Zoning – what it is, why we need it

Dave James, PhD, PEBrook Demitropoulos, PE

For Cities 2100

Have you ever noticed . . .

• Why do you have to walk or drive a while to get to the grocery store or a gas station?

• Why are all the stores clustered together on one corner?

• Why isn’t there a factory right behind your house?

• The reason is zoning!

Example: Commercial zoning – strip mall – 3073 W Craig Road

http://s.lnimg.com/photo/poster_1920/d45748797e8841bd9c151809cc6fe182.jpg

Zoning definitions

• Zoning is an approach to urban land use planning used by local governments in most developed countries (see:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoning • Zoning may be used based (covers uses of

land – functional zoning)• Or it may regulate physical aspects, such as

building height, or density of homes• Has been in use since ancient times - eg

Simple zoning example – different colors, different uses

http://rsaoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Zoning.jpg

Intentions of zoning

• Separate uses thought to be incompatible, eg industrial next to recreational

• Preserve the “character” of a community (eg. Primarily residential low density)

• Protect existing land owners and residents (can be part of a master-planned community, like Summerlin)

Who creates zoning?• Regulated by either– local community codes (example in US) or – federal codes (example, France, Germany)

• Generation of master plans and zones done by planners, but approved by elected officials

• Exceptions (zoning variances) are requested through political process – planning commission or city council, or both. Example Red Rock Station – exception to 100 foot height limit

Now lets look at the handouts!• Real zoning example:• Southeast corner of East Flamingo Road and

Eastern Avenue.– St Viator’s church and St. Viator’s school

• Southwest corner– Red Lobster and a strip mall

• Northwest corner– Gas station

• Northeast corner– Restaurant and Commercial real estate

Examples: where you can go to learn more

• Clark County Comprehensive Planning• http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/

comprehensive_planning/zoning/Pages/default.aspx

• City of Las Vegas• http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/lawscodes/

zoning_laws.htm