Title: Planning Toolbox: Performance Zoning
Headings: Performance Zoning
Performance Zoning
Advantages
Limitations
How to Use This Tool
Performance Zoning Criteria
Extent to Which Performance Zoning is Applied
Locational Requirements for Development
Application to Minor Development Proposals
Examples
Related Tools

Content: Planning Toolbox: Performance Zoning
Performance Zoning
Performance zoning, also called impact zoning or flexible zoning, is an alternative technique to conventional zoning. Rather than establishing specific area and bulk standards within zoning districts to govern development, performance zoning regulates the design and location of a use based on the characteristics of a particular site to support development. Under performance zoning, municipalities replace conventional zoning districts with performance criteria to guide development. The result can be an increase in the range of uses that may be permitted and additional control over the effects of the land use. Landowners and developers are provided greater flexibility on how to meet performance zoning standards. Advantages
The following advantages are associated with the use of performance zoning: Conserves energy by limiting inappropriate site disturbance and reducing environmental disturbance; Ensures that a proposed use is appropriate for the specific character of a site, and can balance the level of development that the site can accommodate with minimizing negative impacts on the environment; Promotes natural resource protection and can limit adverse impacts on neighboring properties;