Town Planning Tips

19 June 2023
 Categories: Business, Blog

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The town planning process allows urban communities to thrive and enjoy various amenities. Unfortunately, most people do not comprehend the town planning process. If this is your case, read this short piece for some tips. 

Land Use And Development

Land use and development are at the core of any town plan. Ideally, the town dwellers must agree to use and develop land responsibly to prevent depreciation, pollution and disputes. Most towns have zoning regulations that designate specific areas for certain developments. For instance, the CBD could be zoned for commercial development, while the areas close to the CBD could be zoned for mixed use. As you get to the outskirts of town, you will find residential, industrial and agricultural zones. 

As the town's population grows, property owners are bound to subdivide their land to make a profit. However, uncontrolled subdivisions could cause real estate prices to plummet. Most town councils have strict subdivision regulations. For instance, they determine the minimum plot size based on the zone. Developers are also required to install amenities such as water, drainage systems, gas and power in the new plots. Moreover, the new subdivisions must have access roads. 

The town council must also develop a building code. Several factors influence the building code. First, the council examines the susceptibility of the town to disasters such as floods, bushfires and storms. In this case, the building code prescribes measures such as reinforcing foundations and using fire-resistant building materials. The soil conditions also determine the structural features of the buildings erected in the area. The building code also prescribes the safety measures to be installed in buildings. For example, commercial buildings could be required to install fire safety measures such as ventilation and emergency exits. 

Amenities 

The town must have sufficient amenities for its inhabitants. For instance, it should have a functioning drainage and water recycling system. These systems must account for an increase in population and heavy rains. This way, the town does not flood when it rains. In some cases, the town council could compel the residents to consider domestic wastewater systems. It helps reduce the strain on the public drainage system. Transport networks are at the heart of any thriving urban development. The town council creates road networks connecting the various parts of town. In most cases, the council ensures the road networks are expandable. For instance, the main roads could need to be upgraded to highways in the future to accommodate an increase in traffic. The council must also designate areas for railway stations and airports. 

Reach out to a town planning service near you to learn more.