MODEL INITIATIVES – LAND USE
Municipalities can pass legislation and amend local zoning codes to include development requirements and incentives that limit the extent of the future impacts of new development on the local environment.
Potential initiatives include:
- Incentivize mixed use/mixed income development in village/hamlet centers, downtowns, and transit hubs.
- Discourage development in less desirable areas (valuable open space/undeveloped land etc.).
- Explore changes to the zoning code to allow for infill development near the municipality's transit hubs and employment centers. Limit/prevent significant commercial development outside of these areas (helps to reduce energy consumption and the need for new infrastructure).
