8.1 Land use planning in coastal zones
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Coastal land use planning is crucial for protecting communities from natural hazards and environmental changes. It balances development needs with conservation and risk reduction in vulnerable areas, integrating resilience principles to enhance long-term sustainability and adaptation to climate impacts.
This approach uses zoning regulations, setback requirements, and development restrictions to manage coastal areas effectively. It also incorporates , , and practices to create resilient coastal communities that can withstand future challenges.
Coastal land use planning
- Integrates principles of resilience engineering to protect coastal communities from natural hazards and environmental changes
- Balances development needs with environmental conservation and risk reduction in vulnerable coastal areas
- Crucial for long-term sustainability and adaptation to climate change impacts in coastal regions
Importance in resilience engineering
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- Enhances coastal community resilience by strategically allocating land uses to minimize risk exposure
- Incorporates future climate scenarios and into long-term planning decisions
- Promotes sustainable development practices that maintain ecological functions and natural protective features
Zoning regulations for coasts
- Establish specific land use categories tailored to coastal environments (residential, commercial, conservation)
- Implement overlay districts to address unique coastal hazards (flood zones, erosion-prone areas)
- Regulate building density and height to minimize environmental impact and maintain coastal character
- Require environmental impact assessments for proposed developments in sensitive coastal areas
Setback requirements
- Mandate minimum distances between structures and shorelines to protect against erosion and storm impacts
- Vary setback distances based on local erosion rates, shoreline type, and projected sea level rise
- Preserve natural coastal processes and maintain public access to beaches and coastal resources
- Reduce potential property damage and loss from coastal hazards
Coastal development restrictions
- Limit or prohibit construction in high-risk areas (barrier islands, low-lying coastal plains)
- Implement permitting processes for coastal construction to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
- Restrict activities that may exacerbate coastal erosion or damage sensitive ecosystems (sand mining, wetland filling)
- Encourage development in upland areas to reduce pressure on vulnerable coastal zones
Hazard mapping
- Utilizes geospatial technologies and data analysis to identify and visualize coastal risks
- Informs land use planning decisions by highlighting areas of high vulnerability to natural hazards
- Supports the development of targeted mitigation strategies and emergency response plans
Flood risk assessment
- Incorporates historical flood data, topography, and hydrological modeling to delineate flood-prone areas
- Considers various flood sources (riverine, coastal, pluvial) and their combined effects in coastal zones
- Produces flood hazard maps showing extent and depth of potential flooding for different return periods
- Informs zoning decisions, building codes, and flood insurance requirements
Storm surge vulnerability
- Models potential storm surge heights and inundation areas based on historical and synthetic storm scenarios
- Accounts for factors such as bathymetry, coastal topography, and storm characteristics
- Identifies critical infrastructure and populations at risk from storm surge impacts
- Supports the development of evacuation plans and coastal protection measures
Erosion prone areas
- Maps shoreline change rates using historical data and remote sensing techniques
- Identifies areas of high erosion risk based on geological factors and wave energy exposure
- Predicts future shoreline positions under various sea level rise scenarios
- Guides decisions on setback requirements and coastal protection strategies
Ecosystem-based management
- Integrates ecological principles into coastal management to enhance resilience and sustainability
- Recognizes the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems and human activities
- Aims to maintain ecosystem services while supporting sustainable development in coastal areas
Coastal habitat protection
- Identifies and preserves critical habitats (wetlands, mangroves, seagrass beds) for their ecological and protective functions
- Establishes marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity and support fisheries
- Implements restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded coastal ecosystems
- Regulates activities that may impact sensitive habitats (dredging, coastal development)
Natural buffer zones
- Preserves and enhances natural features that provide coastal protection (dunes, barrier islands, wetlands)
- Establishes vegetated buffer strips along shorelines to reduce erosion and filter runoff
- Promotes the use of living shorelines as an alternative to hard coastal protection structures
- Integrates natural buffers into urban planning to create multifunctional green spaces
Green infrastructure vs gray infrastructure
- Compares () with traditional engineered approaches ()
- Green infrastructure examples include constructed wetlands, bioswales, and permeable pavements
- Gray infrastructure includes seawalls, levees, and stormwater pipes
- Evaluates the cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability of different infrastructure options
