Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development, originally published in 2008 was created to address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by
RSA 674:21. The handbook includes sections dealing with development density, environmental characteristics, and site level design. Each of the 23 chapters includes model ordinances and regulations for use by municipalities interested in implementing the innovative land use techniques.
To address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by
RSA 674:21, the
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and its partners, the
NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions, the NH Office of Planning and Development, and the
New Hampshire Municipal Association), produced Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development.
This Innovative Land Use handbook includes sections dealing with development density, environmental characteristics, and site level design. Each of the 23 chapters includes model ordinances and regulations for use by municipalities interested in implementing the innovative land use techniques.
To assist users, the handbook is available in three versions:
- Complete Handbook (7 MB) - This is available for download and printing.
- Individual Complete Chapters (links below): These are available in PDF for quick chapter access and printing.
- Model Ordinances in Microsoft Word (links below): These are only the model ordinance sections of the chapters. The model ordinances are intended for use as a starting point. It is recommended that planning boards thoroughly review the model language, adapt the language for specific municipal needs, and seek legal review prior to adoption.
Complete Chapters and Ordinance Templates
Cover, Table of Contents and Introduction
Section 1: Multi-Density Zoning
1.1 Density Transfer Credit
Chapter 1.1 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.2 Lot Size Averaging
Chapter 1.2 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.3 Feature-based Density
Chapter 1.3 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.4 Conservation Subdivision
Chapter 1.4 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.5 Village Plan Alternative
Chapter 1.5 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.6 Infill Development
Chapter 1.6 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.7 Agriculture Incentive Zoning
Chapter 1.7 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.7 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.8 Urban Growth Boundary and Urban Service District
Chapter 1.8 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.8 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
1.9 Inclusionary Housing
Chapter 1.9 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 1.9 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
Section 2: Environmental Characteristics Zoning
2.1 Permanent (Post-Construction) Stormwater Management
Chapter 2.1 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.2 Steep Slopes and Ridgeline Protection
Chapter 2.2 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.3 Habitat Management
Chapter 2.3 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.4 Wetlands Protection
Chapter 2.4 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.5 Protection of Groundwater and Surface Water Resources
Chapter 2.5 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
See Also:
NHDES Drinking Water Program's Model Groundwater Protection Ordinance
2.6 Shoreland Protection: The Importance of Riparian Buffers
Chapter 2.6 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.7 Fllod Hazard Area Zoning
See
NH Model Floodplain Ordinances
2.8 Erosion and Sediment Control During Construction
Chapter 2.8 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.8 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
2.9 Fluvial Erosion Hazard Area Zoning (NEW CHAPTER added Sept. 2010)
Chapter 2.9 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 2.9 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
Section 3: Site-Level Design
3.1 Transit Oriented Development
Chapter 3.1 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.2 Pedestrian Oriented Development
Chapter 3.2 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.3 Access Management
Chapter 3.3 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.4 Preserving Dark Skies
Chapter 3.4 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.5 Energy Efficient Development
Chapter 3.5 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.6 Landscaping
Chapter 3.6 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
3.7 Neighborhood Heritage Districts (NEW CHAPTER added Nov. 2014)
Chapter 3.7 Complete Chapter /
Chapter 3.7 Ordinance Template Only (Word)
Additional Related Resources