Glossary of Planning Terms Flashcards
Acre, gross
Area of a site calculated to the centerline of bounding streets and other public rights-of-way
Acre, gross developable
Area of a site, including proposed public streets and other proposed rights-of-way but excluding areas subject to physical or environmental constraints, which include creek corridors and floodways, and areas to be dedicated for greenways or habitat protection
Acre, net
Area of a site excluding land to be dedicated for required easements for vehicles and rights of way, either public or private; land dedicated to be hazardous or unbuildable; and land to be dedicated for public use (schools, parks, etc.)
Affordable housing
Housing capable of being purchased or rented by a household of extremely low, very low, low, or moderate income, based on the household’s ability to make monthly payments. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30% of its gross monthly income (GMI) for the housing, including utilities
Attainment area
An area determined to have met federal or state air quality standards, as defined by the federal Clean Air Act or the California Clean Air Act. An area may be an attainment area for one-pollutant and a non-attainment area for others
Best Management Practices (BMP)
The combination of standards, procedures, conservation measures, and management practices that reduces or avoids adverse impacts of development. BMPs most commonly refer to water supply and quality management, but may also refer to other resources or planning concerns, such as air quality, agriculture and soils, biological resources, etc.
Buffer area
A landscape area, usually containing trees, shrubs, and other natural surfaces, used to protect a resource such as a waterway or agricultural land, or to increase the compatibility of adjacent land uses
Buildout
That level of development characterized by full occupancy of all developable sites in accordance with the General Plan; the maximum probable level of development envisioned by the General Plan under specified assumptions about densities and intensities. Buildout does not necessarily assume parcels are developed at maximum allowable intensities
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
The multi-year scheduling of public physical improvements based on studies of fiscal resources available and the choice of specific improvements to be constructed
Climate Action Plan (CAP)
A plan to address community, agency, or business contributions to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and global climate change. A CAP usually consists of an existing GHG inventory, a projection of future emissions, a prioritized list of potential relevant actions the jurisdiction could take to reduce existing and future GHG emissions, some quantification of costs and benefits of each action, an estimate of the overall effect of plan implementation in terms of GHG reductions, and an implementation program including responsible parties, funding sources, and timelines for implementation
CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level)
The average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7pm to 10pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels in the night from 10pm to 7 am.
Compatible
Capable of existing together without conflict or ill effects
Conservation
The management of natural resources to prevent waste, destruction, or neglect
Consistent
Free from variation or contradiction. Programs in the General Plan are to be consistent, not contradictory. State law requires consistency between a general plan and implementation measures such as the zoning ordinance
Curb cut
The opening along the curb line at which point vehicles or other wheeled forms of transportation may enter or leave the roadway. Curb cuts are essential at street corners for wheelchair users
dBA
The “A-weighted” scale for measuring sound in decibels; weights or reduces the effects of low and high frequencies in order to stimulate human hearing. Every increase of 10 dBA doubles the perceived loudness though the noise is actually 10 times more intense
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement used to express the relative intensity of sound as heard by the human ear describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the radio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter)
Dedication
The commitment by an owner or developer of private land for public use, and the acceptance of land for such use by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the public function for which it will be used. Dedications for roads, parks, school sites, or other public uses often are required by the City as conditions of approval on a development.
Dedication, in lieu of
Cash payments may be required of an owner of developer as a substitute for dedication of land, usually calculated in dollars per lot, and referred to as in lieu fees or in lieu contributions
Density, Residential
The number of dwelling units per acre of land. Densities are usually expressed in units per gross developable area
Density bonus
The allocation of development rights that allow a parcel to accommodate additional square footage or additional residential units beyond the maximum for which the parcel is zoned, usually in exchange for the provision or preservation of an amity at the same site or at another location.
