Energy Conservation & Community Planning
Our pattern of land development can have a significant impact on energy consumption. A growing number of local governments are taking steps to promote energy conservation.
Environment
Working to preserve natural areas and a healthy environment is a key concern for most planning commissions.
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Considering Stormwater Management in Site Plan Review
Site plan review should include consideration of a development’s impact on water resources — and stormwater runoff.
Beyond the Flood of the Century
On April 19, 1997, the Red River inundated the cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Reflections on what happened, and the planning commission’s role.
Emerging Water Shortages Are No Mirage
Water shortages used to be thought of as a strictly Western problem. But planners are realizing that water scarcity can become a concern just about anywhere.
Overlay Zoning to Protect Surface Waters
Regulating land use practices near streams can significantly reduce the run-off of sediment and other pollutants. How a system of “overlay zones” can help protect stream corridors, lakeshores, and watersheds.
Purchase of Development Rights: Preserving Farmland and Open Space
An introduction to purchase of development rights (PDR) programs: how they work, what they can accomplish, and questions that often come up.
Improving the Subdivision Review Process
Too often planning commission and neighborhood involvement comes only after costly subdivision drawings have already been prepared. Randall Arendt on three key steps in shifting to a more proactive review process.
Moving Towards Sustainability
Trends in human activity, both at global and local levels, are still headed in directions that are largely unsustainable. Yet a growing number of cities and towns are incorporating sustainable development principles in their planning and zoning efforts.
Green Infrastructure
Your town, city, or county undoubtedly has an infrastructure plan dealing with water, sewer, roads, and utilities — the gray infrastructure. But has it planned as well for green infrastructure, such as trails, greenways, river corridors, and bike paths?
Land Trusts and Planning Commissions: Forging Strategic Alliances
Land trusts provide an important resource for communities concerned about preserving open space and natural resources. How planning commissions and land trusts can work cooperatively.
Growing Greener: Conservation Subdivision Design
Noted conservation planner Randall Arendt offers a framework for subdivision review that encourages the preservation of open space and natural areas, while enhancing the market value of development.
Developing Brownfields, Not Greenfields
Tens of thousands of brownfields — abandoned, often contaminated, industrial sites — can be found in cities, towns, and rural areas across the country. A look at efforts to plan for the redevelopment of brownfields.
Tourism and the Environment: What’s the Connection?
Ed McMahon considers how a growing number of communities are making the connection between tourism and environmental values.
