Smart Growth Resource Library

Design Guidelines to Enhance Community Appearance and Protect Natural Resources

Design Guidelines to Enhance Community Appearance and Protect Natural Resources is a guidebook for citizens, decision-makers, and youth from Michigan Technological University that compares traditional development to a more visually appealing approach that also protects natural and cultural resources. Tools to accomplish the recommended approach are suggested.

Unplanned or poorly planned development can have significant impacts on natural and cultural resources in the western Great Lakes region. Communities want their economies to grow without losing what makes them special-scenic landcapes, historic downtowns, and places of unique cultural character. This guidebook was created to facilitate a greater understanding of community planning tools and natural resource “Best Management Practices.''

The guidebook features line drawings and color photos that visually address twenty of the most common development issues, including: shoreline development, water quality and storm water management, landscape character protection, visual corridors, pedestrian accessibility, historic preservation, signage, lighting, parking lot design, building appearance, residential and commercial aesthetics, and cell phone towers.

60 pages, 163 photos and drawings; read more or order online available through the resource link below.

Resource: http://wupcenter.mtu.edu/education/land_use/design_guidelines/index.htm

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