Detention area
A detention area is an area in the natural environment where rainwater runoff and stormwater naturally collects during a rain and then is pumped to other areas. Human activity and construction of homes have the effect of changing the size and shape of a detention area
Detention basin/pond
Facilities classified according to the broad function they serve, such as storage, diversion, or detention. Detention facilities are constructed to retard flood runoff and minimize the effects of floods
Developer
An individual who, or business which, prepares raw land for the construction of buildings or builds or causes to be built physical building space for use primarily by others, and in which the preparation of the land or the creation of building space is in itself a business and is not incidental to another business or activity
Development
The physical extension and/or construction of urban land uses. Development activities include but are not limited to: subdivision of land; construction or alteration of structures, roads, utilities, and other facilities; installation of septic systems; grading; deposit of refuse, debris, or fill materials; and clearing of natural vegetation cover (with the exception of agricultural activities). Routine repair and maintenance activities are not considered to be “development”
District
(1) An area of a city or county that has a unique character identifiable as different from surrounding areas because of distinctive architecture, streets, geographic features, culture, landmarks, activities, or land uses.
(2) A portion of the territory of a city or county within which uniform zoning regulations and requirements apply; a zone.
Dwelling unit
A room or group of rooms (including sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities, but not more than one kitchen) which constitutes an independent housekeeping unit, occupied or intended for occupancy by one household on a long-term basis
Easement
A right given by the owner of land to another party for specific limited use of that land. An easement may be acquired by a government through dedication when the purchase of an entire interest in the property may be too expensive or unnecessary; usually needed for utilities or shared parking
Endangered Species, California
A native species or sub-species of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant, which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range, due to one or more factors, including loss in habitat, change in habitat, over-exploitation, predation, competition, or disease. The status is determined by the State Department of Fish and Game together with the State Fish and Game Commission
Endangered Species, Federal
A species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, other than the species of the Class Insect determined to constitute a pest whose protection under the provisions of the 1973 Endangered Species Act, as amended, would present and overwhelming and overriding risk to humans. The status is determined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice refers to the fair treatment of all people – regardless of race, income, and religion – when implementing policies that affect housing and the environment. The federal and State government have policies that require agencies to identity and avoid placing a disproportionately large number of minority or low-income populations in certain geographical locations
Expansive soils
Soils that swell when they absorb water and shrink as they dry
Floodplain
An area adjacent to a lake, stream, ocean, or other body of water lying outside the ordinary banks of the water body and periodically inundated by flood flows
Flood Zone
The relatively level land area on either side of the banks of a stream that is subject to flooding under a 100-year or a 500-year storm
Flood, 100-year
A flood event that has a one-percent chance of occurring in any one year
Floor Area, Gross
The total horizontal area in square feet of all floors within the exterior walls or a building, but not including the area of unroofed inner courts or shaft enclosures
General Plan
A set of policies and programs that form a blueprint for long-term development of the community. It consists of written text and diagrams that express how a community should develop, and is a key tool for influencing the quality of life. The plan is a basis for decision-making on land use, services, and public works used by policymakers such as the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Graywater
Usually defined as the wastewater produced from baths, showers, clothes washers, and bathroom sinks (though not kitchen sinks or toilets). Graywater may be recycled for irrigation, cooling, toilet-flushing, and certain other secondary uses without treatment
Historic Resources
Standing structures of historic or aesthetic significant, with significance usually defined by state and federal agencies, but which may also be defined locally
Infill
The development of new housing or other buildings on scattered vacant lots in a predominantly developed area or on new building parcels created by permitted lot splits
Intersection capacity
The maximum number of vehicles that has a reasonable expectation of passing through an intersection in one direction during a given time period under prevailing roadway and traffic conditions
Jobs-Employed Residents Ratio
Total jobs divided by total employed residents (i.e. people who live in the area, but may work anywhere). A ratio of 1.0 typically indicates a balance. A ratio greater than 1.0 indicates a net in-commute; less than 1.0 indicates a net out-commute
K Factor
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six factors used in Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based primarily on the percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and on soil structure and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water
L10
A statistical descriptor indicating the sound level exceeded 10% of the time. It is a commonly used descriptor in community noise, and has been used in Federal Highway Administration standards and standards of some cities
Ldn (Day-Night Average Sound Level)
The A-weighted average sound level for a given area (measured in decibels) during a 24-hour period with a 10 dB weighting applied to night-time sound levels (after 10pm and before 7am). The Ldn is approximately numerically equal to the CNEL for most environmental settings
Leq (Equivalent energy level)
The sound level corresponding to a steady sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying signal over a given sample period. Leq is typically computer over 1,2, and 8-hour sample periods.