- Promotes hybrid approaches that combine green and gray elements for optimal coastal protection
Sustainable coastal development
- Balances economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity in coastal areas
- Incorporates resilience principles to ensure long-term viability of coastal communities
- Emphasizes adaptive strategies to address changing environmental conditions and climate impacts
Low-impact design principles
- Minimizes impervious surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff and enhance groundwater recharge
- Incorporates green spaces and natural landscaping to maintain ecosystem functions
- Utilizes sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies in construction
- Designs buildings and infrastructure to work with natural coastal processes rather than against them
Adaptive architecture for coasts
- Develops building designs that can accommodate changing environmental conditions (elevated structures, floating homes)
- Incorporates flood-resistant materials and construction techniques in flood-prone areas
- Implements modular and relocatable building systems for flexibility in response to coastal changes
- Integrates passive cooling and natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption in coastal climates
Resilient infrastructure planning
- Assesses vulnerability of critical infrastructure (roads, utilities, public facilities) to coastal hazards
- Develops redundancy and backup systems to ensure continuity of essential services during disasters
- Incorporates future climate projections into infrastructure design and placement decisions
- Promotes decentralized and distributed systems (microgrids, localized water treatment) for enhanced resilience
Coastal retreat strategies
- Recognizes the need to relocate development away from high-risk coastal areas in some cases
- Implements proactive approaches to reduce long-term vulnerability and costs associated with coastal hazards
- Balances immediate economic impacts with long-term sustainability and safety considerations
Managed realignment
- Involves the controlled relocation of coastal defenses further inland to create new intertidal habitats
- Allows natural coastal processes to resume, enhancing natural flood protection and ecosystem services
- Requires careful planning and to address social and economic impacts
- Implemented successfully in various locations (Medmerry, UK; Alkborough Flats, UK)
Buyout programs
- Government-sponsored initiatives to purchase high-risk coastal properties from willing sellers
- Converts acquired properties to open space or natural areas, reducing future disaster losses
- Provides financial assistance to property owners for relocation to safer areas
- Challenges include funding limitations, community resistance, and equitable implementation
Relocation incentives
- Offers financial and policy incentives to encourage voluntary relocation from high-risk coastal areas
- Includes tax breaks, grants, or preferential development rights in safer locations
- Implements transferable development rights programs to shift development intensity away from vulnerable areas
- Requires coordination between multiple levels of government and careful consideration of social equity issues
Climate change adaptation
- Addresses the specific challenges posed by climate change impacts on coastal areas
- Integrates scientific projections of future conditions into planning and decision-making processes
- Emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in coastal management strategies
Sea level rise projections
- Utilizes global and regional sea level rise scenarios based on climate models and emissions pathways
- Considers local factors affecting relative sea level rise (land subsidence, isostatic rebound)
- Develops localized projections to inform adaptation planning and infrastructure design
- Accounts for uncertainties in projections through scenario-based planning approaches
Future flood risk scenarios
- Models potential changes in flood frequency and extent under different climate change scenarios
- Incorporates sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, and storm intensity projections
- Identifies areas likely to experience increased flood risk in the future
- Informs long-term land use planning and infrastructure investment decisions
Adaptive planning approaches
- Implements flexible and iterative planning processes that can respond to changing conditions
- Utilizes adaptive pathways approach to identify decision points and alternative strategies over time
- Incorporates regular monitoring and evaluation to adjust plans based on observed changes and new information
- Promotes no-regret strategies that provide benefits under multiple future scenarios
Stakeholder engagement
- Recognizes the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in coastal planning processes
- Aims to build consensus and support for coastal management decisions
- Incorporates local knowledge and values into planning and decision-making
Community participation in planning
- Implements participatory planning processes to involve local residents in coastal management decisions
- Utilizes various engagement techniques (workshops, surveys, citizen science programs)
- Ensures representation of diverse community interests, including marginalized groups
- Builds local capacity for understanding and addressing coastal resilience challenges
Balancing economic vs environmental interests
- Facilitates dialogue between different stakeholder groups to find common ground
- Utilizes ecosystem services valuation to demonstrate economic benefits of environmental protection
