Powering Down Zoning Regulations

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Over the past several years there has been a paradigm shift in zoning practice with regard to sustainable planning and development. Policy makers, civic leaders, planners, architects, builders, and energy companies have started to recognize the link between energy consumption and development regulations.

Many outdated zoning codes, in particular, are rife with provisions that lead to more energy consumption than necessary or prevent energy saving development techniques. Conversely, many newer codes already include provisions that promote energy conservation.

This issue of Zoning Practice explores ways in which energy consumption can be reduced directly or indirectly through zoning and other development regulations. And it highlights nine ways to "power down" through zoning.

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