Zoning Practice

It's a fact. The zoning problem you're struggling with today has probably already been solved by somebody else. But how can you find out what's working without spending a lot of your valuable time?

Zoning Practice isn't just an interesting read. It's a toolbox chock full of information geared to inform and inspire, and to implement by planners for the purpose of smarter land-use practice.

Current Issues

November 2009

Distinguishing Between Detrimental and Benign Nonconformities

When local governments adopt new or revised zoning regulations, many existing uses, structures, site design features, and lots may become nonconforming. This issue of Zoning Practice takes a look the differences between detrimental and benign nonconformities and recommends a two-tiered approach to regulating legal nonconformities.

Author V. Gail Easley, FAICP, is an adjunct lecturer in the urban and regional planning program at the University of Florida. In her work as a local government and consulting planner, she has provided services local, regional, and state governments for 30 years. Author David Theriaque is an attorney representing private-sector and governmental clients regarding land-use planning and growth management law at the state and federal levels.

October 2009

Safe Growth Audits

As communities grow and develop, they may become more vulnerable to natural hazards. The purpose of a safe growth audit is to analyze the impacts of current policies, ordinances, and plans on community safety from hazard risks due to growth. This article outlines the principles of safe growth and includes a list of basic safe growth audit questions.

Author David Godschalk, FAICP, is professor emeritus of city and regional planning at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The article is drawn from material he prepared for APA for an upcoming PAS Report, Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.