Overcoming Obstacles to Smart Growth through Code Reform – An Executive Summary for Smart Growth Zoning Codes: A Resource Guide

It is widely acknowledged that one of the major barriers to smart growth is local regulation. Our codes and practices either discourage developers from carrying out the smart growth vision, or they actually prohibit it. Mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhoods are seldom allowed. Pedestrians and bicyclists are overlooked in an environment where the priority is granted to motorized vehicle flow. In many places, the benefits of public spaces and appealing streetscapes have been forgotten.

The Local Government Commission’s Smart Growth Zoning Codes: A Resource Guide is intended to help local officials improve community livability through code reform. It is meant for jurisdictions that already have developed a broad vision for making their communities more livable.

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Overcoming Obstacles to Smart Growth through Code Reform PDF