- Develops compromise solutions that address both economic development and environmental conservation goals
- Implements collaborative decision-making processes to resolve conflicts over coastal resource use
Public-private partnerships
- Fosters collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations
- Leverages private sector resources and expertise for coastal resilience projects
- Develops innovative financing mechanisms for coastal adaptation (green bonds, resilience funds)
- Implements joint ventures for sustainable coastal development and ecosystem restoration projects
Policy and legislation
- Establishes the legal and regulatory framework for coastal land use planning and management
- Defines roles and responsibilities of different levels of government in coastal decision-making
- Provides mechanisms for enforcement and compliance with coastal management regulations
Coastal Zone Management Act
- Federal legislation in the United States that provides a framework for coastal management
- Encourages states to develop and implement coastal zone management programs
- Provides funding and technical assistance for coastal planning and conservation efforts
- Requires federal consistency with approved state coastal management programs
Local coastal programs
- Detailed plans developed by coastal communities to guide land use and development decisions
- Implements state and federal coastal management policies at the local level
- Addresses specific local issues and priorities related to coastal resources and hazards
- Requires approval from state coastal management agencies to ensure consistency with broader goals
Building codes for coastal areas
- Establishes specific construction standards for buildings in coastal hazard areas
- Addresses wind loads, flood resistance, and erosion control measures
- Incorporates future climate projections into design requirements (freeboard above base flood elevation)
- Regularly updated to reflect new scientific understanding and best practices in coastal construction
Economic considerations
- Evaluates the financial implications of different coastal land use and management strategies
- Informs decision-making processes by quantifying costs and benefits of various options
- Considers long-term economic sustainability in the face of changing coastal conditions
Cost-benefit analysis of land use options
- Compares the economic costs and benefits of different coastal development scenarios
- Incorporates both market and non-market values (ecosystem services, recreational opportunities)
- Considers long-term maintenance and adaptation costs associated with different land use choices
- Utilizes discount rates to compare present and future costs and benefits
Property values vs hazard exposure
- Analyzes the relationship between coastal property values and exposure to natural hazards
- Considers how risk perception and insurance availability affect real estate markets in coastal areas
- Evaluates potential impacts of hazard disclosure requirements on property transactions
- Assesses long-term trends in property values under different climate change scenarios
Insurance implications
- Examines how coastal hazards and land use decisions affect insurance availability and affordability
- Considers the role of national flood insurance programs in shaping coastal development patterns
- Evaluates potential for risk-based insurance pricing to incentivize hazard
- Explores alternative insurance models (parametric insurance, community-based insurance) for coastal areas
Monitoring and evaluation
- Establishes systems to track changes in coastal environments and assess the effectiveness of management strategies
- Informs approaches by providing feedback on the outcomes of planning decisions
- Supports evidence-based decision-making in coastal land use planning
Land use change detection
- Utilizes remote sensing and GIS technologies to monitor changes in coastal land cover over time
- Tracks urbanization trends, ecosystem loss, and shoreline changes in coastal areas
- Identifies areas of rapid development or environmental degradation for targeted management interventions
- Supports enforcement of zoning regulations and development restrictions
Effectiveness of planning measures
- Evaluates the outcomes of implemented coastal management strategies against stated objectives
- Utilizes indicators to measure progress towards resilience and sustainability goals
- Conducts post-disaster assessments to evaluate the performance of land use planning in reducing impacts
- Identifies successful approaches and areas for improvement in coastal planning practices
Adaptive management strategies
- Implements iterative processes to adjust management approaches based on monitoring results
- Establishes thresholds or trigger points for reevaluating and modifying coastal management plans
- Promotes flexibility in planning and decision-making to address emerging challenges and opportunities
- Encourages continuous learning and improvement in coastal land use planning practices
Key Terms to Review (40)
Adaptive architecture for coasts: Adaptive architecture for coasts refers to design strategies that enable structures along coastlines to respond to the dynamic nature of coastal environments. This approach takes into account changing sea levels, extreme weather events, and erosion, promoting resilience through flexibility and sustainability. By integrating natural processes and incorporating materials that can withstand coastal stresses, this architectural practice aims to minimize damage and enhance the long-term viability of coastal developments.
