Good Planning Principles

Supported by the Organizations for Rural Quality

Boundaries

Maintain a distinct boundary between urban and rural areas in order to protect natural resources, to control the cost of extending services, and to allow more efficient transportation.

Housing

Support housing that meets the needs of diverse social and income groups, and that fosters compact, pedestrian-friendly development in existing cities and rural centers.

Linkages

Link land use development with adequate water supply, sewage treatment and transportation facilities. Support cooperative efforts between local governments and agencies to provide adequate infrastructure that serves urban areas.

Balance

Promote livable communities that have a balance of jobs, homes, services and amenities.

Local Economy

Encourage the economic viability of locally owned business within existing urban areas and rural centers.

Automobiles

Reduce the impact of the automobile on the design of our cities, the environment, and the transportation network.

Access

Improve public access to parks, natural areas, trails, playgrounds, bodies of water, forests and mountains.

History

Preserve historic resources and respect local character in new development.

Scenery

Protect scenic assets both in urban development and natural vistas.

Resources

Identify and conserve agricultural, forest, and natural resources.