Plan Implementation Flashcards
Zoning
The separation of land uses or functions into separate districts. Implemented through locally-enacted legislation that regulates and controls the use of private property.
Purposes of Zoning
- Protect and maintain property values
- Promote public health and safety
- Protect the environment
- Promote the aesthetic of a community
- Manage traffic
- Manage density
- Limit housing size and type, or encourage a variety of housing types
- Attract businesses and industries
What does Zoning Regulate
- Land use
- Lot size
- Density
- Bldng placement
- Building bulk
- Setbacks
- provision of adequate light and air
- Parking
- Landscaping
- Signage
Euclidean Zoning
Places the most protective restrictions on residential land uses, less on commercial uses, virtually none on industrial uses. Places single-family residential (most restrictive) at top of the pyramid.
Cumulative Zoning
Less protective of various land uses than Euclidean zoning. Single family residential are the most exclusive. However, in cumulative zoning, each successive district allows all the uses from the previous zone.
Modified Cumulative Zoning
Districts are typically cumulative. However, industrial district would not allow residential uses.
Conditional Use
Allow a certain use in a district only when it is compatible with its surroundings. AKA special use permit or specific use permit.
Nonconforming Use
Use that existed prior to the adoption of district regulations and is allowed to continue under the “grandfather” clause. Can be allowed to continue until naturally ceases, or amortized.
Accessory Use
Incidental to the main use of the property. Smaller in size than the main use. Examples - outside sales, outside storage, telecomms tower, home occupations, garage apartment/ADU
PUDs
Unique zoning tool use to offer an alternative to strict zoning regulations. Typically used for large developments that include a mix of uses. Advantage - planned in entirety up front, with careful attention to site plan. Can allow more innovative design. Developer often offers more community amenities and open space. Can be challenging from an administrative standpoint.
Overlay Zoning
Places additional restrictions over top of an existing zone. Example = airport overlay district. Historic overlay district. etc.
Variance
A change in the terms of the zoning regulations due to economic or physical hardship. Use variance. area variance.
Big-box retail
50,000+ SF in a large box.
Concentrated animal feeding operations
Practice of raising farm animals indoors and in high volumes.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Ratio of the building’s total floor area (gross) to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built.
Maximum Parking Standards
Alternative to conventional minimum parking standards. Cap amount of parking provided.
Progressive taxes
% of income paid increases as income rises.
Proportional taxes
Tax rate the same regardless of income
Regressive taxes
% of income paid in taxes decreases as income rises. i.e. sales tax.
Tax Criteria
- Fairness: tax should reflect the ability to pay of those who bear its burden. Those who are poor, for instance, should not have to pay a lot in taxes.
- Certainty: A tax should be fairly applied (i.e. I know that every time I purchase a gallon of milk that I will be taxed at the same rate)
- Convenience: Convenient to pay.
- Efficiency: Collection and enforcement should be straightforward
- Productivity: Stable source of revenue
- Neutrality: should not change the way a government would normally use its resources
Consistency Doctrine
https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/document/PASQuickNotes43.pdf
Consistency Assessment
Ensures that zoning and day-to-day land use decisions are made in harmony with a community’s comp/general plan. May or may not be required by state law.
“Accountable Implementation”
Ties actions to timetables, activities, budgets and agencies. Effectiveness is reported to the public, and plans are adjusted accordingly.
Conformance-based evaluation
Sees planning as having the ability to control future development. Plans are viewed as blueprints. The more conformance, the more success.
Performance-based evaluation
Views plans as decision-making tools, more in line with incrementalism. Achievement of end-state goals are not main concern. Any result deemed desirable could be considered a success.
CDC policy evaluation approach
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/pdfs/policy/brief%201-a.pdf
Evaluative Framework
- Utility: who wants the eval results and for what purpose?
- Feasibility - practical given resources?
- Propriety - fair and ethical?
- Accuracy
PAS Report: The Rules that Shape Urban Form
https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9026894/
PAS Report: Subdivision Design and Flood Hazard Areas
https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9112664/
PAS Report: Digital Zoning Codes and Comprehensive Plans
https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9134561/
APA Knowledge Center - Property Topics and Concepts
https://www.planning.org/divisions/planningandlaw/propertytopics.htm
