Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/11/2007

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If You Zone it They VJiU Come: Town Centers By Kirk Bishop, Duncan Associates This issue of Zoning Practice provides an overview of the structure of town center regula- tions and is part of larger effort by the American Planning Association on the develop- ment of model smart growth ordinances. Included in APA's Model Smart Land Develop- ment Codes (www.planning.org/smartgrowth- cDdes/pdf/chapterl.pdfJ are models that may be adapted by local governments to implement special planning policies (e.g., multimodal transportation; affordable housing; etc.). As . used in this effort, smart growth ordinances and development codes mean regulations intended tD achieve a variety of objectives (e.g., encDuraging mixed uses, preserving open space and environmentally sensitive areas, providing a choice of housing types and trans- portation modes, and making the development review process more predictable). In addition, because smart growth ordinances involve pro- viding more transportation options and more compact, mixed use development, they inevitably have public health implications; they encourage walking, bicycling, and human inter. action, with the potential to support more active, socially engaged lifestyies that result in better physical and mental health. The primary smart growth principle addressed with town center zoning is mixing land uses. Secondary smart growth principles include walkable neighborhoods and distinctive and attractive places. FOR POLlCYMAKERS Local policymakers, such as mayors, city coun- cil members, and planning commissioners, can use this article to familiarize themselves with the contents of land development regula- tions, alternative ways to update such regula- tions, methods to incorporate smart growth objectives, and particular types of smart growth ordinances. The model town center ordinance fea. tured in the article provides a starting point for discussion among policymakers as to the desirability and general approach to such reg- ulati,ons. In some cases, the model ordinance provides several regulatory alternatives among which policymakers can select or, by working with their planners, devise a hybrid approach that suits their community. FOR PLA.NNERS Professional planners can use the options dis- , cussed in the article to help policymakers understand land development regulation and how to meet smart growth objectives in the fDrmulation of a town center ordinance. The article contains enough model language for planners to understand the technical and administrative complexities of smart growth ordinances and tD draft and administer one - for town centers. Model provisions are preceded by com- mentary on drafting them. 110 ZONINGPRACTICE 5.07 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSDCIATIDN I page 2