Among the many policies determined by a local community, a primary focus is how and where to grow and develop. Virginia counties, cities, and towns do this through their Comprehensive Policy Plans, their county codes and ordinances, and other various planning tools.
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In particular, county ordinances can provide options for landowners that enable modest development while protecting the rural and agricultural character of the landscape. And modern concepts for community development can promote strong, livable neighborhoods in the county’s urban areas that reduce development pressure in its rural areas. Good planning also promotes compatible land use in rural areas, ensuring that industrial and commercial uses do not adversely affect agricultural, historical, and natural resources.
Preserve Frederick is working to promote innovative land use policies -- concepts of "New Urbanism" and "Smart Growth" -- that concentrate growth in the urban areas of the county (the "Urban Development Area" or UDA). This lowers the cost to serve that growth and encourages high quality neighborhoods that offer the ability to walk to schools, parks, stores, and workplaces. At the same time, measures that protect rural areas outside the UDA, sustain agriculture, and protect natural and historic resources are encouraged.
>Learn more about “New Urbanism” and “Smart Growth” planning.
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