Theories and Tools in Land Use Planning

Central Place Theory

Christaller's theory explains how settlements (or cities) are spaced and function in a region. He suggests that settlements are arranged in a hierarchical structure, with larger cities (higher-order centers) offering more services and being farther apart, while smaller towns (lower-order centers) provide fewer services and are closer together.

Polarization

Economic activities concentrate, causing unequal development.

Spread Effect

Growth extends from a central pole to surrounding areas.

Threshold Population

Minimum population required for service viability.

Market Range

Maximum distance people travel for a service.

Nesting Pattern

Smaller centers exist within larger service areas.

Theory of Concentric Zones

Cities grow in concentric circles with different land uses.

Central Business District (CBD)

Inner circle of a city, primarily commercial.

Sector Theory

Cities develop in sectors along transportation routes.

Growth Pole Theory

Central industry drives regional economic development.

Multiple Nuclei Theory

Cities have multiple centers or nuclei for growth.

Propulsive Firms

Large firms that drive surrounding economic growth.

Urban Realms Theory

Large cities develop smaller, self-sufficient realms.

Zoning Regulations

Divides locality into districts regulating land use.

Land Use Controls

Regulates types and intensity of development.

Height and Bulk Regulations

Controls the size and placement of structures.

Parking Design Requirements

Regulates parking space availability and layout.

Public Improvement Procedures

Ensures services are available during development.

Exurbs

Far suburbs that become self-sufficient commercial centers.

Diseconomies of Scale

Limitations on growth due to increased costs.

Implementation Tools

Methods for enforcing zoning and land use regulations.

Bundle of Rights

Various rights associated with land ownership.

Right to Cut Timber

Permission to harvest trees from land.

Right to Farm

Authorization to cultivate crops on land.

Right to Extract Minerals

Ability to remove minerals from land.

Flexible Zoning

Adaptable regulations for land use and development.

Surface Water Rights

Entitlement to use surface water resources.

Groundwater Rights

Entitlement to access underground water sources.

Conditional-Use Permit

Allows non-standard land use with conditions.

Planned-Unit Development (PUD)

Combines zoning and subdivision for flexible development.

Right to Control Overhead Space

Authority to manage airspace above property.

Right to Tax Property

Government's authority to levy taxes on property.

Right to Control Use and Development

Owner's authority over property usage decisions.

Right to Acquire for Public Use

Government's power to take land with compensation.

Cluster Development

Concentrates buildings to preserve open space.

Floating Zones

Zones with requirements but no fixed location.

Subdivision Ordinance

Regulates division of land into smaller tracts.

Development Impact Fees

One-time fees for new development infrastructure.

Urban Growth Areas (UGA)

Designated areas for encouraging urban development.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Allows selling development rights to preserve land.

Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)

Government buys rights to keep land undeveloped.

Transit-Oriented Design (TOD)

Development around transport hubs for walkability.

Conservation Easements

Legal restrictions on land development for conservation.

Form-based Zoning

Regulates building form for aesthetic and functional criteria.

Scenic Easements

Conservation easement protecting scenic vistas from highways.

Transect-Based Code

Regulates development based on varying ecozones' characteristics.

Viewshed Protection

Protects visual landscapes from specific viewpoints.

Capital Improvements Programs (CIP)

Long-term planning for large infrastructure projects.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Funds improvements using future property tax revenues.

Development Impact Fees

Fees for infrastructure costs linked to new development.

Idle Lands Tax

Tax on underutilized land to promote efficiency.

Special Education Fund (SEF)

Additional tax for school maintenance funding.

Efficient Land Utilization

Ensures highest and best use of land resources.

Harmonize Land Use Activities

Align public and private sector land management efforts.

Land Use Conflicts Resolution

Resolving disputes among stakeholders regarding land use.

Desirable Land Use Patterns

Promotes efficient development to reduce infrastructure costs.

Property Taxes

Taxes based on assessed value of land and buildings.

Stakeholder

Individuals or groups interested in development activities.

Tax Policy/Incentives

Encourages specific developments through tax incentives.

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)

Guides growth and development of a municipality.

Land Use Planning Definition

Allocating land for activities aligned with development vision.

Infrastructure Investments

Capital investments for spatial integration and service delivery.

Production Land Use

Economic production from industries to services.

Protection Land Use

Conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources.

Comprehensive Development Land Use Plan

Includes vision, goals, strategies, and priority projects.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future.

Committed Lands Analysis

Identifies areas with excess service capacity for development.

Market Forecasts

Projects future land demand based on trends.

Perceptual Analysis

Analyzes public perception of urban areas.

Legibility

Clarity of spatial organization in urban planning.

Attractiveness

Positive perceptions of the urban environment.

Symbolism

Meanings attached to urban area components.

Quality of Life

Residents' perceptions of urban trends like crime.

Bottom-Up Approach

Integrates local development plans through councils.

Top-Down Approach

Guided by provincial frameworks in absence of local plans.

Zoning Ordinance

Regulations on land use within designated zones.

Trend Extension

Low intervention leading to inefficient public services.

Linear Urban Form

Development along transport corridors causing congestion.

Multi-Nodal Urban Form

Development in clusters redirecting growth from urban core.

Concentric Urban Form

Outward expansion maximizing space in high-density areas.

Combined Alternatives

Blend of various urban forms for development.

Land Suitability Analysis (LSA)

Evaluates land suitability based on environmental factors.

Carrying Capacity Analysis

Assesses ecological limits for sustainable development.

Impact Assessment

Analyzes environmental effects of proposed projects.

Mitigation Measures

Suggests ways to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Document outlining findings and recommendations of impacts.

Air Quality

Pollution levels from emissions affecting health.

Factors to Consider

Includes suitability, flooding, fault lines, and public sentiment.

EIA

Evaluates potential project effects on the environment.

Factors to Consider

Suitability, flooding, fault lines, wind direction, sentiment.

Water Quality

Impact on water sources and ecosystems.

Noise Pollution

Effects of noise on people and wildlife.

Convenience Standards

Focus on time and distance for land location.

Soil and Land Use

Erosion, habitat loss, or land changes.

Performance Standards

Ensure health, safety, and amenity in land use.

Biodiversity

Impact on plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Climate Change

Contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Cultural Resources

Effects on historical or cultural sites.

Importance of EIA

Guides development toward locality's vision and goals.

Public Participation

Encourages community involvement in decision-making.