Challenges Impacts of Development Climate Change
Strategies Land Conservation Buffers Low Impact Development Stormwater Utilities Land Use Regulations

Land Use Regulations

Land use regulations are the second essential component in a two-pronged approach to protecting water resources in a developing landscape. When paired with land conservation practices, the regulation of the location, density, and design of development can help reduce the negative impacts on water resources. For example, land use ordinances may include environmental characteristics zoning, cluster/conservation development, and performance standards.

Resources

• Sample land use regulations are available from the Rockingham Planning Commission: www.rpc-nh.org, and the Stafford Regional Planning Commission: www.strafford.org
• National Association of Counties—Local Tools for Smart Growth: http://www.naco.org/
• NOAA Coastal Services Center: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/alternatives/conserve_info.html
• “Conservation Development Manual” from the Office of Sustainable Watersheds, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/suswshed/pubs.htm