LEED
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings
Level of Service (LOS) (traffic)
A qualitative measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream and the perception of motorists and/or passengers regarding these conditions. A level of service definition generally describes these conditions in terms of such factors as traffic volumes, speed and travel time, delays at traffic signals, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience, and safety
Liquefaction
A sudden large decrease in the shearing resistance of a cohesion less soil, caused by a collapse of the structure by shock or strain, and associated with a sudden but temporary increase of the pore fluid pressure
Mixed Use
A development project or a General Plan land use designation that includes two or more categories of land use, such as residential and commercial, or commercial and professional office
Noise Contours
Lines drawn about a noise source indicated equal levels of noise exposure. CNEL and Ldn are the metrics utilized heron to describe annoyance due to noise and to establish land use planning criteria for noise
Open Space
Any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved. The General Plan designates privately-owned rural/grazing lands, and devoted open space areas as defined by California planning law
Particulate Matter
Solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere. Particulate matters can penetrate to the deeper portion of the lung, affecting sensitive populations croups such as children and people with respiratory diseases
Peak Hour
The busiest one-hour period for traffic during 24-hour period. The PM peak hour is the busiest one hour period of traffic during the evening commute period. The AM peak hour is the busiest one hour period during the morning commute
Pedestrian-Oriented Development
Development designed with an emphasis on the street sidewalk and on pedestrian access to the building, rather than on auto access and parking areas
Performance standards
A statement representing a commitment by a public agency to attain a specified level or quality of performance through its programs and policies
Planning Area
The land area addressed by a General Plan, including land within the city limits and land outside the city limits that bears a relation to the City’s plan
Retention area
A pond, pool, lagoon, or basin used for the storage of water runoff, which is not pumped to another location, thereby holding an entire winter’s storm capacity
Right-of-way
A continuous strip of land reserved for or actually occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer, or other similar use
Siltation
The process of silt deposition. Silt is a loose sedimentary material composed of finely divided particles of soil or rock, often carried cloudy suspension in water
Sphere of Influence (SOI)
The ultimate service area of an incorporated city, as established by the LAFCO
Stationary Source
A source of air pollution that is not mobile, for instance an exhaust pipe from a laboratory or refinery
Stormwater runoff
Surplus surface water generated by rainfall that does not seep into the earth but flows overland to a watercourse
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total dissolved solids comprise inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water. The principal constituents are usually calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and the anions carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, and, particularly in groundwater, nitrate (from agricultural use)
Transportation Demand Management
Measures to improve the movement of persons and goods through better and more efficient utilization of existing transportation systems (e.g. streets and roads, freeways, and bus systems) and measures to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles utilized for commute purposes
Trip Generation
The number of vehicle trip ends associated with (i.e. produced by) a particular land use or traffic study site. A trip end is defined as a single vehicle movement. Roundtrips consist of two trip ends.
Urban Area Boundary (UAB)
Established by the current General Plan, the UAB is an are that is seen as the City’s ultimate probable physical extent. It includes land not expected to develop within the 30 years of the General Plan’s planning period
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
The UGB is established by the General Plan to accommodate the projected growth through the General Plan’s end date
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
A measure of both the volume and extent of motor vehicle operation; the total number of vehicle miles traveled within a specified geographical area (whether the entire country or a smaller area) over a given amount of time
View Corridor
The line-of-sight (identified as to height, width, and distance) of an observer looking toward an object of significance to the community (e.g. sideline, river, historic building, etc.)
Watershed
The total area above a given point on a watercourse which contributes water to the flow of the watercourse; an entire region drained by a watercourse
Abiotic
Those aspects dealing with nonliving matter
Adiabatic lapse rate
A variation in temperature of a parcel of air up or down a change in elevation. This does not take into account exchanges of heat between the air parcel and the environment
Administration
Execution of an organizational policy to reach predetermined objectives
Advection
The transfer of atmospheric property due to mass air motion along a gradient of the property
Lot coverage (LC)
- Building intensity standard.
- Calculated by dividing the size of the footprints of a building(s) or structure(s) by the size of the parcel, expressed as a decimal number.
- e.g. 1000 SF building on a 5000 SF lot = 1000/5000 = .20 or 20%
- does not cover grade-level walkways, driveways, feces, or retaining walls
- includes main buildings and accessory buildings
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
- Building intensity standard
- Calculated by dividing the size of a building by the size of the parcel, expressed as a decimal number.
