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      • Regulatory Levers
Regulatory Levers
In regulating physical form and location of development, local governments define much of the playing field for the market. Regulations are a tremendous opportunity to make change happen.
Dockside Green has greater space for pedestrians and bicycles than for vehicular traffic. Promoting healthier lifestyles. Photo Credit: Busby Perkins+ Will

It is more risky for a developer to propose a project that changes local zoning, codes, and/or standards than it is to follow existing regulations – as it may take longer to gain approvals. 

Local regulations have evolved over the last 50-75 years to support largely single-use areas connected by streets designed primarily to move vehicles efficiently. This evolution has occurred at the expense of other objectives such as health, safety, quality of life, and long-term infrastructure costs. 

Changing regulations to meet these objectives is critical to advancing green neighborhoods.

  • Enabling Change
    Local governments wishing to advance green neighborhoods can begin by changing regulations that preclude mixed-use, compact development, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
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  • Setting Green Requirements
    In communities where there is substantial community support, and where transit, cycling and walking can meet considerable travel demands, local governments can – and are starting to – require green design.
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