"Chapter 160D of the North Carolina General Statutes is the first major recodification and modernization of city and county development regulations since 1905. The endeavor was initiated by the Zoning and Land Use Section of the N.C. Bar Association in 2013 and emanated from the section's rewrite of the city and county board of adjustments statute earlier that year. This bill summary and its many footnotes are intended to help citizens and local governments understand and navigate these changes."--Page vii.

Two of the nation's experts in land-use law and planning provide a guide to drafting and updating land-use regulations. 21st Century Land Development Code is a complete planning and law model code integrating Euclidean zoning with green codes, new urbanism, and smart growth. It covers sustainability, neighborhood development, transit-oriented development, mixed use centers, subdivision regulations, official mapping, adequate public facilities, variances, conditional uses, religious uses, adult uses, telecommunications, and complete forms and procedures.

Introduction -- Relating development to the natural environment -- Managing climate change locally -- Encouraging walking by mixing land uses and housing types -- Preserving historic landmarks and districts -- Creating more affordable housing, promoting environmental justice -- Establishing design principles and standards for public spaces and buildings -- Implementing regulations while safeguarding private property interests

Offers policy-oriented, research-based recommendations for effectively managing traffic and cutting excess congestion in large urban areas.