Land-Based Classification Standards provide a consistent model for classifying land uses based on their characteristics. The standards are based on a multi-dimensional land-use classification model.

LBCS updates the 1965 Standard Land Use Coding Manual (SLUCM), a standard which was widely adopted for land-use classifications. Because many current applications and land-based data depend on SLUCM and its derivatives, this update includes tools and methods to migrate such data.

Executive Summary

LBCS provides a consistent model for classifying land uses based on their characteristics. The model extends the notion of classifying land uses by refining traditional categories into multiple dimensions, such as activities, functions, building types, site development character, and ownership constraints. Each dimension has its own set of categories and subcategories. These multiple dimensions allow users to have precise control over land-use classifications.

Classifying land uses across multiple dimensions, in database terms, means adding new fields to the land-use database. The total number of land-use fields in the database should equal the number of dimensions, that is, every record in the database is classified in not just one land-use field, but severalone for each dimension. The number of dimensions, in turn, will depend on the purpose of the data. When the purpose of the data changes, dimensions may be added or dropped as needed. For local planning purposes, LBCS calls for classifying land uses in the following dimensions: Activity, Function, Structure Type, Site Development Character, and Ownership.

Activity refers to the actual use of land based on its observable characteristics. It describes what actually takes place in physical or observable terms (e.g., farming, shopping, manufacturing, vehicular movement, etc.). An office activity, for example, refers only to the physical activity on the premises, which could apply equally to a law firm, a nonprofit institution, a court house, a corporate office, or any other office use. Similarly, residential uses in single-family dwellings, multi-family structures, manufactured houses, or any other type of building, would all be classified as residential activity. View the classification for activity types.

Function refers to the economic function or type of establishment using the land. Every land use can be characterized by the type of establishment it serves. Land-use terms, such as agricultural, commercial, industrial, relate to enterprises. The type of economic function served by the land use gets classified in this dimension; it is independent of actual activity on the land. Establishments can have a variety of activities on their premises, yet serve a single function. For example, two parcels are said to be in the same functional category if they belong to the same establishment, even if one is an office building and the other is a factory. View the classification for economic function types.

Structure refers to the type of structure or building on the land. Land-use terms embody a structural or building characteristic, which suggests the utility of the space (in a building) or land (when there is no building). Land-use terms, such as single-family house, office building, warehouse, hospital building, or highway, also describe structural characteristic. Although many activities and functions are closely associated with certain structures, it is not always so. Many buildings are often adapted for uses other than its original use. For instance, a single-family residential structure may be used as an office. View the classification for structure types.

Site development character refers to the overall physical development character of the land. It describes "what is on the land" in general physical terms. For most land uses, it is simply expressed in terms of whether the site is developed or not. But not all sites without observable development can be treated as undeveloped. Land uses, such as parks and open spaces, which often have a complex mix of activities, functions, and structures on them, need categories independent of other dimensions. This dimension uses categories that describe the overall site development characteristics. View the classification for types of site development character.

Ownership refers to the relationship between the use and its land rights. Since the function of most land uses is either public or private and not both, distinguishing ownership characteristics seems obvious. However, relying solely on the functional character may obscure such uses as private parks, public theaters, private stadiums, private prisons, and mixed public and private ownership. Moreover, easements and similar legal devices also limit or constrain land-use activities and functions. This dimension allows classifying such ownership characteristics more accurately. View the classification for types of ownership.

The underlying principle of the LBCS model is its flexibility. It addresses flexibility in adapting the model to a variety of planning applications, data collection methods, data-sharing and data-integrating methods, and color coding and mapping. The flexibility also makes it possible to assign new categories for new land uses, to accommodate new methods and technologies for analysis, and to customize the model for local needs without losing the ability to share data. Each of these aspects of LBCS calls for applying a variety of standards or conventions to maintain consistency in land-use classifications.

Disclaimer

This material is based upon work supported by various departments and agencies of the U.S. Government under AGREEMENT No. DTFH61-96-X-00017. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the federal government.