The basic premise of “Smart Growth” is to allow or promote the development of
various land uses in appropriate districts while protecting natural areas,
farmland and the rural character of the community. The purpose of a Smart Growth
plan is twofold: to promote economic growth; and to minimize the adverse impacts
of such growth and development in areas that should be preserved and protected.
An important tool considered necessary to achieve these purposes is a Smart
Growth map that delineates both development and conservation areas within a
municipality. A well conceived Smart Growth plan should concentrate municipal
resources on economic development opportunities in the most suitable locations
by promoting the efficient use of land resources and infrastructure. The plan
should also encourage the revitalization of existing industrial areas,
commercial districts, and residential sectors in previously developed areas of
cities, towns and villages. Important byproducts of focusing growth in targeted
development areas are the preservation of the rural character of the community,
as well as the protection of farmland, which subsequently maintains the economic
viability of agriculture.
In promoting Smart Growth, communities should facilitate development that
minimizes impervious cover, encourages less driving and maximizes groundwater
recharge. Tools that can be used to accomplish these goals may include cluster
zoning or conservation zoning, which include standards for open space,
development densities, impervious surfaces, and other water-related
considerations. Developers, new homeowners, and rural residents comprise a
diverse group of stakeholders who would benefit from market-based cluster
zoning. Residents gain access to open space, developers and local governments
save money on infrastructure investments such as roads and sewers, and local
governments get an additional community amenity at limited cost, because home
buyers pay for preserving open space.
A fundamental principle of Smart Growth is to lessen pressure to develop open
spaces and farmland by investing in existing communities and enhancing the
quality of life. Local policies can make conservation of open space easier and
more effective. Smart Growth can be utilized at all levels of government.
Undeveloped areas should be identified and protected because of the many
inherent beneficial functions they offer. Preservation efforts should be
targeted toward critical areas such as groundwater recharge zones, wetlands, and
floodplains, as well as agricultural areas. Local governments can protect these
areas from development through zoning, establishing protected areas, and
changing development guidelines to use land more efficiently.
Smart Growth methodologies should be compatible with local zoning laws and
comprehensive plans. A technique that ensures such compatibility is the review
of these land use controls with respect to the delineated development and
conservation areas outlined in a Smart Growth plan. Where conflicts arise,
amendments pertaining to local zoning district boundaries, as well as permitted
land uses, should be considered to ensure the inherent development and
protection aspects of Smart Growth. This review process should be ongoing as
updates to the Smart Growth plan are made in response to changing local
conditions.
In summary, the utilization of Smart Growth techniques can protect natural
resources, farmland and the rural character of the countryside and maintain the
viability of agriculture. Smart Growth can also focus community resources to
support economic development opportunities in the most appropriate locations,
such as the revitalization of existing industrial areas and brownfields,
business districts, and residential areas. Smart Growth promotes the efficient
use of land resources and infrastructure and maximizes the benefit of existing
infrastructure.
These Smart Growth techniques are illustrated in Volumes 1 and 2 of Cattaraugus
County’s Smart Development for Quality Communities guidebook
series. Click
here to view guidebooks.
Prepared By: David P. Paoletta, Senior Planner, October 2004
Sources of Information
· New York Planning Federation
· Urban Land Institute
· Smart Growth America
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