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WCEL
> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
8 > Provide Clear Direction
Smart Bylaws Guide – Provide Clear Direction
If municipalities want smart growth projects and for developers
to bring forward new concepts that meet municipal goals, providing
clear direction as to what those goals look like on the ground is
crucial. Most developers cannot take the risk of trying a new
approach without the assurance that the development approvals
process will not unduly change or lengthen the project.
Developers need to know that a municipality is clear on its own
priorities and how those priorities will translate into built
projects. Providing understandable performance-based standards or
specific objectives helps municipal staff and developers to work
together effectively to achieve measurable goals.
This is true for both substantive requirements such as building
or infrastructure design, as well as for the administrative approval
process. Many local governments in the U.S. consolidate design
regulations into the zoning bylaw to provide consistent and clear
direction.
Examples of Clear Direction from Municipalities Include:
Chilliwack’s
Policy and Design Criteria Manual for Surface Water Management
relies on excellent graphics and calculations to provide clear
design criteria that show how to comply with performance standards
for stormwater source control, detention and conveyance. It also
outlines the technical information that developers must submit to
the City to gain development approvals.
Highlands’
Development Process Schedule for developers that outline’s the
municipality’s expectations for the timing and quality of
developments. The schedule lays out the annual development approvals
process, including environmental monitoring requirements that have
some seasonal variation.
Kelowna
Subdivision Approval Submission Requirements Checklist that must
be included with subdivision applications.
Surrey’s
East Clayton Neighbourhood Concept Plan Engineering Servicing Plan
(2000), and approved Plan (2003) detailing the green infrastructure
and smart growth requirements for roads and other services in the
neighbourhood.
Victoria’s Neighbourliness
Guidelines for Duplex and Small
Lot Housing Rezoning Policy and Design Guidelines.
Okotoks
Planning and Development brochures detailing the development
process in an entertaining and easy-to-read manner:
Austin,
Texas’ Smart Growth Matrix that helps developers and staff to
evaluate projects and provide incentives for high-scoring
developments.
Columbus,
Ohio’s Traditional Neighbourhood Development Code that
contains checklists of desired and required elements, with excellent
graphics and tables.
Fremont,
California’s Design Guidelines for Small-Lot Single-Family
Residential Developments.
See Also
Checklists
Design
Affordable Housing Design
Advisor
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