Planning Tools – Plan Implementation
The tools, resources, and best practices featured here provide different approaches and methods for successful plan implementation.
For information on tools related to plan development or specific types of plans, visit our other planning tool pages.
Zoning
Zoning is a tool used by local governments to determine which types of land uses are permitted or prohibited. Zoning may regulate how the land can be used, how buildings can be situated on the land, and how buildings relate to their surroundings.
Land use zoning in the United States refers to complex municipal laws about what can be placed where in cities and towns. This website explores a range of topics related to common land use regulation mechanisms.
Illustrating the Zoning Ordinance identifies common terms, clarifies zoning concepts with illustrations and provides examples to simplify the written zoning ordinance.
The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and use of form-based codes.
As a form-based code, the SmartCode is a model transect-based planning and zoning document based on environmental analysis that addresses all scales of planning, from the region to the community to the block and building.
Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes aims to help communities looking for smaller fixes within existing codes and ordinances that will help them become more sustainable.
In recent years Cincinnati has moved away from traditional zoning to a form-based code. This report is a resource that defines form based codes, provides case studies, and lists ways to integrate within the city’s code.
Return on Investment
When land is developed there are fiscal impacts to the community whether it is the tax generated from the site or the cost to provide services to the area. The return on investment concept seeks to better understand the near- and long-term fiscal impacts to a community regarding different land development options.
The Smart Growth Implementation Toolkit provides a practical set of tools to help communities apply a smart growth approach to development.
Infill development is a key way for communities to accommodate growth and revitalize areas while making use of existing infrastructure and services. This report outlines 30 strategies for attracting infill development.
Cost of Community Services examines the relationship between the costs to provide public services versus revenue generated by different land use types.
Development decisions can have a significant impact on a local government’s budget. The Building Better Budgets report outlines how local governments can use smart growth strategies to improve their finances.
Not all community investments will yield the same return. This Strong Towns article explains why smaller investments create better financial outcomes for local governments.
For additional information, please contact Martin Kim, Director of Community & Regional Planning at mkim@mvrpc.org.
If you are using an e-reader and encounter problems with this page, please contact Martin Kim, Director of Community and Regional Planning at (937) 531-6533 for assistance.
Note: This site contains links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or affiliated with MVRPC. MVRPC does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites. A range of subject matter is covered under the planning tools resources. As such, MVRPC may not have individual expertise on each topic. The links provided on this page are for informational and educational purposes only. Last updated August 2024.