Toolbox

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, 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.