5 Strategies of Land Use Plan

As the world's population continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for cities to plan for the future. This means that strategic land use planning is more critical than ever.
Strategic land use planning is a critical endeavor that facilitates optimal utilization of our limited land resources. It takes into account population growth, necessary infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic development to ensure desired outcomes are achieved with minimal negative effects on the environment and local communities.

By holistically examining land use, this process affords us higher quality of life, better resource management, lower land costs, and enhanced sustainability.

What Is a Land Use Plan?

Strategic land use planning is developing a long-term vision for land use and developing policies to guide future growth. Preparing for future development is essential, mainly when delivering services and infrastructure such as water and sewer lines.

A land use plan is part of a larger process aiming to maximize land, natural resources, and other assets. Usually, it is part of a city, town, or community's overall development plan. Land use plans help plan future growth in a given area and determine how to develop existing sites.

As planning land use evolves, lawyers become increasingly critical. With so many changes in rules and regulations coming out, it is more important than ever to have someone who understands them. 

A lawyer can help you navigate the process. For strategic land use planning in Philadelphia, a real estate attorney Philadelphia is a vital part of the team. A lawyer will draft the document as the foundation for your strategic land use plan. Lawyers have years of experience drafting documents.  

Their experience and knowledge would help with knowing what to include and what not to. Thus, you can expect excellent results from your lawyer.

What Are the Strategies for Land Use

1. Zoning

Zoning is a key planning tool that plays a vital part in regulating the built environment and creating functional markets for residential and commercial properties. By dividing the statutory area of a local authority into sections, particular land use can be carried out on specific sites, thus enabling the development of towns and cities.

2.Infill Development and Adaptive Reuse

Infill development and adaptive reuse programs support smart growth. Infill development maximizes existing infrastructure investments and consumes less land than otherwise available. Compact land use and development patterns can result from infill development and redevelopment.  It also aids in reinvestment in areas targeted for growth and with existing infrastructure, and more efficient delivery of quality public services.

3.Urban Growth Boundary

Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are defined as boundaries that separate urban areas from their surrounding natural and agricultural lands. This restriction limits the extent to which the city can expand beyond its current boundaries The urban growth boundary divides cities from greenbelts. Greenbelts are natural and agricultural areas surrounding cities. 

4. Transit-Oriented Development

To encourage non-motorized transportation and transit use, transit-oriented development (TOD) programs promote residential and commercial centers and corridors. It is a fusion of urban land development and public transportation investments near or at a station.  

The TOD is typically a compact mixed-use development around rail transit nodes with a high-quality pedestrian environment. Dedicated lanes can also be implemented around bus routes and bus stops in TODs.These busways and bus services are called BRT (Bus Rapid Transit).

5. Siting Policies

It is an important strategy to ensure that schools, employment centers, and other vital destinations are placed at well-connected locations with public transportation, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways.

Steps Involved in Preparing a Land Use Plan

Land use planning ensures that all activities on the land (such as housing) are compatible. Effective use of available resources is the key to protecting the environment and improving living conditions.

Planning for land use is at the heart of intellectual growth. By using strategic planning tools, communities can determine where they want to grow and how they want to grow over time. This helps them plan for housing, transportation, and recreation needs and conserve natural areas and other resources.

Strategic planning for land use focuses on these components:

Community vision: 

A community vision describes what an ideal community would look like. Density requirements, jobs nearby, and housing requirements all fall under this category.

Goals: 

Policy changes or infrastructure improvements establish specific targets for achieving the community vision. Tracking progress over time requires measurable goals.

Action plan: 

An action plan outlines strategies (such as improving public transportation or constructing more affordable housing), funding sources, and timelines for achieving each goal.

The main steps in the land use plan are:

• Identify existing conditions such as population density, type and configuration of buildings and facilities, traffic patterns, noise levels, air pollution levels, etc. 

• Identification of future needs, including population growth rate and other factors which can directly or indirectly affect the existing situation. 

• Development of alternatives or scenarios which may be used as guidelines for future decision-making processes by analyzing various options available for meeting future needs for all kinds of services like transportation systems etc.

• Evaluation of alternatives based on different criteria such as cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, etc.

