Scenario

Scenarios

The following is a summary of the some of the key concepts in this chapter, followed by possible situations with which local officials, planning commissioners and others may be asked to deal.

What would you do? Imagine yourself in a real-life circumstance in which you are a part of the land use process. Once you have thought about what you would do, you can click on the "Response" section to see a possible response. Although the response should be accurate and help to reinforce chapter content it may not be the only appropriate response that could be provided.

Please refer to the full chapter for reference information and should you have any questions. Click here for a list of field representatives and Department of Land Conservation and Development staff.

Key Concepts

Planning is a process that includes assessing current conditions, collecting data, setting goals and adopting implementing rules and regulations to reach those goals.
A comprehensive plan includes both a map (or maps) and policies to guide future growth and development.
Implementing measures translate the comprehensive plan map and policies into regulations that apply to specific properties.
There are several approaches to zoning, but all regulate allowed land uses and activities in a manner consistent with the comprehensive plan.

Your community is considering the need to expand the urban growth boundary to add large lot industrial land for business use. On what type of factual information must you base your decision?

Possible Response...

Such an action should be based on a current economic opportunities analysis, buildable lands information and infrastructure capacity. These facts should help determine whether the areas being considered are needed and realistic, and whether they are appropriate from transportation and public service perspectives.

To accommodate growth, your community is considering a new approach to housing. The city currently divides residential categories into low-density single family, medium-density single family and multi-family areas. What adjustments can you consider to allow for more flexible development choices?

Possible Response...

Some cities regulate housing by density rather than use. You might consider incentives that encourage clustering and mixed use development patterns through more livable, walkable neighborhoods.

At a planning commission hearing, you are asked to consider a request to adjust or remove the front yard setback requirement (a variance). What are the important factors you will need to consider?

Possible Response...

The purpose of front yard setback requirement is often to provide open space between the structure and the road or street. Safety and clear vision for entering and leaving adjacent properties can also be a consideration. To grant a variance, the applicant needs to address a variety of factors to support the proposal. These include such things as whether the setback regulation creates a unique hardship that requires a standard different from its neighbors in the same zone and vicinity, and if the variance is the minimum necessary to alleviate the hardship.