CASE STUDY: URBAN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ISSUES TEMPLATE

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF ZONING CATEGORIES

Zoning refers to the process of dividing a particular area into different districts, each with its own set of regulations and restrictions regarding land use (Schleicher, 2012). On the other hand, subdivision regulations refer to the rules governing the division of land into smaller parcels (Peiser, 2001). Types of zoning include residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial zoning. Residential Zoning is a type of zoning intended for single-family or multi-family residences. The purpose of residential zoning is to create a peaceful living environment where families can enjoy a high quality of life. In the Bible, we see God's desire for people to have a place to call home. In Psalm 68:6, it says "God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing." Residential zoning can help provide a place for families to find community and build their lives.

Commercial zoning on the other hand is intended for commercial activities such as retail stores, office buildings, and restaurants. The purpose of commercial zoning is to provide a space for businesses to thrive and generate economic activity. In the Bible, we see that God has an interest in business and commerce. In Proverbs 31:16, it says "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Commercial zoning can help provide a space for people to pursue business and contribute to society (Checker, 2011).

Agricultural zoning is for agricultural activities such as farming and ranching. The purpose of agricultural zoning is to protect farmland and ensure that it remains available for food production. In the Bible, we see that God has a special concern for the poor and vulnerable. In Leviticus 19:9-10, it says "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner." Agricultural zoning can help ensure that there is enough food to go around and that everyone has access to the resources they need.

Finally, Industrial zoning is for heavy manufacturing and other industrial activities. The purpose of industrial zoning is to provide a space for industries that may have negative impacts on the environment or on residential areas. In the Bible, we see that God has given humans the responsibility to care for the earth. In Genesis 2:15, it says "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Industrial zoning can help ensure that there is a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Subdivision regulations are rules that govern the division of land into smaller parcels. The purpose of subdivision regulations is to ensure that land is used in an efficient and orderly manner, and that the resulting development is safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. In the Bible, we see that God has an interest in order and beauty. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, it says "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." Subdivision regulations can help ensure that new developments are built in a way that is consistent with God's desire for order and beauty.

Euclidean zoning, form-based codes, and performance-based zoning are different approaches to regulating land use and development (Ghorbanian, 2020). Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which approach to use depends on the specific context and goals of a particular community. Euclidean zoning, for instance, is the traditional approach to zoning that is based on separating different land uses into distinct zones. It is characterized by rigid separation of land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. However, Euclidean zoning has been criticized for being inflexible and promoting sprawl, as well as contributing to social and economic segregation.

In terms of scripture, we can see that Jesus encouraged interaction and engagement between different types of people. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, which emphasizes the importance of caring for and helping others, regardless of their background or social status. Euclidean zoning, with its strict separation of land uses, can hinder the kind of interaction and engagement that Jesus encouraged.

Form-based codes focus on the physical form of buildings and streetscapes, rather than the use of the buildings. It emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of place and creating a walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented environment. Form-based codes have been praised for their ability to create vibrant, attractive communities. From a scriptural perspective, we can see that God values the beauty and order of creation. In Genesis 1:31, it says "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Form-based codes can help create communities that are aesthetically pleasing and consistent with God's desire for order and beauty.

Performance-based zoning focuses on achieving specific outcomes, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing affordable housing (Grant et al., 2013). This approach emphasizes the importance of setting goals and using data to measure progress towards those goals. Performance-based zoning has been praised for its ability to promote sustainability and social equity. Scripturally, it is clear that God cares about justice and...…which are uses that may not typically be allowed in a particular zone but can be permitted under certain circumstances (Gil & Lucchesi, 2021). This allows for new and diverse uses. Scripture shows that God likes to see creativity and innovation. In Genesis 1:26, it says "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'" Conditional uses allow for creativity and innovation in development, consistent with God's desire for human beings to exercise stewardship over creation.

VARIANCES

Subdivision regulations also allow for variances, which are exceptions to the standard regulations. This allows for bend and can be useful in helping the community to keep its own goals and particular vision (Ben-Joseph & Szold, 2005). This aligns with scripture, as God wants us to have compassion and mercy. In Leviticus 19:18, it says "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Variances can help ensure that subdivision regulations are applied fairly and with compassion, consistent with God's desire for justice and mercy.

ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES

Finally, subdivision regulations provide administrative remedies, such as appeals processes, to ensure that property owners and developers have a fair and equitable process for resolving disputes. From scripture, we learn that God values justice and fairness. In Isaiah 61:8, it says "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing." Administrative remedies ensure that subdivision regulations are applied fairly and justly, consistent with God's desire for justice.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, zoning and subdivision regulations are important tools for managing land use and ensuring that development is safe, healthy, and consistent with the goals of a particular community. They can be used to promote economic development, protect the environment, and preserve the character of existing communities. However, they can also create challenges and tensions, particularly when they are inflexible or perceived as overly restrictive. From a biblical viewpoint, there are several principles that can guide planning functions such as zoning and subdivision regulations. For example, the principle of stewardship emphasizes the responsibility of humans to care for and manage the resources that God has given them. This principle can be applied to land use planning by emphasizing the importance of responsible development and the preservation of natural resources. Similarly, the principle of neighborly love emphasizes the importance of caring for and serving one's neighbors. This principle can be applied to land use planning by emphasizing the importance of creating…