Adaptive management: Adaptive management is a systematic, flexible approach to managing natural resources that aims to improve management practices through learning from outcomes. This approach encourages continual assessment and adjustment of strategies based on feedback, enabling better responses to environmental changes and uncertainties.
Adaptive Planning Approaches: Adaptive planning approaches refer to flexible strategies that allow for adjustments in response to changing conditions, uncertainties, and stakeholder needs in coastal management. These approaches emphasize the importance of resilience and the ability to modify plans over time, ensuring that land use in coastal zones can adapt to environmental, social, and economic changes.
Balancing economic vs environmental interests: Balancing economic vs environmental interests refers to the process of making decisions that consider both the financial benefits of development and the ecological impacts on natural resources and ecosystems. This balance is crucial in ensuring sustainable growth, particularly in regions where economic activities may threaten environmental health, such as coastal zones. Achieving this balance often involves compromise, innovative planning, and stakeholder engagement to create solutions that satisfy both economic needs and environmental protection.
Buyout programs: Buyout programs are initiatives designed to incentivize property owners to sell their flood-prone or vulnerable properties, often in the context of climate adaptation strategies. These programs aim to reduce future risk and expenses associated with damage from sea level rise and natural disasters, providing financial assistance while promoting community resilience through the removal of at-risk structures.
Climate change adaptation: Climate change adaptation refers to the process of adjusting practices, systems, and policies in response to the effects of climate change, aiming to minimize damage and enhance resilience. This concept emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to cope with the changes in climate, such as rising sea levels and increased storm intensity, thereby safeguarding communities, ecosystems, and economies.
Coastal retreat strategies: Coastal retreat strategies are approaches designed to manage the impacts of coastal erosion and sea-level rise by relocating infrastructure, communities, and natural habitats away from vulnerable coastal areas. These strategies are aimed at reducing risks associated with flooding and erosion while promoting sustainable land use practices. They often involve a combination of regulatory measures, community engagement, and environmental restoration efforts to enhance resilience in coastal zones.
Coastal Zone Management Act: The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1972 aimed at protecting and managing the nation's coastal resources and environments. It provides a framework for states to develop coastal management programs that balance economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring sustainable use of coastal areas while addressing issues like erosion, flooding, and habitat preservation.
Community involvement: Community involvement refers to the active participation of individuals and groups in decision-making processes, planning, and implementation of projects that affect their lives and environment. This engagement is essential for fostering local ownership, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the community, and enhancing the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at improving coastal resilience and sustainability.
Community participation in planning: Community participation in planning refers to the process where individuals and groups actively engage in decision-making related to land use and development, particularly in their own communities. This involvement is essential for ensuring that local needs and perspectives are considered, leading to more sustainable and effective planning outcomes. By incorporating diverse voices, this approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, ultimately enhancing the resilience of coastal areas.
Cumulative Impact: Cumulative impact refers to the total effect of multiple actions or events over time on the environment, resources, or communities. It highlights how small, individual impacts can combine to create a larger, often more significant effect, which is particularly crucial in understanding environmental changes in coastal areas. Recognizing cumulative impacts is essential for sustainable land use planning and environmental assessments to ensure that development does not lead to unforeseen adverse consequences.
Ecosystem-based management: Ecosystem-based management is an approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including humans, in the management of natural resources. This strategy seeks to maintain healthy ecosystems while addressing the interconnectedness of biological, physical, and socio-economic factors, ensuring sustainability and resilience in coastal environments.
Erosion Prone Areas: Erosion prone areas are specific regions that are highly susceptible to soil and land degradation due to natural forces like wind, water, and human activities. These areas are critical to identify in the context of managing coastal zones because they often experience significant shoreline retreat, habitat loss, and increased vulnerability to flooding. Proper understanding of these regions helps inform better land use decisions and strategies for coastal resilience and environmental protection.