- Includes all square footage, including storage attics and covered porches/patios. Includes wall thickness
- Does not include basements (depending on state building code); attached or detached garages; and carports, porches, balconies, breezeways, and decks without a solid cover
Open Space Ratio (OSR)
- Building intensity standard
- Proportion of site required to remain as open space and may be used for recreation, agriculture, and resource protection
- Applies to residential development and refers to commonly owned open space (not private lots)
- Calculated by dividing the total amount of commonly-owned open space on a residential parcel proposed for development by the total area of the entire parcel proposed for development
- e.g. 2 ac / 10 ac = .2 or 20%
Landscape Surface Ratio (LSR)
- Building intensity standard
- Applies to nonresidential development and refers to all landscaped and open space.
- Calculated by dividing the total amount of landscaped and open space area by the entire developable parcel
Landscape Volume Ratio (LVR)
- Building intensity standard
- Calculated by dividing landscape volume by site area
- Accounts for 5 years of growth
Building Volume Ratio (BVR)
- Building intensity standard
- Calculated by dividing volume of buildings by the area of the site
- Also includes the total built environment – volumes of main structure/building, parking areas, loading areas, and accessory structures
Capital Improvement Plan
- Long-range multi-year plan of capital improvement projects that are used in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, strategic plans, and long-range financial plans
- Provides the means for evaluating facility and infrastructure projects
- Provides expansion services such as street, sewer, and water projects that may affect a design plan
- Provides information on what services are to be upgraded, repaired, or constructed
Chicane
- A series of narrowings or curb extensions, used at mid block locations only, that alternate from one side of the street to another, forming S-shaped curves
- A traffic-calming technique
Closures
- A traffic-calming technique including diagonal diverters, half-closures, full-closures, and median barriers, the purpose of which is to reduce cut-through traffic by obstructing traffic movements in one or more directions
Cluster development
A pattern of development in which industrial and commercial facilities and homes are grouped together on parcels of land in order to leave parts of the land undeveloped. Zoning ordinances permit cluster development by allowing smaller lot sizes when part of the land is left as open space
Collector street
Streets that connect residential and local streets and neighborhood connector streets through or to more than one neighborhood, and have continuity between arterial streets
- Convey traffic out of neighborhoods to arterial streets
Arterial street
A street that generally has two or more moving lanes, traffic signals, may be designated a truck or bus route, and is intended to serve traffic moving through an area
- Major arterial: principal street within the network for the provision of both intercity and intracity traffic movement
- Minor arterial: secondary street within the network for the purpose of traffic movement between the neighborhoods and other areas of the city
Comprehensive master plan
An official statement of a governing body which sets forth major policies concerning the desired future land use and physical development of an area. It describes the long-term direction and vision for growth and development.
- Topic areas typically include land use, economic development, community character, natural resources, parks and recreation, transportation, housing, and historic preservation.
- This long-range plan outlines trends in the area and how to address future growth in areas such as transportation, environment, and recreation
Covenant
A written agreement between two or more parties in which a party or parties pledge to perform or not perform species acts with regard to property; usually formed in such real estate documents as deeds, mortgages, leases, and contracts for deed.
Restrictive covenant
An agreement included in a deed to real property that the buyer (grantee) will be limited as to the future use of the property
Conveyance
A written instrument used to transfer (convey) title to property, such as a deed
Deed
Document that conveys ownership of real estate. Contains the names of both the old and new owners, and a legal description of the property and signed by the person transferring the property (seller)
Deed of trust
Legal document that conveys the title of real property to a 3rd party, which holds the title until the owner of the property has repaid the debt in full (in some states used instead of mortgage)
Quit claim deed
Transfers to the grantee any and all of the legal rights the grantor has in the parcel of real property. Used to clear “clouds on the title” (e.g. misspelled name on earlier transfer)
Demography
Statistical study of the characteristics of human populations, such as size, growth, density, distribution, and vital statistics as well as how populations change over time due to births, deaths, migration, and aging
- Used by a landscape architect to analyze neighborhood characteristics, make neighborhood comparisons, and determine median income in order to determine housing needs in early phases
Density
The average number of people, families, or housing units on one unit of land density (e.g. dwelling units per acre)
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Public document used by a governmental agency to analyze the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, to identify alternatives, and to disclose possible ways to reduce or avoid possible environmental damage
Easement
A legal right or permission, giving a person or entity limited use of another’s property.
