Essential Smart Growth Fixes For Zoning Codes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Growth Program has released a report detailing "essential fixes" for local governments who want to create smarter, more environmentally responsible, and sustainable communities.
"Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes" includes 11 Essential Fixes to the most common barriers local governments face when they want to implement smart growth policies.
- Allow or require mixed-use zone
- Use Urban Dimensions in urban places
- Rein in and reform the use of planned unit developments
- Fix parking requirements
- Increase density and intensity in centers
- Modernize street standards
- Enact standards to forster walkable places
- Designate and support preferred growth areas and development sites
- Use green infrastructure to manage stormwater
- Adopt smart annexation policies
- Avoid the 'Devil's Density'
This tool does not include model language, nor is it intended to provide model codes or ordinances. Instead, this tool can help communities evaluate their existing codes and ordinances and apply the information to achieve smart growth objectives.
This document focuses primarily on barriers in suburban and urban communities. Similar issues regarding rural development will be addressed in a subsequent document that is under development.
The document is available in our Best Practices.
Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes
