Planned unit development in the southeast : an analysis of its success

This study examines the planned residential development processes in seven selected southeastern cities or counties and is focused on determining if there are any particular elements within each of the communities zoning ordinances that assist in the successful development of planned residential projects. To this end an analysis of each of the communities zoning ordinances was conducted to determine if it included common elements believed to facilitate successful planned developments. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the local planning staffs and community developers which were aimed at gaining a first-hand understanding if the zoning ordinances were, as administered, capable of allowing successful planned residential developments to be constructed. As was determined the success of planned residential development in the selected communities is not only dependent on the community's zoning ordinance, but also on those who were administering it and utilizing it. The research found that successful planned development is a combination of factors of which the local zoning ordinance is only one component.