5.14 Land Use (LU)
comprehensive plans which are land use documents that broadly establish a
vision, goals, policies, and implementation activities for a jurisdiction over a
long range period of time, typically ten to twenty years, to promote
compatible land use, guide growth and logical development.
The basis of land use planning and regulation relates to the government’s
role in protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Local jurisdictions’
general plans and zoning ordinances can be the most effective tools for
preventing or resolving land use compatibility issues. These tools ensure the
separation of land uses that differ significantly in character. Land use
separation also applies to properties where the use of one property may
adversely impact the use of another. For instance, industrial uses are often
separated from residential uses to avoid impacts from noise, odors, lighting.
Local jurisdictions ’comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances are the most
effective tools to avoid and resolve land use compatibility issues. These tools
ensure similar and compatible land uses are properly located and can co‐exist
while separating land uses that differ significantly in use and potential
nuisance.
Key Terms
Sensitive Land Uses. In terms of compatibility assessment, sensitive land uses
are uses that are susceptible to, and effected by, nuisances such as noise,
dust and air pollution. Sensitive land uses typically include residential areas,
hospitals, convalescent homes and facilities, schools, libraries, churches,
recreational areas, and other similar land uses.
Floor Area Ratio. The floor area ratio (FAR) is the total square feet of a
building divided by the total square feet of the lot the building is located on.
The FAR may provide a more refined and adaptable measure of intensity than
building coverage. It expresses in one measure, instead of several, the
mathematical relation between volume of building and unit of land, and
potentially allows greater flexibility for development. FAR is used by local
governments in zoning codes. Higher FARs are indicative of more urban
(dense) construction.
Technical Background
Land use planning around military installations is similar to the process for
evaluating other types of land uses. For instance, local jurisdictions consider
compatibility factors such as noise when locating residential developments
near commercial or industrial uses. As the land between local municipalities
is developed – or the land between a local municipality and the perimeter of
a military installation is developed both entities are affected. New residents,
tenants, or building owners are typically not fully aware of the implications of
locating in close proximity to an active military installation and / or training
area.
Imaginary Surfaces. The term imaginary surface refers to the areas
surrounding a heliport or airfield that must be kept clear of objects that
might pose a safety threat to aviation activities. A man‐made or natural
object that projects above an imaginary surface is an obstruction.
Land Use Planning. Land use planning stems from the Supreme Court
decision of Euclid vs. Ambler which enabled jurisdictions to regulate land use
through zoning land in order to protect the public’s health, safety, morals,
and welfare. Zoning is a land use regulation tool used by local jurisdictions
that generally controls for use, density, intensity, building heights, and
setbacks on a parcel or lot. Most states, like North Carolina, enacted
enabling legislation for local jurisdictions to also create and adopt
Background Report
Among the most pressing factors causing incompatibility with installations
containing a military airfield and weapons training are the proximate areas of
encroaching development, as well as off‐installation light pollution from that
development which may impact the military operations. The development of
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