Before you get bogged down by property development regulations, you want to consider a few constructive property planning rules. Land use planning systems ensure that states and local councils can help develop land in a useful and productive manner. With so many rules and considerations to take into account, property developers have a lot to think about when it comes to planning land use. You can’t leave it all to local council and real estate agents to inform and assist you.
What Is Land Use Planning?
Land use planning is the way in which state and local councils arrange their towns and cities. There are many, many regulations which delve into the legal minutia of land use and planning. These rules show how and why states and councils come to these conclusions. These rules help ensure an overarching plan for the growth and development of a city based on a much broader perspective. These rules can and do shift, following the changing needs of a city.
How Does Zoning Affect Land Use Planning?
Having a firm grasp of zoning is the first step in ensuring you’re on your way to a successful property development project. Zoning is the term which applies to how land use is allocated. Be it residential, commercial, industrial, or other applications, these rules are in place to aid in the development of productive land or property.
What Rules Are Factored Into Planning?
When you look at a state or local scheme map, you only see the allocation of areas; you may not necessarily see the bigger picture based on this information only. The growth of a city needs to be managed while avoiding restrictions that negatively affect the inner workings of the city.
The bigger picture hinges on various considerations such as:
- Population growth and demographic changes
- Developing economic growth and encouraging job creation
- Saving water
- Respecting and protecting important heritage sites
- Promoting urban renewal
- Ensuring the town is sustainable
- Accounting for climate change by noting changing flood zones and high-risk fire zones
- Allowing for community participation
- Balancing land use with public transport
- Ensuring efficiency
- Protecting natural resources
- Accounting for public utilities
How Are Property Developers Affected?
Property developers are known for their vision and fondness for innovation. Many aspects of town planning can either put a spanner in the works or leave developers room to make a greater profit through their own planning and foresight.
Typically, property developers look at state scheme maps, but you can gather more specific information from studying the more nuanced local scheme maps. These maps will enlighten you about the densities of areas that would allow you to concentrate on building smaller or larger properties, in line with land use planning. Local map schemes will also detail varying types of commercial use which are allowed as not all commercial sites can be used for the same purposes. Australia has amongst the strictest laws regarding planning, so it’s essential to know what the greater town plan is and how you can take advantage of it.
Land use planning is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of property development. Still, it is a crucial place to start if you would like to become a successful property developer and positively impact a town or city. For a less cumbersome approach to planning, consider using property development software.
