Water-Smart Development Regulations

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Water, or the lack thereof, is always the subject of planning conversation in the arid and growing West. As the population in this part of the country continues to grow, it appears that many communities — large and small — will need to find more creative and efficient methods to make the water they have go much further.

This is not necessarily a new idea, but it is one that has gained in recognition and discussion both inside and outside of planning circles over the past decade. As historic droughts collide with population increases in typically "wet" areas of the county, planning and zoning for water conservation concepts have also taken hold in the Midwest and South.

This issue of Zoning Practice explores how communities can better address the use of water through local regulations. It briefly explores how water use can be influenced by pricing and then looks at the range of regulations, particularly in the areas of lot design and landscaping, available at the local level to encourage and require water conservation.

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