Easement in gross
An easement benefits the holder personally and is not associated with any land he owns (e.g. a public utility’s right to run power lines through another property)
Easement appurtenant
An easement held incident to ownership of some land (e.g. the right to run a ditch through a neighbor’s yard to drain your yard)
Temporary easement
A grant by a property owner to the public or other person or entity over specific tract of land for a specific use or purpose for a specific time frame
Permanent easement
A grant by a property owner to the public, over specific tract of land for a specific use or purpose for indefinite duration
Scenic easement
A legal means of protecting beautiful views and associated aesthetic quality along a site by restricting change in existing features without government approval
Environmental regulations
Federal, state, and local requirements for managing the nation’s environmental health.
- A landscape architect is primarily concerned with the temporary or permanent measures for sediment and erosion control and wetland or stream protection
Frontage
A boundary of a property which abuts an existing or dedicated public ROW, water body, or similar barrier
Greenbelt/greenway
A corridor composed of natural vegetation with specific measures designed to mitigate fire, flood, and erosion hazard, land use planning, and development.
- Ex: an irrigated landscape buffer zone between development and wild lands, such as golf course, park, etc.
Intensity
A comparison of the development proposal against environmental constraints or other conditions which determines the carrying capacity of a specific land area to accommodate development without adverse impacts
Land classification (Sixteenth Section Lands)
Current law requires that Sixteenth Section Lands (trust land in southern states – section of each township for school/state) be classified into one of nine land classifications: forest, agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential, farm residential, recreational, catfish farming, and other.
- Land classification is determined according to the highest and best land use that will produce maximum income for leasing
Land-use plan
A set of decisions about how the land will e used and ways to achieve the desired use. It includes:
- Definition of goals
- An ordering of land and human and material resources
- An explicit statement of the methods, organization, responsibilities, and schedule to be used
- Agreed targets
Line of sight
A general term for the vertical view corridor that might normally be 3º measured up and down from the height of the viewer’s eyes
Local/residential street
Provides access to residences and businesses within a neighborhood
Mixed-use development
Development that includes residential, commercial, and business accommodations in one area
No action/no-build policy
Planning option of leaving the situation as it exists. Normally includes short term, minor restoration types of activities (e.g. safety and maintenance improvements) that maintain continuing operation of existing facilities
Open space
Includes any area of land or water essentially unimproved that is designed or reserved for purposes similar to the following:
Preservation of natural resources, managed production of resources, outdoor recreation, protection of public health and safety, farming, protection of scenic views and features, environmental protection, visual beauty, educational opportunities
Ordinance
Formal legislative enactment by the governing body. Must not be in conflict with any higher form of law (e.g. state or federal)
Planned Unit Development (PUD) (cluster housing)
A project or subdivision that consists of common property and improvements that are owned and maintained by an owner’s association for the benefit and use of the individual units within the severable membership for each individual unit owner, and provide mandatory assessments.
- Zoning is not a basis for classifying a project or subdivision as a PUD
Police powers
The right of the government to enforce laws for public welfare, including building codes, zoning, etc.
Regional land use
Determines how an area is being used and developed and how such use may protect into future uses. Objectives include a spatial distribution of various land uses that:
- results in a compatible arrangement of land uses
- protects and uses wisely the region’s natural resources included inland lakes, streams, groundwater, wetland, woodlands, parries, wildlife, and natural areas and critical species habitats
- supports transportation, utility, and public facility systems
- does not look at specifics (e.g. plant and animal counts)
Right of way (ROW)
Publicly owned space for current or future facilities such as highways, streets, or trails, and above- and below-ground utilities (e.g. water, sewer)
- Generally extends 10’-20’ beyond the curb into the yard area
New roadway ROW
Dedicated to public use on subdivision plat. Must be constructed under permit issued by the governing body and comply with the provisions of these regulations during construction in order to be accepted for maintenance
Public ROW
Area of real property in which the governing body has a dedicated or acquired ROW interest in the real property. Usually includes the area on, below, or above the present or future stress, alleys, etc. acquired or dedicated as ROW
Setback
Minimum horizontal distance required between any lot line or ROW and the nearest point of any building, structure, or improvement located or to be located on a lot
Sight line triangle
A setback at a street and driveway intersection that restricts anyone from placing view obstructions at the height of the driver’s line of sight vertically located between 3’ and 6’ above ground for a specified horizontal distance related to street design speed
Specified Area Plan (SAP)
A legal tool for detailed design and implementation of a defined portion of an area covered by a General Plan.
