by Paul Wessel
“Arguably, land use controls have a more widespread impact on the lives of ordinary Americans than any other regulation.”
– Edward Glaeser, “Reforming Land Use Regulations,” The Brookings Institution
Land Use Regulations
Land use in the United States is largely regulated at the municipal level. This dates back to the Supreme Court approval of comprehensive zoning in the 1920s.
Municipalities often face challenges in implementing landscape development regulations—even more so when they seek to integrate sustainable and resilient design strategies into those regulations. Towns and cities searching for a clear, replicable and verifiable approach to sustainable land development are increasingly incorporating Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) certification into their regulatory toolbox.
Adoption of SITES
To date, SITES has identified:
- Fifteen localities incorporating SITES into their local ordinances.
- Twelve additional localities adopting SITES in local or institutional policy and development guidelines.
- Two states that have adopted SITES through legislation or executive action.
- One occurrence of SITES adoption at the federal level.
As institutions and government entities across the world are increasingly turning their focus to sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization strategies, landscapes are a powerful resource to support biodiversity, reduce risk from natural hazards and climate change impacts, reduce urban heat island effects, conserve water, and provide access to community spaces that improve human health and well-being.
“Designing the Future: Incorporating SITES Into Sustainable Landscape Regulations” documents the progress made in order to provide ideas and inspiration for other institutions seeking to reinforce their own sustainability policies.
