Land Use

The choices we make about the land around us directly affects the health, opportunities, and quality of the environment in our communities.

When citizens are involved in planning, they can choose the types of land use they want in their communities. Natural areas and rural landscapes can be protected for future generations. Resources can be fairly distributed and infrastructure can keep pace with changes in population.

Unnecessary or poorly planned development can diminish the quality of life in communities. Traffic congestion; unsafe roadways; inadequate water, sewer, and emergency response services; loss of natural resources and historic/cultural landmarks are all signs of inappropriate land use decisions.

A Citizen's Guide to the Development Process
A Citizen’s Guide to the Development Process