1. Land Use & Government Policy

2. What is Land Use? Land use -The way in which humans use the earth's surface. Rural- sparsely settled places away from the influence of large cities (farms)

3. What is Land Use? Suburban- residential areas on the outskirts of a city or large town (Bel Air, Towson, Edgewood) Urban-pertaining to, or designating a city or town. (city – Baltimore)

4. National Gov’t and Land Use The national government can influence land development patterns by: Tax policies Financial support for infrastructure (roads, hospitals, and public transportation such as subways and airports) Giving grants to states that develop programs to protect marshlands or to protect the shoreline. – For example, Maryland receives money from the national government for its “SAVE THE BAY” campaign. The federal government encourages Maryland to make decisions that support the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

5. State Governments and Land Use By 1970, the population of suburban residents exceeded that of city or rural residents for the first time in our nation’s history. Suburban development affected rural lands and natural resources by reducing the amount of land available for farms, parks, and open space. It dramatically changed how Americans live, work, play, use energy, and impact the environment.

6. Problem – Urban sprawl - the spreading of development into areas adjoining a city. – Urban Sprawl is characterized by: strip mall development along roads lack of functional open spaces and habitats almost exclusive dependence on the automobile.

7. Community Development: Pumps up local economies 1.However, it increases tax burdens and costs for public services on local citizens. 2.Why? » now local and state governments have to build more roads, schools, water and sewage treatment plants, and provide for fire and police protection which costs money.

11. State Governments and Land Use Solution Smart growth is Maryland’s policy to address the issues of urban sprawl & urban decay Smart Growth Goals: – Provide resources to support development in communities where infrastructure already exists (buildings, housing, etc) – Save our most valuable natural resources before they are lost forever – Save taxpayers from the high cost of building new infrastructure – Provide Marylanders high quality of life wherever they live (rural, suburb, or urban)

12. How do states address the goals of smart growth? 1.Governor can create a budget that provides incentives (rewards) to businesses for: a.building in certain areas b.Investing in transportation c.Promoting a better way to grow d.Protecting open space e.Revitalizing neighborhoods, f.Providing affordable housing by making communities more livable. Before Smart Growth After Smart Growth

13. Map of Maryland

14. Regions of Maryland

15. Local Governments and Land Use Local governments – counties and towns influence land use through zoning laws and comprehensive plans. Harford County Council

16. Zoning Laws Laws that regulate the way land and buildings may be used to shape community development. – For example, zoning laws must be followed when you want to build an addition on your home or put a pool in your backyard.

17. Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive plan is long range planning for the community to address future growth. (sometimes called a Master Plan) In other words, the county will decide years (5-10 years) in advance about where to build new roads, where to build schools, and where housing development can be built.