Ohio Balanced Growth Program Best Local Land Use Practices – Guidance Document Kirby Date, AICP, Cleveland State University

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Linking Land Use and Water Resources A Planning Framework Best Local Land Use Practices (BLLUP)

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Background/History: The Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan 2000 “Simply stated, the quality of Lake Erie is a reflection of the quality of the entire watershed.“ H-8: Commission a Blue Ribbon Task Force to develop strategies H-5: Develop a model ordinance for voluntary adoption

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov 2004: OLEC Adoption of BLLUP Guidance Document First Edition 14 Chapters 6 Model regulations 12 Example regulations Developed by Working Group comprised of local government officials, developers, planners, NGOs

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov 2006: Balanced Growth – BLLUP Program Established (Lake Erie Basin) Education Technical Assistance Resources: –BLLUP Guidance Document –Model and Example Regulations –Video –Workshop materials

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov BLLUP Goals Encourage voluntary implementation of recommended practices for improved watershed quality and economic benefit. Start and participate in watershed planning partnerships Align comprehensive plans with BG watershed plans Update plans and codes with best practices Incentivize developers and property owners to use best practices

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov State Agency Steering Committee External Advisory Group – about 40 developers, planners, local officials, NGOs – met twice plus individual input Interviews of 120 people statewide – local officials, developers, planners, NGOs Workshops, presentations and technical assistance during review period 2009: Balanced Growth/BLLUP Statewide

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Recommendations Incorporated into the Document Review Include multiple example regulations rather than one model Document economic benefit of the practices Include expanded messages for elected officials, developers and the public

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Recommendations (continued) Acknowledge geographic and market diversity across the state Incorporate lessons learned since 2004

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Location of development for minimum impact Management and control of storm water and erosion Protection of stream and wetland areas so they can do their job as storm water infrastructure Protection of scenic, historic and natural resources to create our “great place” Our Local Government Decisions Make a Difference!

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Recommended Best Local Land Use Practices Comprehensive Planning Compact Development Conservation Development Storm Water Management Stream, Wetland and Floodplain Protection Natural Areas Establishment Source Water Protection Woodland Protection Steep Slope Protection Transfer of Development Rights Agricultural Land Protection Brownfields Redevelopment Historic Protection Scenic Protection Access Management

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Comprehensive Planning Sets development and conservation goals in an organized fashion Plans for long-term financial stability Resolves tradeoffs up-front Provides for future logical, consistent decision making Provides legal stability for zoning Sets a framework for implementation

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Prevent contamination of aquifers and water sources Protect health and safety Protect business resource Enhance quality of life Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Source Water Protection Source: Groundwater Consortium, Hamilton to New Baltimore

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Key Parts of the Update From a few models to many examples Separated storm water and stream/floodplain protection Greatly expanded information and resources in all chapters Graphic format with photos, diagrams, case studies

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Tools: Example Codes and Matrices

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Tools: Messages

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Additional BLLUP Resources through 2013 Bibliography with findings Checklists Case studies Video and update

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Gail Hesse Executive Director Sandra Kosek-Sills Environmental Specialist (office) (cell) Brian Hall Administrator Kirby Date, AICP Best Local Land Use Practices Program Manager

Commission Action Requested:  Resolved, that the Commission hereby adopts “Linking Land Use and Ohio’s Waters: Best Local Land Use Practices” (2012).

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov The Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan 2000 Recommendation H-8: Commission a Balanced Growth Blue Ribbon Task Force, comprised of property owners, government officials, business leaders, conservationists, academia, agriculture and other stakeholder groups to be charged with advising the Lake Erie Commission on ways to: Develop strategies that will balance the protection of the Lake Erie watershed with continued economic growth.

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov The Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan 2000 Recommendation H-5: Publish and distribute a Lake Erie Model Zoning Ordinance and Building Code by 2003 and encourage its voluntary acceptance by local communities. ODOD, Lake Erie Commission Ensure that all interested concerns (local communities, developers, conservationists, agriculture, etc.) have the opportunity to fully participate.

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov BLLUP Goals Encourage voluntary implementation of recommended practices for improved watershed quality and economic benefit. Start and participate in watershed planning partnerships Align comprehensive plans with BG watershed plans Update plans and codes with best practices Incentivize developers and property owners to use best practices

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov BLLUP Approach and Accomplishments through 2012 Education and outreach (57 presentations, 23 workshops, conference, 2 newsletters, listserves, 120 interviews, 2960 participants to date) Technical Assistance (18 communities/counties/project s) Research (databases, bibliography, current projects) Resources (see next page)

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov BLLUP going forward – focus areas Economic benefits and lessons learned: research, education, collaboration Defining implementation: participation/collaboration, watershed plans, plan alignment, code updates, incentives Technical assistance and support: measurable steps Creating and capturing demand for implementation: messages and education

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Location of development for minimum impact Management and control of storm water and erosion Protection of stream and wetland areas so they can do their job as storm water infrastructure Protection of scenic, historic and natural resources to create our “great place” Our Local Government Decisions Make a Difference!

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Comprehensive Planning Sets development and conservation goals in an organized fashion Plans for long-term financial stability Resolves tradeoffs up-front Provides for future logical, consistent decision making Provides legal stability for zoning Sets a framework for implementation

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Provides diverse set of housing/commercial products for diverse buyer markets Helps to revitalize small towns and existing neighborhoods Provides an exciting civic environment, enhancing community character When implemented across a watershed, will improve overall runoff characteristics of the watershed Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Compact Development

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Storm Water Management Better Site Design Green Infrastructure Decentralized storm water management Erosion and sediment control

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Provide natural storm water and flood protection infrastructure Filter and settle out pollutants Reduce capital and maintenance costs Work better than constructed solutions Enhance design quality of development Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Stream and Wetland Setbacks

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Increase amount of undisturbed open space areas for better absorption, filtration, roughness Reduce impervious surface Allow room for onsite storm water management, stream and floodplain protection Enhance economic value Protect rural character Cumulative value for multiple sites Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Conservation Development

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Provide natural landscaped area for improved absorption/filtering Reduce lawn area (runoff, pollutants) Add to aesthetic value Lower maintenance costs over time Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Natural Areas Establishment/Management

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Prevent contamination of aquifers and water sources Protect health and safety Protect business resource Enhance quality of life Top Priority Best Local Land Use Practices: Source Water Protection Source: Groundwater Consortium, Hamilton to New Baltimore