Undeveloped, Nonconforming Lots in Focus at Town Planning Commission Work Session – Royal Examiner

Town Planning Commission Report: Ordinance Rewrite and Sustainable Development

Introduction: Aligning Urban Planning with Sustainable Development Goals

On November 19, the Town Planning Commission convened a work session to advance the ongoing rewrite of local ordinances. The session’s primary focus was to address regulatory obstacles hindering sustainable land use, directly engaging with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Key Issues and Alignment with SDGs

H3>Addressing Land Use and Housing Challenges (SDG 11.1, 11.3)

The commission’s work directly targets the creation of inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to resolving issues related to undeveloped and nonconforming residential lots.

• Challenge Identified: A substantial number of lots are currently undevelopable due to their small size and restrictive performance standards, impeding progress toward SDG 11.1 (access to adequate and affordable housing).
• Technological Integration (SDG 9): The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, implemented by GIS Coordinator Sean Mennard, has been instrumental in identifying and analyzing these lots. This application of innovative technology supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by enhancing the capacity for sustainable planning.
• Proposed Actions: The commission discussed revising standards for lot size and setbacks to unlock the potential of these properties, thereby promoting efficient land use in line with SDG 11.3 (inclusive and sustainable urbanization).

H3>Strengthening Institutional Frameworks (SDG 16)

The process of revising ordinances requires robust institutional and legal mechanisms. The commission’s deliberations reflect an effort to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at the local level, a core component of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

1. Legal Counsel: A need was identified for legal research to determine the appropriate procedures for granting relief from existing standards.
2. Procedural Clarification: The commission sought to clarify the roles and processes involving various bodies and instruments, including:
   • The Board of Zoning Appeals (for variances)
   • Administrative variances
   • The Town Council (for special exceptions)
3. Objective: To establish a clear, fair, and transparent process for land development that supports sustainable growth.

H3>Enhancing Public Spaces and Cultural Vitality (SDG 11.7)

Prior to the work session, the commission’s regular meeting included a public hearing that aligns with SDG 11.7 (provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces). The commission issued a favorable recommendation for a mural application exceeding standard size limits. This decision supports the integration of public art to enhance community spaces, fostering cultural identity and creating more vibrant, inclusive environments for all residents.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the activities of a Town Planning Commission. The commission’s work on an “ordinance rewrite,” managing zoning regulations, and addressing the development of “undeveloped or nonconforming” lots are all core components of sustainable urban planning and management, which aims to make human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article highlights the functioning of a local government institution, the Town Planning Commission. It describes its processes, such as holding a “regular meeting,” a “public hearing,” and a “work session.” The discussion about legal frameworks, the need for “legal counsel,” and the roles of different bodies like the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Town Council all relate to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at the local level.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

    The entire article describes this target in action. The Town Planning Commission is actively engaged in “human settlement planning and management” through its “ordinance rewrite.” The process involves a “public hearing” for a mural application, demonstrating a participatory approach. The commission’s detailed discussion on lot sizes and setbacks to enable development on nonconforming lots is a direct example of integrated and sustainable planning.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

    The article portrays the Town Planning Commission as an institution working to become more effective. By using a GIS coordinator to get clear data and conducting a detailed “ordinance rewrite,” the commission is strengthening its capacity to manage town development in a structured and accountable manner.

  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

    The commission’s process includes a “public hearing” where an application for a mural was considered, showing a mechanism for public participation. The commission’s effort to find solutions for “undeveloped or nonconforming” lots shows it is being responsive to existing issues within the town that hinder development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for SDG 11 / Target 11.3

  • Number of undeveloped or nonconforming lots

    The article explicitly mentions that the new GIS coordinator has provided “a clear idea of how many lots in various residential zones are undeveloped or nonconforming.” This number serves as a direct, quantifiable indicator to track progress in making land use more efficient and enabling development.

  • Existence of an updated zoning ordinance

    The “ongoing ordinance rewrite” itself is an indicator of progress. The completion and adoption of this updated legal framework for planning would signify a major step towards sustainable human settlement management.

• Indicators for SDG 16 / Target 16.7

  • Number of public hearings and applications processed

    The article mentions a “public hearing” for a specific “application for a mural.” The number of such hearings held and applications reviewed by the commission can be used as an indicator of the level of participatory and responsive decision-making.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: royalexaminer.com