East Coast Green - Session Descriptions

East Coast Green is offering over 30 continuing education sessions focused around individual topics tracks throughout the conference.

Below is a detail of one of the courses. To see full course listing and times go back to Speaker Schedule.

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FR17P2
Friday, September 17, 2010, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

What Happens When Good Planning is Illegal
1.0 LU Hours - Approved
1.0 USGBC CEU Hours - Approved

Current policies which lead to "business as usual" must be examined for the impact they have upon the eventual result. Many of the most innovative ideas for reinventing cities are illegal under current municipal regulations. It has become clear that while designing and constructing sustainable buildings is crucial, every new building could be LEED Platinum without major change to our environment if policies of urban design, planning and land management are not reinvented.

With help and data from the many municipalities, and in conjunction with the local ULI chapter, a team of real estate professionals has compiled extensive data about the impact of municipal policy on city planning and development.

Using examples and case studies, this session will discuss the policies of sustainable cities and towns, and explain the attributes which allow them to make that claim. In addition, the session will review policies which cause unwanted results, often defeating efforts toward sustainability.

The presentation will consider the tool set available to cities and towns from the end result, considering how unintended environmental results can be avoided or repaired. We will also review a process which starts with the planned scenario and targets supporting policies.

Resources and techniques for cities and planners will be explained. Examples of action tools and the outcomes and results will be provided for illustration.

Speaker:

Betsy del Monte
Principal, Director of Sustainability,
the Beck Group

Program Description: The session will describe:
What is a sustainable environment? Which qualities are sought?
By focusing on existing policies and desired results, this session will examine the cause and effect of policy decisions. The CNU's 10 Principles of New Urbanism will be referenced and preferred scenarios will be discussed. A general explanation of the types of policies which affect development will be provided as a referential starting point.

We will study policies of deterrence and policies for change as well as methods of incentive for change.

Business as Usual Policies:

• Lot size minimums
• Solution to traffic: bigger, faster roads
• Increased housing provided by further sprawl
• Zoning of specific, separated uses
• Codes which limit height, mass and density
• Retail centers designed around ease of auto access
• Deep setback requirements, parking in front

Examples of Policies Which Encourage Sustainability;

• Increased density
• Form-based codes
• Infill developments
• Transit-oriented developments
• Increased allowable height
• Reduced parking requirements
• Incentives for brownfield use

Examples of Policies Which Discourage Sustainability

• Deep setbacks required from street
• No on-street parking allowed
• Wide street requirements
• Height restrictions
• Mixed use restrictions
• Lot size minimums
• Limitations to traffic slowing elements
• Specific building type restrictions (retail, church, school)

Preferred Scenarios:

Connected centers

• Mixed use allowed in designated center
• Form-based code to provide diverse uses
• Street width and speed to encourage pedestrian access

Return on Investment

• Planned development along utility lines
• Increased density in previously developed areas
• Increased impact fees in greenfield areas

Diverse, Distinct Communities

• Form-based code to allow preservation of traditional character
• Mixed use allowed in specific areas
• Pedestrian oriented streets in community center

Green Region

• Increased density in developed areas
• Preservation of undeveloped areas