A specific plan may include all detailed regulations, conditions, programs, and/or proposed legislation that may be necessary or convenient for the systematic implementation of any General Plan elements (e.g. of a comprehensive plan for a municipality)
Streetscape
Space between the buildings on either side of a street. Includes building frontage/facade; landscaping (trees, yards, bushes, etc.); sidewalks; street paving; street furniture; signs; awnings; and street lighting
Subdivision
Tract of land divided by the owner into blocks, building lots, and streets according to a recorded subdivision plat.
- Subject to local rules and regulations, procedures, and requirements
Title search or examinations
A check of the title records to make sure the buyer is purchasing a house from the legal owner and there are no liens, overdue special assessments, or other claims or outstanding restrictive covenants filed in the record, which would adversely affect the marketability or value of the title
Transfer of development rights
Allows property owners to sell the development rights to their property while retaining ownership of the land itself. Often used to preserve a natural open space located on a large site proposed for residential development
Variance
A modification or waiving of the provisions of code applied to a specific property
Zoning
Legislative process that classifies land in a community into different areas and districts. Regulates building dimensions, density, and placement
Zoning map
A map that defines current zoning designations and land use
Land uses or areas associated with higher volume of bicycle traffic
- Schools
- Parks and recreational facilities
- Community activity centers
- Employment concentrations
- Shopping and community centers
Consider larger context (3-6 mile range)
Regional context analysis
- Helps to learn how regional surroundings affect your community’s possibilities
- Aid in planning for future land uses that complement what is taking place in the surrounding region
- Use for all types of communities
- Future plans and possible effects of nearby communities in a region
Community opportunities analysis
- Helps to decide how unique opportunities (assets and potentials) affect land use
- Aids in planning for enough land to take advantage of future opportunities
- Use for all types of communities
Community visualization techniques
- Translates easily misunderstood land use desires into easily understood pictures
- Identify desired character (such as appearance) of future land uses – different options for preservation, development, or community change
- Use in all types of communities
Demographic and economic data interpretation
- Helps to decide future land use impacts of population and job trends
- Aids in planning land use amounts and types to reflect demographic trends (population growth, age levels, workforce size and skills, economic activity, etc.)
- Use in all types of communities
Natural resources and soils analysis
- Helps to analyze/determine the physical suitability of lands for different land uses
- Aids in planning for all types of land uses, such as industrial, and will not result in property or environmental damage
- Use for all types of communities, but especially rural communities
- Review connecting different natural areas to form environmental corridors
Cultural resources analysis
- Helps to identify land uses important to community history and character (historic or culturally significant elements)
- Aids in planning for future land uses in locations that do not impair cultural resources
- Use in all types of communities
Utility analysis
- Helps to coordinate future land uses with utility system capabilities
- Aids in planning for future locations and types of land uses that can efficiently be served by public utilities
- Use primarily in “urban” communities with public utilities
Transportation system analysis
- Helps to coordinate future land uses with transportation facilities
- Aids in arriving at realistic assessments of relationships between land uses and transportation facilities, such as access control
- Use in all types of communities
Growth factors analysis
- Aids in compiling different natural and man-made physical factors that affect where community growth may be appropriate
- Helps to plan for large areas where future land development may be more or less appropriate given physical and other opportunities and limitations
- Use in all types of communities, but particularly urban communities
- Factors include past growth patterns, drainage basins, environmental corridors, productive farmlands, planned transportation projects, etc.
Existing zoning/build-out analysis
- Relate what can be done today under existing zoning to what the community wants to see in the future through land use element and future map
- Determine areas where future land use desires and existing zoning are out of alignment
- Use in all types of communities, but particularly communities with a lot of undeveloped land
Land use demand projections
- Identify how much land may be shown in different land use categories on future land use map
- Provide a basis for the size of future residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas
- Use in all types of communities
