Land use codes can pose significant barriers to creation or improvement of walkable, diverse, compact communities. Most zoning ordinances create single-use districts that allow only one type of use - single-family housing. They can also impose minimum lot size and set-back requirements. Subdivision ordinances often mandate street widths that make walking less safe and appealing. These requirements can preclude mixed-use developments that include a range of housing types in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

The BUILD program has developed tools that communities can use to examine and revise their land-use codes so that they encourage good infill development and Great Neighborhoods. These tools include:

Model TND Ordinance - BUILD assembled a Smart Codes Working Group of representatives from Dane County communities to create a model Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance especially for Dane County communities.

"Developing a Model 'Smart Code' for Dane County" - BUILD sponsored a Planning Workshop in the UW-Madison's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, in the Spring of 2003, that assessed the degree to which communities in Dane County comply with a set of smart growth objectives. The final report includes a community-by-community scorecard.

Big Box Ordinance Summary (PDF document) - A number of communities in Dane County face proposals for big box development, often for the first time. In response, communities are examining the use of zoning ordinances to reduce negative impacts, and improve the appearance and "fit" of the stores. BUILD convened first a conference and then a workshop through which county residents could explore and compare options and strategies for addressing big box developments. BUILD created a summary matrix of the components of big box ordinances adopted or proposed in Dane County communities.
 

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Last Modified: August 31st, 2004