Land Use Regulations

Table of Contents

Introduction
Zoning Regulations Overview
          Single Use Districts
          Mixed Use Districts
          Special Districts
                    Overlay Districts
                    Floating Zones
          CT Statutory Requirements
          MA Statutory Requirements
Innovative Zoning Techniques
          Transfer of Development Rights
          Form-Based Zoning
          Streamlined Zoning
          Performance Zoning  
Subdivision Regulations Overview
          In Connecticut 
                    CT Statutory Requirements
          In Massachusetts
                    MA Statutory Requirements
          Conservation Subdivisions
QSHC Examples
Helpful Links
References

Introduction
A community’s land use regulations, its zoning ordinance and its subdivision regulations should promote the goals and strategies of its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) or Master Plan. These regulations are the most important tools your community has for implementing its POCD or Master Plan.  Will your town’s land use regulations create a community that is consistent with the vision you've established in your POCD or Master Plan?

Innovative approaches and regulations that can help your community address its goals are being used throughout the country.  Below is a general overview of zoning and subdivision regulations in Connecticut (CT) and Massachusetts (MA), and a guide to innovative approaches and additional resources.

GVI can help - The Green Valley Institute can provide assistance and/or information to help your community develop regulations that address its goals.  Please contact Susan Westa at susan.westa@uconn.edu or Paula Stahl at paula.stahl@uconn.edu if your community needs assistance.  If you’re in MA, please contact Bob Levite at boblevite@hotmail.com.  GVI has developed a number of workshops that focus on innovative land use regulations and we have good sample regulations available.