When promoting sustainable development, local governments are faced with a common problem: current zoning regulations are not equipped to permit the types of density, connectivity, and mix of uses typified by green neighborhoods. Floating zones, or zoning classifications authorized for future use, are applied to a specific location when a developer demonstrates compliance. These flexible zoning agreements achieve desired development outcomes while saving municipalities time and money on otherwise expensive rezoning initiatives. See the Technical Guidance Manual for Sustainable Neighborhoods for more information on how local governments can use LEED-ND for land use planning.
Sponsored by: Fund for the Environment and Urban Life of The Oram Foundation, Inc. (FUEL) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)