focus onCOMMUNITIES 28
to help protect these open lands, ranging from Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) pro- grams to zoning definitions. TDR programs are based on
the amount of development allowed in the zoning code, with one zone designated as the sending zone, typically in a more rural area, which will remain more lightly developed than allowed, and a separate zone, usually in a more urban area, designated as a receiving zone and allowed to develop more densely, for example with five stories instead of three. Once the development rights are trans- ferred from the sending zone, they are permanently revoked from the sending property, leav- ing the property rural in nature in perpetuity -- at least in theory. Urban Service Boundaries and
Lot Size Restrictions are zon- ing-based means to protect the rural areas of the community. A hard urban service boundary, outside of which public sewer and water are not extended, can limit development outside of itself, encouraging the remain- der of the land to remain largely rural while promoting denser infill development within the boundary, essentially encourag- ing a larger scale version of clus- ter development. Over time, the boundary is likely to expand, but use of such a boundary can help slow the sprawl of the urban and suburban land uses. Restricting lot sizes can also be a tool to maintain open space. A com- munity-wide greenspace plan, defining which areas will remain open, is also a vital step in pro- tecting these areas. Without a clear picture of what should be leſt as open space, it is too easy for development to sprawl out- wards from an urban area.
STEP 5: Appropriate Codes and Ordinances. Appropriate codes can be beneficial to the development of an equestrian-friendly commu- nity, helping to prevent friction between neighbors, especially
where equestrian uses interact with non-rural uses. Beneficial ordinances encourage creation of space in the community. For the horse industry, regulations on the minimum lot size are reasonable, ensuring the provi- sion of adequate space for the horse’s health and well-being as well as allowing space to buffer odors and dust from the neigh- bors. Similarly, regulations on the number of horses that can be kept per acre, or required buffers between barns, manure piles, and other features of equestrian facilities and streams and property lines may be necessary to avoid conflict and protect surface water quality. Ordinances such as these help equine properties maintain good relationships with their neigh- bors.
STEP 6: Enhance Public Awareness. Improving public awareness
of the horses in the community can help make trail-sharing safer and more effective and can help develop support for policies protecting agricultural lands from development. In order for a community to be truly equestri- an-friendly, the rest of the area must be aware of the role that horses play in the local econom- ic and ecological reality. Surveys can indicate the current level of public knowledge and support of horses in the community, and appropriate actions can be determined based on the results.
STEP 7: Incorporate Existing Facilities. Create equestrian zones
around existing professional farms and equestrian neighbor- hoods in areas that already have large horse populations. Even in transportation planning, the locations of these facilities can help determine the type of roads necessary, or the most viable locations for equestrian-friend- ly trails. When planning for horse-related land uses, refer back to the survey of the local
Clustering horse activity in a designated area has several
practical benefits that can gain favor with local agencies.
City-sponsored “cross-over” events that bring together a town’s horsepeople and non- horsepeople, like the Heritage Horse Festival in San Marcos, raise awareness of horses and their positive impact in a community.
equine industry suggested in step 1.
While not all of these steps will be appropriate for all communities, they do provide a buffet of options for the community planner to choose from in incorporating horses into the master plan. To truly serve the existing equestrian industry, efforts should also be made to reach out to local equestrian-oriented groups and non-profit organizations to gain their input on proposed plans or on areas in need of planning. Most national equestrian orga- nizations, such as the United States Dressage Federation, 4-H, and United States Pony Club,
have local chapters that can pro- vide information on the equine industry and may provide a means for reaching out to the local equestrian community for suggestions. In addition, many non-profit organizations exist to encourage interfacing between the equestrian community and the planning community, includ- ing ELCR and Horses for Clean Water. Researching such organi- zations in your community will likely provide you the informa- tion you need to plan for your local equine industry effectively.
More online:
http://bit.ly/09Aelcr
Horsetrader photo
Photo courtesy LAEC
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