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Basic Land Use Tools for Resiliency

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Overview

Zoning allows a community to target regulations to areas at risk from damage due to human actions, sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding.  It may be used to avoid development in hazardous areas; reduce community storm impacts; conserve natural protective features; and control development densities to reduce impacts and facilitate recovery.  

Without adequate zoning or other basic tools like site plan and subdivision review, development and redevelopment can continue in ways that place people, property, and critical infrastructure at risk from climate-induced sea-level rise, storm damage, and flooding.  

The chapter is available as a PDF and as a Word document for easy editing and adaption to local needs. Download PDF of Basic Land Use Tools for Resiliency Chapter (136 pages).

Part A

1. Basic Land Use Tools for Resiliency 

1.1 Zoning Districts 

1.1.1 Waterfront Zoning District 

1.1.2 Waterfront Overlay District 

1.1.3 Waterfront Bluff Overlay District 

1.14 Transfer of Development Rights  

1.2 Height, Bulk, and Area Regulations 

1.2.1 Minimum Lot Size 

1.2.2 Maximum Building Height 

1.2.3 Maximum Lot Coverage 

1.2.4 Setbacks 

Part B

1.3Nonconformance 

1.3.1Prohibit Substantial Improvements to 

Nonconforming Uses or Structures in Flood Prone Areas 

1.3.2Nonconformance of Impermeable Surface Coverage 

1.4Zoning for Post-Disaster Activities 

1.4.1Temporary Emergency Dwelling Permits 

1.4.2Emergency Staging Bases 

1.4.3Temporary Mobile Office Units 

1.4.4Building Elevation 

1.4.4.1Design Requirements for Elevated Buildings 

1.4.4.2Non-Conversion Agreements 

1.4.5Phased Reconstruction Moratorium 

Part C

1.5 Subdivision Regulations 

1.5.1 Subdivision in Flood Prone Areas 

1.5.2 Consideration of Long-Term Risk 

1.5.3 Drainage Improvements in a Subdivision 

1.5.4 Protection of Natural Features in a Subdivision 

1.5.4.1 Design Standards to Protect Natural Features 

1.5.4.2 Subdivision Woodlands 

1.5.5 Lot Yield Calculations 

1.5.5.1 Simple Density Calculation 

1.5.5.2 Buildable Yield Formula 

1.5.6 Cluster, Open Space and Conservation Development 

1.5.7 Environmental Constraint Disclosures 

1.6 Site Plan Review 

1.6.1 Stormwater Site Design Plans 

1.6.2 Encroachments on Drainageways