panels. This ordinance will take effect in 2017. The San Francisco ordinance exceeds the requirements set by state law mandating that new buildings must reserve a “solar zone” of roof space for the installation of solar panels. Although the article states that the California law mandates a ..
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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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Planned Unit Developments
Date Added: Tuesday, August 24, 2021Affordable Housing , Mixed/Multiple Use
State: Not Applicable
North Brunswick, New Jersey has a chapter in its zoning code dedicated to
Planned Unit Developments (PUD). The code sets a 50-acre minimum size to
establish a PUD, and this may be met through one parcel or multiple together.
It also requires at least one road connecting to the PUD. In North Brunswick,
PUD may be used for single- and multi-family housing, retail totaling no more
than 50% of the PUD, office space, educational and recreational facilities,
public utilities, and conditional use of religious space. Fifty-three dwelling
units a..
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City of Oakland Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Recycling
State: Not Applicable
As part of Oakland’s Sustainable Development Initiative, the city adopted the Construction and Demolition Debris ordinance that requires all new development and sizeable remodeling projects to reuse or recycle 50% or more of their waste and debris. Not only does this prevent construction materials from going to the landfill, but it also reduces the demand for new construction materials. ..
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State of New York Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Purchase of Development Rights, Scenic Resources, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Farmland Protection & Preservation
State: Not Applicable
This law authorizes cities within New York State to transfer development rights with respect to parcels of land under zoning ordinances or local laws, and also governs the transfer of development rights between sending and receiving districts...
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New York State Town – Transfer of Development Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, State Land Use Law, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
This law gives town boards in New York State the authority to provide for transfer of development rights. The purpose of providing for transfer of development rights is to protect the natural, scenic or agricultural qualities of open lands, to enhance sites and areas of special character or special historical, cultural, aesthetic or economic interest or value and to enable and encourage flexibility of design and careful management of land in recognition of land as a basic and valuable natural resource. ..
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City of Baltimore Vacant Building Receivership Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, April 15, 2017Vacant & Distressed Properties
State: Not Applicable
Baltimore, Maryland, enacted an ordinance granting a Building Official authority to petition the Court for appointment of a receiver to raze, rehabilitate, or sell a vacant building. The petition must include: a copy of the original notice and order to rehabilitate; affirmation by affidavit that the rehabilitation has not yet been completed; and the identity of the proposed receiver (if it is not the Building Officer).
As an alternative to assigning a receiver, the Court may appoint an owner, mortgagee, or other person in interest to the ..
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City of Las Vegas Landscaping Ordinance: Turf Limitation
Date Added: Wednesday, February 24, 2016Water Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The City of Las Vegas Landscaping code includes a section limiting area that may be covered with turf in order to reduce irrigation requirements in the water limited desert of Nevada. Turf limitations range from 25% to 50% of landscapable land on a parcel that may be planted with turf based on the type of development. The remaining cover is to be water efficient landscaping. ..
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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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Town of Warren Wind Energy Facilities Law
Date Added: Friday, April 14, 2017Wind Energy
State: Not Applicable
The Town of Warren adopted a “Wind Energy Facilities” law in 2005. The law establishes procedural requirements as well as requirements for sound and setbacks. Additionally, the legislation requires applicants to fund an interest bearing account, the funds of which will be used to decommission the facility. Wind facilities must be de-commissioned after 25 years...
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Hartford, CT Anti-Blight
Date Added: Thursday, August 12, 2021Vacant & Distressed Properties, Healthy Communities
State: Not Applicable
Vacant and distressed properties are a financial burden on the community and have a negative effect on public health. Hartford, Connecticut has an “Anti-Blight Program” in its Municipal Code. The code contains provisions mandating the registration of vacant buildings, requiring a quarterly city report indexing blighted properties, and offering a property tax assessment deferral for owners who repair and rehabilitate blighted properties. ..
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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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City of Boise Development Impact Fee Ordinance - Alternative Dispute Resolution Provision
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Alternative Dispute Resolution
State: Not Applicable
A mediation option is provided as part of the planning and zoning public hearing process of the city in accordance with Section 67-6510 of the Idaho Code. The cost of the first mediation session is paid by the city; if additional meetings are necessary, the parties agree to fee division. Mediation may be requested by Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, the applicant, or other affected person and is voluntary unless it is initiated by the City, in which case, one session is mandatory. Hearings associated with appeal and ap..
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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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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 Austin Save Our Springs Initiative Petition Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, February 3, 2016Aquifer Protection, Drinking Water Protection & Conservation
State: Not Applicable
The purpose of the ordinance is “to preserve a clean and safe drinking water supply, to prevent further degradation of the water quality in Barton Creek, Barton Springs, and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer, to provide for fair, consistent, and cost effective administration of the City's watershed protection ordinances, and to promote the public health, safety, and welfare.” The ordinance limits impervious coverage on certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer watershed and establishes regulations for buffers around specific water quality zones of..
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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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Township of Chesterfield Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Smart Growth, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
State: Not Applicable
Chesterfield enabled a TDR program to create a town center in preparation for well-planned future growth. Chesterfield’s 1997 Master Plan envisioned a “neo traditional town center in the receiving area with a variety of housing types (including affordable housing), neighborhood shops and services, a school and other civic uses and recreational open space. Preserved farmland would surround the “planned village” and Chesterfield’s three historic hamlets. ” The TDR ordinance enabling that plan was passed in 1998 alongside a change to the zoning in..
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City of Meriden Zoning Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Thursday, September 7, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Within its Zoning Chapter, the City of Meriden in Connecticut has incorporated a separate section outlining the few regulations for wind energy conservation systems and solar devices. According to the section, screening on a roof to enclose mechanical equipment may be modified to allow access to solar heating devices. The section also goes on to require that solar heating devices do not occupy more than 10% of the yard area and that any new construction be mindful of solar devices on adjoining properties so that the maximum effort to retain sol..
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City of Del Mar Solar Energy Regulations; Solar Zoning
Date Added: Wednesday, August 23, 2017Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
Del Mar, California has integrated an entire chapter in its zoning code on solar energy. The chapter “is intended to implement adopted federal, state, and local policies by decreasing the City’s dependence upon non-renewable energy systems for sources through the encouragement of solar energy systems for the hearing of buildings and water.” Chapter 23.20 goes on to define important terms used within the chapter and lists specific regulations for space heating and cooling of new structures, remodels of existing structures, and use of solar syste..
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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 Taos Outdoor Lighting on Public & Private Property Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Lighting
State: Not Applicable
This ordinance creates guidelines for outdoor lighting on private property to prevent light pollution, as well as to conserve energy while still providing for public safety and security...
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Promoting Farmers Markets
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Healthy Communities, Farmers Markets
State: Not Applicable
Kinderhook specifically permits farmer’s markets (farm markets) in two thirds of its zoning districts, promoting both farm operations and tourism. They define farm markets as permanent structures that primarily sell agricultural products and related goods to the general public. Additionally, the farm markets can either sell pre-harvested goods, or allow customers to pick their own products. The town also permits seasonal farm stands in four of its zoning districts with fewer requirements...
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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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City of New Rochelle, New York Code § 331-25 - Solar energy collectors
Date Added: Wednesday, June 6, 2018Solar Energy, Zoning
State: Not Applicable
New Rochelle, New York allows certain small-scale, roof-mounted systems as accessory uses under the City’s general accessory use definition. Solar energy collectors on one- or two- family dwellings, as well as those that cover less than 1,000 square feet of the roof area of other buildings, require only a building permit...
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Township of Chesterfield Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Re