Practical Computer Applications for Land Use Planning and Analysis

This address presents two computer applications designed to assist in land use planning for individual sites and for entire planning areas. The site capacity model allows the user to generate a reasonably accurate analysis of development potential for an individual parcel of land given basic Information regarding proposed or prevailing zoning regulations. The land capacity model provides a means for developing land use simulations including likely public service demands and selected environmental impacts. The author notes that land use simulation can be an effective tool for minimizing internal inconsistencies in development regulations and for evaluating the impacts of the large scale, long term development commitments often included in annexation agreements.