Land use planningis critical to intelligent development and/or management of the landscape around us. There are five main different types of land use: residential, agricultural, recreation, transportation, and commercial. Managing the various uses of land occurs through partnerships between state, federal, and municipal entities, but many decisions affecting local projects occur at the municipal level.
Planning and Zoning Boards
Municipal planning for the different types of land use is conducted primarily by zoning and planning boards. Zoning boards regulate the use, placement of structures, and other such requirements for every parcel of land, as well as grant variances. Planning boards are responsible for studying water resources, open space, and farmland to provide advice on regulations.
They also create and implement comprehensive plans incorporating the different types of land use, and reviewing and making decisions on applications for development. Planning boards review subdivision applications, site plans, special use permits, etc. If there are appeals from decisions made by the planning board, they are heard by the zoning board of appeals, and then by the Superior Court if there is an appeal from that decision.
Comprehensive Planning
Comprehensive plans are developed by municipalities’ planning boards under theRhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act. The Act sets out provisions for all comprehensive plans, which are adopted “for the purpose of conforming municipal land-use decisions and for the purpose of being transmitted to the chief for state review.”
The planning boards categorize the different types of land use and create comprehensive plans that state the goals and objectives for development. Also, they help guide the creation and amendment of regulations related to land use planning. This is important for anyone looking to develop land that they own.
When you submit any applications to develop (a subdivision plan or a site plan, for example), the planning board for that municipality gets involved. The board will require you to show that your plan is consistent with the city/town’s comprehensive plan. If you are denied, you can then appeal to the zoning board of appeals and then the Superior Court. However, it’s far more efficient and cost-effective to work with an attorney familiar with the planning board process and achieve the result you want, faster.
Changes to Planning and Zoning in 2019
In2019, various bills related to land use planning or zoning were introduced in the House or Senate of the RI General Assembly, and several of them were enacted. One enacted bill allows for the inclusion of resiliency infrastructure projects in the definition of “approved project” in theRhode Island Infrastructure Banklaws. The RI Infrastructure Bank provides funding for various infrastructure improvement projects for businesses and homeowners.
As we discussed in a previous blog post, RIDEM has several priorities for enforcement during 2020, including the phaseout of cesspools; the RI Infrastructure Bank providesloansto repair or replace a septic system, or replace a cesspool with a septic system. Resiliency infrastructure projects, in particular, have become a hot topic, particularly afterRI CRMCbegan requiringcoastal hazard application worksheetswith a number of developments across the different types of land use within coastal areas.
If you’re looking into the different types of land use to submit a planning board application, contact us to learn more about the process and what you need to expect in order to get the approval. We’re prepared to help, even with projects affected by these newly enacted laws. Call us today at401.477.0023.
FAQs
Zoning boards regulate the use, placement of structures, and other such requirements for every parcel of land, as well as grant variances. Planning boards are responsible for studying water resources, open space, and farmland to provide advice on regulations.
What are the different types of land use? ›
What are six types of land use? There are six main categories or types of land use. These types include: residential, commercial, agricultural, transportation, recreational, and industrial uses.
What is the role of a zoning board when deciding local land use issues? ›
The zoning board of adjustment or appeals functions like a court, and must follow state laws and local zoning ordinances. The zoning board cannot change or ignore any part of the zoning ordinance or state laws, but must apply the laws as written. Zoning boards do not get to change local zoning laws.
What is the difference between the planning board and the zoning board in NJ? ›
The Planning Board's primary responsibility is to revise the Master Plan for the Township. The Zoning Board (ZB) determines whether or not to grant “non-permitted uses” (use variances) and changes to the zone based upon the Master Plan.
What are the different land use activities? ›
Land Use
- Housing – where people sleep, cook, clean up, and relax.
- Retail – where people shop for groceries, clothes, and other goods they want or need.
- Office and Industrial – where many people work.
- Civic – where government services are administered and community gatherings are held.
Agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential, recreational, and transportation are the main six different types of land use.
What are 3 land uses? ›
Cities and communities support residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses (e.g., utilities, transportation facilities and levees), recreation (e.g., golf courses), open space, and other lands (e.g., cemeteries and parking lots).
What are the different types of zoning in New Jersey? ›
Each zoning district has specific regulations governing the types of activities and/or uses that can legally be conducted from property located within that zoning district. For example, a single-family residential district, professional office district, multi-family, retail, etc.
What is the meaning of planning board? ›
noun. : a body of citizens appointed to prepare or administer a plan (as for the growth and development of a city)
What is the difference between land use planning and zoning Why is it that these two items are always together in a local government set up? ›
Land management occurs via a land use designation. This designation specifies how land and the resources within it should be managed. Zoning designations are known to define the laws and regulations that determine how a property can be developed and used.
Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries. This is commonly termed Land use. The use of land is determined by physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water.
Why is land use important? ›
Because land use is influenced by economics, demographics, social values, and natural ecosystem properties, land use information helps to reveal how our activities are both shaped by and impact ecosystems.
What are the examples of land use change? ›
Land use changes such as deforestation, forest degradation, and increase in croplands are vital concerns for both N2O and NO emissions. Growing population and its corresponding food demand is the primary driver of deforestation.
What are the 5 ways land is used? ›
Land use is when an area is used for a specific purpose. There are five types of land use: residential, agricultural, recreation, transportation, and commercial. People should make sure they use land responsibly to respect other people and our environment.
What are the four major uses of land? ›
The four main types of land use—residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural—each play a unique role in shaping our communities and environment.
What is the most common type of land use? ›
Half of the world's habitable land is used for agriculture. The extensive land use of agriculture has a major impact on the Earth's environment as it reduces wilderness and threatens biodiversity.