The Importance of Strategic Land Use Planning

Strategic land use planning is indispensable when examining many pressing planning issues through research and investigation. Many problems need fixing, including shortage of land, rising population, inadequate transportation, and communication systems, slow economic growth, poor urban planning, environmental hazards, cultural loss, and more.

Strategic land use statements are used in planning to set clear priorities. These priorities are essential to meet land use's future economic, environmental, and social requirements. Some claims also include suggestions for where the needs can be completed entirely.

Land use statements also address the most effective means of dealing with future change and discuss the values communities want to preserve. Ultimately, this helps with housing demand forecasting, location and job forecasting, and growth projections for specific areas.

Conclusion

Land use planning is a critical component of sustainable development, as it provides a framework for managing the use and development of land in a way that promotes economic growth while also protecting environmental, social, and cultural values. The process of land use planning aims to balance the needs of individuals and communities with the broader goals of society.

Strategic land use planning can benefit many parties involved in urban development because it allows them to make decisions with their own needs in mind instead of making decisions based solely on what they think others want.

Tips to Make Front Yard Landscaping Stunning

An attractive front yard landscaping increases your home’s value. A good landscape whether it is meant for front yard or back yard adds approximately 10% perceived home value. Guests coming to your home will definitely get impressed if the front yard gives a stunning vibe. So, what are you waiting for? Here we have penned-down some great tips which help you designing your front yard magnificently and brilliantly. 

Tip # 1

Adding rock features makes a front yard naturally stunning. The addition of rocks or stones into the garden bed border brings natural accent into your front yard. Furthermore, landscaping with rocks serve other purposes as well! They make a rock spillway for rain gutters and the area will not become unnecessarily muddy. You can contact construction estimating companies to know about how much it cost to remodel a front yard.

Tip # 2

Upgrading a garden bed border remains a must thing. You can simply refresh its look and this practice will bring an entirely new vibe into your front yard. Moreover, you can change the plants and add features like natural stones, pre-made blocks depending on budget and home’s style.

Tip # 3

Plant ground covers for hiding unimpressive areas! It means you must cover those areas where the grass is not properly growing. Adding greenery and color to that area will make it look well-maintained.

Tip # 4

Plant perennial shrubs to inject extra color and blooming factor to the front section of your house! These are inexpensive plants. Rest, you will find them easy to maintain, trim and prune without needing any one’s help.

Tip # 5

How about hauling out old mulch? Yes, you must follow this practice. If your front yard is jam-packed with old much, you should haul it out and replace with the fresh ones. Old mulch generally becomes dry leaving your garden bed looks extremely worse. It is advisable to revitalize the whole look by landscaping it with new and dark-colored mulch. Many home improvement stores have bags of mulch available. You can go and get them from there.

Tip # 6

Take the best care of the foundation plants. Never and ever neglect them if you have planted them into the front yard. If it is a two-story house, please make sure that the foundation plantings need to extend around and about eight feet out from your house. Think about how they should look and trim them accordingly. Avoid selecting the foundation plants which block your windows.

Tip # 7

To get a stunning front yard look, improve the condition of grass. A plain and colorless lawn simply ruins your efforts which you have invested while revamping the whole front yard. Your house overall appeal will instantly be lost if the lawn looks drab. So, it is suggested to enhance the grass condition. You can rent aerator machine and ultimately give a fuller and healthier look to your lawn. 
Tip # 8

It does not matter what your front yard size is, planting a shade tree in it should be of your top priority. Plant a native hardwood tree and inject years of warmth and beauty into your entire home. Invest in that tree variety which requires minimal care and maintenance. In addition, plant a shady tree which is hardy and resilient.

Tip # 9

Your front yard must get sufficient light if you have grown ample plants over there. If the house faces north, remember that the front yard will never and ever be going to receive maximum light. In the same way, if it faces east or west, it will get a little sunlight for small amount of time. So, make wise plant choices and keep in mind your house's orientation as well.
Tip # 10

Landscaping lights looks glorious and super royal. You can definitely follow this masterpiece trend if you want to naturally enhance the appeal of your front yard. These lights are generally solar-powered and available in fantastic color options. You can install them in the ground all along the walkway. Or you can border these landscaping lights on a flowerbed. Some like using lanterns or faux rocks which has integrated lights.

Conclusion

What else you can think of? That is it from our side about the super great tips to make the front yard mesmerizingly stunning. Front yard is the most important house premise whose decoration, style matters a lot. If it looks dull and dreary, your rest of the house premises will look lifeless as well.

