Introduction to Environmental Planning

Land is fundamental to human life, providing shelter, food, employment, and a place for remains.

The process of controlling how land is used to achieve efficiency and harmony.

The act of controlling and regulating how land is used for the benefit of society.

A tool in physical planning that divides land into zones with specific permitted uses.

The underlying principles for deciding how to use land in an area.

The finite nature of land; it cannot be created, only used and reused.

Different groups (e.g., buildings, farms, open space) needing the same land.

A system of regulatory zoning restrictions on land use to achieve optimal land use for the community's benefit.

Preconceived plans for arranging land’s use, aiming for efficient and optimal use for community gain.

Legally dividing a city or town into specific districts with specific building/land use rules for each.

Goals of planning that regulate individual land use to benefit society.

Methods like restrictive covenants, nuisance controls, or zoning used for land use regulation.

Creating organized environments, avoiding problems, and making land accessible at affordable prices for efficient economic growth.

Development meeting the current generation's needs without compromising future generations'

Land use regulation specifying the appropriate use for development in a particular area.

A zoning approach that divides land into districts with specific development standards.

Zoning that uses standards based on goals, such as environmental impact mitigation & public amenities.

Zoning that allows a project to exceed standard requirements for providing a public benefit.

A newer approach to zoning focusing on building design and placement in relation to surroundings.

Zoning practices existed over 1800 years before Christ, as seen in Egyptian cities with planned residential, industrial, and storage areas.

A land use planning tool that divides areas into zones with specific allowed uses.

Early Egyptian agreements between neighbors restricted land use to prevent negative impacts like light blockage or intrusive structures.

The most beneficial way to use land for the highest monetary return.

Disagreements over how pieces of land should be used.

Emperor Augustus imposed restrictions on building heights in Rome to prevent overcrowding & poor air circulation.

The unique qualities that define a particular neighborhood's environment.

Zoning practices are now prevalent worldwide, with only Houston having notable resistance.

Zoning that prevents certain groups or activities from entering a community.

New York City's zoning ordinances were groundbreaking, regulating the entire city. They are amongst the first widespread ones

Various theories (economic, property, psychological) justify zoning, contrasting the idea of complete absence of any regulation.

Accusations that some zoning unfairly favours some people or makes development costly.

Extra expenses involved in acquiring and changing how land is used.

Harmful effects a property owner could face due to neighboring developments (e.g., junkyards, factories). These are considered as negative externalities.

The amount a consumer gets above the minimum amount they are willing to pay.

Zoning helps maintain property values by preventing negative externalities and promoting homogeneous land uses.

Zoning is often part of broader urban planning, aiming for organized development. It is a tool to support urban planning.

A theory where the government takes a hands-off approach to economic and social matters, meaning minimal involvement.

Zoning can harm economic growth, cultural development, and city enjoyment by distorting natural land use.

A proactive system for regulating land use is needed to boost community development.

Zoning must address social equality and consider all community members—age, sex, religion, disability, income—when allocating land.

Zoning must aim to maintain and improve local environments, combating environmental issues through good design and conservation of public spaces.

Zoning can promote sustainable commuting by encouraging accessible public transport.

Proper zoning can reduce travel distances, traffic congestion, and pollution (carbon monoxide) from vehicles.

Transparency and technology can reduce corruption and collusion in zoning systems.