Toolbox
Urban Development Directives
Toolbox Themes
- Urban Nature
Objectives
Define urban development directives to guide urban planning and design according to concrete objectives, in specific areas of the cities.
Results
A report or guide on urban development directives for a specific area of the city or cross-cutting sector (e.g. mobility, basic services, etc.)
Description
In addition to land use regulatory directives, particular standards can be developed for some areas where land use and/or the urban profile are to be regulated, both quantitatively and qualitatively (T68 Urban Development Directives Guide). For example, guidelines that discourage parking space or regulate its location; establish façade characteristics to encourage an active and porous first floor; encourage the creation of public spaces on the first level or widening of sidewalks; encourage ecological criteria and sustainable buildings, etc. Particular regulations and standards are an opportunity to offer real estate developers density bonuses in exchange for the application of certain guidelines, or the capture of capital gains that allow the implementation of urban projects.
More detailed recommendations on specific themes, such as housing, green spaces, public space, mobility, basic services, risk management, water management, climate resilience, security, health conditionings, etc., can also be integrated into the Land Management Plan. Use the T26 Thematic Issues Checklist to ensure that all relevant themes are included within the Plan. These can also be detailed as Sectoral Plan (Activity 29).
Finally, other areas of the city where a more specific plan is required can be defined. These may be called neighbourhood, partial or local plans depending on the country and seek to provide more precision on urban planning and development in that area. This may be due, for example, to the implementation of a strategic infrastructure project that will potentially change urban dynamics and need to be regulated, or an area of informal settlements that requires a specific plan to improve current conditions, among others.
Once the Land Management Plan, which can include all or some of the following (according to the context): the urban development structure, development zones, land use plan and indicators, and urban development directives, has been drafted, it should be submitted to the Advisory Committee. Once expert opinions have been included, the Plan should begin the process of socialisation and subsequent approval.
Steps
- Identify specific areas of the city that need urban development regulations or guidelines to promote specific characteristics or objectives and/or sectorial recommendations related to mobility, social housing, environment, public facilities, basic services, heritage, etc. (T68 Urban Development Directives Guide)
- Elaborate additional cross-cutting recommendations, using T26 Thematic Issues Checklist, to address aspects such as social inclusion, human rights, resilience, hazard risk and safety.
- Prepare a regulatory land-use map.
- Compile all the regulatory directives into a comprehensive report linked with the land-use map.
- Share the results with the Advisory Committee and review the plan based on the feedback.
Urban Nature
It is important to establish specific regulatory standards to guide the integration of nature and biodiversity considerations in urban development. Such targeted standards help institutionalize NbS, ensuring their effectiveness and long-term maintenance. These may include:
- Minimum Soil Permeability Requirements: Set thresholds for permeable surfaces in new developments to reduce runoff and enhance groundwater recharge.
- Green Space Standards: Require spaces in high-density areas to improve thermal regulation, stormwater management and air quality.
- Riparian Buffer Restoration Guidelines: Mandate setbacks and native vegetation buffers along water bodies to prevent erosion and enhance biodiversity.
- Slope Stability Standards: Implement regulations for NbS on slopes, such as reforestation, bioengineering techniques, and terracing, to prevent landslides and soil degradation.
- Ecological Connectivity Indices: Establish criteria to ensure green corridors link fragmented urban green spaces, supporting biodiversity and urban cooling.
- Native Vegetation Use Policies: Promote indigenous plant species to enhance local ecosystems and reduce maintenance costs.
Additional Resources:
Nature-based Solutions by Design (Canadian Society of Landscape Architects)
A Catalogue of Nature-based Solutions for Urban Resilience (World Bank, 2021)