MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LAND USE REGULATIONS

 
   

What Is It?

Multi-jurisdictional land use regulations may take several forms, but the most likely is a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This places all development regulations (zoning, subdivision, etc?) in one document. A UDO adopted on a multi-jurisdictional level allows communities to develop a shared vision for the area. This is important because as the region grows, communities tend to run together, and most communities are concerned about"loss of identity." A UDO adopted on a multi-jurisdictional basis can address not only factors that influence maintaining each community's identity, but also issues such as buffering between communities, consistent land uses along transit or transportation corridors, and other important regional issues.

Shared Impact and Benefits

  • The process of adopting a multi-jurisdictional UDO is a chance for neighboring communities to update (and in many cases, completely re-tool) outdated land use regulations with the most up-to-date"smart growth" regulations.

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  • Implementing smart growth regulations on a regional level will have a positive impact on air quality by reducing sprawl and vehicle miles traveled, which in turn reduces auto emissions.

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  • There may be a corresponding positive impact on water quality because more land may be left in open space to serve as buffers and surface filters for runoff going into streams and rivers.

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  • A multi-jurisdictional UDO can lead to consideration of the long-term costs of utility extensions, and potential savings once these true costs are considered.

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  • Coordinated and joint planning can eliminate conflicts and competition for development that often plays one jurisdiction against another at the long-term disadvantage of both communities.

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Costs

If a private consultant is hired, the cost may be as much as $100,000 plus the cost of staff time. During the time that the ordinance is being updated, staff may need to dedicate as much as 60% of their time to the project.

   
 

This Action Item can be implemented as a

POLICY
ORDINANCE
PROGRAM

 

How long does this take to implement?

It has taken from 2 ½ to as long as five years from the time that the decision is first made until the time that the ordinance is adopted in each of the participating jurisdictions.

   

  • A uniform development ordinance that spans municipal boundaries helps foster regional cooperation.
  • The process of developing the ordinance is a chance to completely update an ordinance so that it reflects the vision of the community.
  • It is generally easier for the development community to work with ordinances when all regulations are contained within one document and when they span multiple jurisdictions.