Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/05/2009

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roof runoff, and pervious pavements. Re- quirements for reduced and shared parking, green roofs, and low-energy lighting systems can also further energy-efficiency and low- impact goals. Hybrid codes. Any of these approaches can be combined to meet a specific need. One or more districts may rely on perfor- manc.e standards; within the same code, another district may implement TND or other techniques. Adequate public facilities re- quirements are not dependent on the type of district or design standards. Green buildings and low-impact design techniques can be implemented with any regulatory approach for use and site design. In short, a hybrid code combines the practices that best meet the needs of your jurisdiction rather than a rigid, single-purpose ~pproach where one size fits no. one well. CONCLUSION A step-by-step approach is effective, easy to implement, and easy to explain to the stakeholders. Remember these steps and you will be successful in overhauling your zoning code. Begin with the end in mind. It is at the beginning that you decide what you want to achieve and diagnose the problems that must be solved during the overhaut. An effective diagnosis relies, in part, on thoughtful interviews and probing questions with the stakeholders. All the people who use the code have a stak.e in the outcome and will become partners in the process when they are allowed to contribute to yo~t understand- . J Ing of the problems. Evaluatinlj:'Jhe range of solutions before beginning to '6rganize and write will help you fine! the b~t solution-or combination of solutions-tc;i l1Jeet your spe- cific needs ;' I~ .~. Prepare a detailed wo.rkfng outline only when you have diagnosed the code and iden- tified solutions. This outline is the basis for the task of writing, Use the tools you have to track the is~ues, provide for review of each part of the code, and keep track qfsections d~stined for the cutting room floor. Finally, recognize that the weeks and months after adoption will be a time of transition, learning, and, possibly, further modification. ~pect the glitches, and do not see them as evidence of poor choices in the overhauling process. A successful overhaul of your zoning code will be the result. NEWS BRIEF HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT ON PLANNING BENERTS COMMUNITIES By Lara Lucero, AICP New Orleans voters have chosen to require that local development be consistent with the city's master plan. On November 4, they narrowly approved an amendment to the city's home rule charter that elevates the importance of the master plan and guarantees that the public and all neighborhoods will be an essential part of the planning process. Once the new master plan The city council voted unanimously in July to endorse the amendment and place it on the November ballot. The amendment's language can be found in the August 2008 issue of Zoning Practice. Although a num- ber of groups supported the amendment, including Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, the Downtown Development District, the Business Council, and some neighborhood associations, opposition was growing in the weeks before the election, primarily among African American community groups who questiofled the idea of elevating the impor- Development applications often were approved in an arbitrary and ad hoc manner. The home rule charter amendment ends this process, and establishes a new standard for good government that is responsible and equitable. is adopted, it will play an essential part in the future land-use and development decision-mak- ing process. Until now, the plan has not had the force of law, and decision makers were not required to follow it. Instead, development applications often were approved in an arbitrary and ad hoc manner. The home rule charter amendment ends this process, and instead"establishes a new standard for good govemment that is responsible and equitable and achieves the goals of local-residents for their future. tance ofthe master plan when it hasn't been prepared and the public hasn't re- viewed it yet. Communities around the country may be encouraged to follow New Orleans's example. The home rule charter amendment is a major step forward in the rebuilding and revitaliza- tion of New Orleans. Lara Lucero is editor of Planning & Environ- mental Law and sta{fliaison to APA's Amicus Curiae Committee. VOL. 25, NO. 12 Zoning Practice is a monthly publication ofthe American Planning Association. Subscriptions are available for $75 (U.S.) and $100 (foreign). W. Paul Farmer, FAlCP, Executive Director; William R. Klein, AlCP, Director of Research Zoning Practice (155M 1548-(135) is produced at APA. Jim Schwab, AICP, and David Morley, Editors; Julie Yon Bergen, Assistant Editor; Lisa Barton, Design and Production. Copyright@2008 by American Planning Association, 122 S.-Michigan Ave., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603_ The American Planning Association also has offices at 1776 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; www.planning.org. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any m!;ans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the American Planning Association. Printed on recycled paper, including 50:70% recycled fiber and 10% postconsumer waste. ZONINGPRACTICE 12.08 AMERICA PLANNING ASSOCIATION Ipage 7 .75