The Power of Zoning

Pottstown's innovative approach to land use demonstrates the power of careful zoning.

1 minute read

October 19, 2004, 9:00 AM PDT

To make zoning more relevant to older communities, Pottstown recently developed an innovative land-use ordinance... Pottstown's land-use law is unusual in several ways.

...Experience shows that municipalities do better through voluntary negotiations than heavy-handed regulations. To make it easier for property owners to comply with our ordinance, Pottstown has contracted with a design professional to provide free advice for applicants who want to erect a building or modify the appearance of one. We have hired landscape architects and town planners on an ad hoc basis to suggest improvements to plans that have been submitted. For the most part, developers have been happy to cooperate.

Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism

FULL STORY: The power of careful zoning

Monday, October 18, 2004 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Land Use Pennsylvania

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