So, are you ready to plant flowering beds, a shady tree, lanterns, landscaping lights and faux rocks? Yes, you should be! The whole idea is to keep the front yard simple. Avoid overcrowding; otherwise, your entire day will be spent in maintaining and taking care of it. Follow the approach, less is more. Forward us your ideas regarding how you design your front yards.

Options Worth Considering When Changing the Landscape of Your Yard

Knowing it's time to change the landscape of your yard is likely going to be more of a realization than a decision, but what you turn it into will be a choice. Knowing options worth considering when changing the landscape of your yard helps you find what will work out best for you.

Tall Shrubs

Tall shrubs or even fast-growing plants such as bamboo are great ideas to plant around the perimeter of your yard. They won't keep people and animals out as effectively as actual fencing, but they can hide fencing fairly quickly while giving you visual privacy.

Water Feature

If you have natural water running through your property, such as a creek, then you should plan the landscaping around this. However, even if your yard is dry, you can still add a water feature as a focal point. A solar-powered fountain adds soothing sights and sounds without running up your power bill, and a koi pond brings a whole different world to your space.

Stone Gravel

Finding a good stone gravel supplier opens up a lot of options for you in terms of landscape design. Stone gravel is very useful in creating pathways throughout your yard. You can also use it for drainage purposes and erosion control. You might even use it for xeriscaping to comply with water restrictions in your area.

Butterfly Garden

Dozens of plants are known to be alluring to butterflies. Planting just one of them isn't a sure bet to get the magic of beautiful butterflies to call your yard home, but you can arrange a dozen of them in a central location to increase your chances of having something magical to witness at certain times of the year.

Native Plants

If you want a yard that requires minimal upkeep and thrives well on its own, then you need to choose plants that aren't just a match for your USDA hardiness zone but also native to your region. They'll be more likely to withstand local weather and climate with minimal attention on your part.

Choose the Change You Want or Need

Changing up your yard's landscape helps you keep things fresh around your home. You need to consider how long you will remain in your home, however. What kind of yard do you want to come home to if you'll be there for many years? Alternatively, what would boost the home value the most if you are going to move soon? However, all these options would increase your enjoyment of your own yard each and every day.

Last-Minute Landscaping Tips to Prepare for Family Parties

Having family parties outdoors allows you to invite more guests and to enjoy the outdoor space that you work so meticulously on throughout the year. Before you start setting up the tables and the food, however, make sure to address these last-minute landscaping tasks.

Remove the Weeds

When you're throwing a family party, you want to make sure the space is as aesthetically appealing as possible so that guests feel welcomed. Overgrown weeds in the yard can make the space look more like an untamed jungle than a soiree for an event. While you're pulling up the weeds, trim any overgrown hedges or bushes as well. Check the grounds for any dried-up petals from flowers or twigs from trees too.

Mow the Lawn

Giving the lawn a good mowing before your guests arrive is a good idea, so make sure to book an appointment with landscapers. A mowed lawn will look crisp, fresh, and inviting as your family members arrive at your home. Do try to schedule the mowing for a few days before the party. If the lawn is mowed right before the event begins, some guests might have their allergies irritated by loose pollen or other such substances. To make sure that your yard is consistently maintained, it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance with a landscaping professional. The frequency in which your yard should be maintained will depend on what kinds of plants you have.

Look for Pests

If a swarm of bees suddenly descends upon the party, your guests aren't going to be able to enjoy themselves. While you can only control wildlife to a certain extent, you should be aware of certain particular hazards. For example, in the event that a beehive is resting close to the deck where your guests will sit, having the hive removed is important.

Check for Cracks

You don't want any of your guests to fall as they navigate the yard, so make sure to check for any cracks in the patio, porch, or steps. You might be able to patch up the cracks by yourself with some at-home tools, or you may need to call in a professional to make sure the work is taken care of properly. Whether or not you need professional assistance will likely depend upon the severity of the damage and your own knowledge of how to repair the issue.

When it comes to hosting a party, you're probably thinking about the food, the drinks, and the dancing. The landscaping at your home might easily slip your mind. However, in order to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for your guests, you'll want to make landscaping a priority on the to-do list before your next backyard celebration.