Flood Risk Assessment: Flood risk assessment is the process of evaluating the likelihood and potential consequences of flooding in a given area. This involves analyzing various factors such as historical flood data, land use, topography, climate change impacts, and infrastructure resilience to determine vulnerability and inform mitigation strategies. Effective assessments help communities prioritize actions to reduce risks associated with flooding and are essential for planning and decision-making.
Future flood risk scenarios: Future flood risk scenarios are predictive assessments that estimate the likelihood and potential impact of flooding events in coastal areas due to changing environmental conditions, such as climate change, land use, and sea-level rise. These scenarios help in understanding how different variables can affect flood frequency and severity, guiding planners and decision-makers in coastal zones to create more resilient infrastructure and develop effective land use strategies.
Gray Infrastructure: Gray infrastructure refers to the traditional built environment designed to manage water and other resources, primarily through engineered systems like dams, levees, and stormwater drainage systems. This type of infrastructure is crucial in coastal zones as it provides structural support and flood protection, but often lacks the flexibility and adaptability needed to respond to changing environmental conditions, such as climate change and sea level rise.
Green Infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas that provide environmental, economic, and social benefits, especially in urban settings. It integrates natural processes with built environments to manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality while also offering recreational spaces and aesthetic value.
Habitat preservation: Habitat preservation refers to the efforts and strategies aimed at protecting and maintaining natural environments to ensure the survival of various species and ecological processes. This practice is essential for sustaining biodiversity, which includes conserving flora and fauna in their native habitats, reducing the impact of human activities, and promoting ecological health. Effective habitat preservation is key in strategies like dune restoration and land use planning, where the goal is to balance development with environmental conservation.
Hazard mapping: Hazard mapping is the process of identifying, assessing, and visually representing potential hazards in a specific area to inform risk management and disaster preparedness. This technique helps communities understand the geographical risks they face, such as tsunamis or landslides, by providing essential data for land use decisions, community relocation strategies, social vulnerability assessments, and effective early warning systems.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process that promotes a sustainable management approach to coastal areas, balancing environmental, economic, social, and cultural objectives. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems and human activities, aiming to address complex issues such as coastal erosion, habitat loss, and socio-economic pressures through coordinated planning and decision-making.
Low-impact design principles: Low-impact design principles refer to an approach in land use planning that aims to minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainable development. These principles emphasize the integration of natural systems and processes in urban design, focusing on managing stormwater, reducing pollution, and preserving biodiversity. By utilizing techniques such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and habitat restoration, low-impact design contributes to healthier ecosystems and resilient coastal communities.
Managed realignment: Managed realignment is a coastal management strategy that involves the intentional relocation of coastal defenses to allow for the natural movement of coastlines, typically in response to erosion or rising sea levels. This approach aims to create more sustainable and adaptive coastal environments by restoring ecosystems, reducing flood risks, and balancing human and environmental needs.
Managed retreat: Managed retreat is a strategic approach to climate adaptation that involves relocating human populations and infrastructure away from vulnerable coastal areas to reduce risks associated with sea level rise, flooding, and erosion. This concept balances the need for human safety with environmental sustainability by allowing natural coastal processes to occur while minimizing human impact.
Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures are strategies and actions designed to reduce the adverse impacts of hazards or environmental changes, particularly in coastal areas. These measures aim to minimize risks associated with flooding, erosion, and other coastal threats by implementing preventive and adaptive techniques that can enhance resilience. They play a critical role in land use planning, local regulations, and environmental assessments by providing a structured approach to address vulnerabilities and protect communities.
Mixed-use development: Mixed-use development is a type of urban planning that combines residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces within a single project or neighborhood. This approach aims to create vibrant communities by allowing people to live, work, and play in proximity, reducing the need for extensive transportation and promoting a sense of community. It helps maximize land use efficiency and can enhance coastal resilience by integrating various functionalities into coastal zones.
National Environmental Policy Act: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1969 that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. NEPA aims to promote informed decision-making and public participation by ensuring that environmental factors are considered alongside economic and technical factors during project planning. This act serves as a critical framework for evaluating the effects of proposed activities, particularly in land use and environmental assessments.
