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Smart Growth Codes The APA research department has received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to continue and expand upon its research work on smart land development regulations. In the first phase of the project, APA drafted 11 model ordinances with commentary. A draft of those model ordinances, described below, is available for download. What are smart growth codes? The model codes are ordinances and regulations that advance smart growth objectives in towns, cities, and counties. These objectives include encouraging mixed uses, preserving open space and environmentally sensitive areas, providing a choice of housing types and transportation modes, including affordable housing, and making the development review process more predictable. In addition, smart growth ordinances, since they involve providing more transportation options and more compact, mixed-use development, inevitably have public health implications; they encourage walking and bicycling, and more human interaction, with the potential to support more active, socially engaged lifestyles that results in better public physical and mental health. How can the model codes be used? The model ordinances and commentary being developed as part of this project will be of vital use to planners, smart growth advocates, and others who are asking the question, How do we amend my town/city/county ordinances to advance smart growth? It is work that goes well beyond promoting the concepts of smart growth and moves into fundamental repair of the regulatory system. It goes to the heart of what needs to be done operationally in the U.S. if we are serious about smart growth. What types of codes will be addressed in the expanded program? The additional funding provided by EPA will allow APA to research and prepare models of the following types of smart growth codes:
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