Natural buffer zones: Natural buffer zones are areas of land or vegetation that act as a protective barrier between coastal ecosystems and human activities, helping to reduce the impact of storms, flooding, and erosion. These zones are crucial in land use planning as they enhance resilience by providing habitat for wildlife, filtering pollutants, and absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of coastal environments.
Nature-based solutions: Nature-based solutions are strategies that utilize natural processes and ecosystems to address societal challenges, particularly in the context of environmental resilience and sustainability. These solutions leverage biodiversity and ecosystem services to mitigate risks, such as flooding or coastal erosion, while also providing benefits like enhanced biodiversity, improved air quality, and recreational opportunities.
Public participation: Public participation is the process of involving individuals and communities in decision-making related to policies, plans, and projects that affect their lives and environments. This engagement is essential for ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes in various coastal management scenarios.
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies to finance, design, implement, and operate projects that serve the public interest. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors to address complex challenges like infrastructure development, coastal resilience, and adaptation to environmental changes.
Relocation incentives: Relocation incentives are financial or logistical support mechanisms designed to encourage individuals or communities to move away from vulnerable areas, particularly in coastal zones susceptible to hazards like flooding, erosion, or sea-level rise. These incentives can help mitigate risks and promote safer living conditions by facilitating a transition to more resilient locations. They often include grants, tax benefits, or assistance with moving costs, aimed at reducing the burden of relocating.
Resilience-building measures: Resilience-building measures are strategies and actions aimed at enhancing the ability of communities and ecosystems to withstand, adapt to, and recover from environmental stresses and hazards. These measures often involve integrating sustainable practices into planning, development, and management processes, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas where the impacts of climate change and human activities can be profound. By incorporating resilience-building measures into land use planning, stakeholders can better prepare for natural disasters, reduce risks, and promote long-term sustainability.
Resilient Infrastructure Planning: Resilient infrastructure planning involves designing and implementing systems that can withstand and quickly recover from disruptive events, such as natural disasters, climate change, or human-made crises. This planning emphasizes adaptability and long-term sustainability, ensuring that infrastructure can function effectively even under stress. It incorporates risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and innovative solutions to enhance community resilience.
Scenario Planning: Scenario planning is a strategic method used to create and analyze possible future events and situations by considering various factors that could influence outcomes. This approach enables decision-makers to anticipate challenges and opportunities by visualizing different scenarios, which is particularly important for adapting strategies in fields like land use, urban design, and coastal management.
Sea level rise projections: Sea level rise projections are estimates made about the future increase in sea levels due to factors like climate change, melting ice caps, and thermal expansion of water. These projections are crucial for understanding potential impacts on coastal areas, including erosion, flooding, and habitat loss, and they help inform decisions related to infrastructure and environmental policies.
Setback regulations: Setback regulations are legal requirements that dictate the minimum distance structures must be set back from natural features, property lines, or roadways. These regulations are crucial for protecting coastal environments and managing land use in vulnerable areas, ensuring that development does not negatively impact ecosystems or exacerbate flood risks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholder engagement is the process of involving individuals, groups, or organizations that may be affected by or can influence a decision, policy, or project. This approach helps to build relationships, gather input, and foster collaboration to achieve sustainable outcomes, particularly in environmental and coastal management efforts.
Storm surge vulnerability: Storm surge vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of coastal areas to the flooding and damage caused by storm surges, which are rapid increases in sea level due to severe weather events like hurricanes. This vulnerability is influenced by various factors such as land use, topography, infrastructure resilience, and socio-economic conditions. Understanding storm surge vulnerability is critical for effective land use planning in coastal zones, as it helps identify at-risk areas and informs strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, ensuring that resources are used responsibly while fostering resilience against challenges like climate change.
Zoning ordinances: Zoning ordinances are regulations set by local governments that dictate how land in specific geographic zones can be used. They play a crucial role in managing land use by specifying what types of buildings and activities are permitted in various areas, which helps to protect public health, safety, and the environment. These ordinances directly impact land use planning in coastal zones and local coastal regulations by controlling development density, preserving open spaces, and minimizing risks associated with hazards like flooding and erosion.