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 Smart Growth Principles 

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  1. We must protect each community's unique character, quality of life, and natural and built resources through land use planning and regulations that respect the interconnectedness of resources across municipal boundaries.

  2. We must develop and redevelop in areas where adequate infrastructure is already available or can be upgraded without damaging natural resources, causing undue burdens on residents, or straining local budgets.

  3. We must plan, regulate, and permit development that encourages environmental equity.

  4. We must preserve open spaces and natural resources, including coastal resources, wildlife habitat and working farms and forests, as part of a long-term economic strategy.

  5. We must use new economic development techniques that consider the physical and ecological limitations of our natural resources, such as the ability to provide water, assimilate pollutants, and support biodiversity.

  6. We must adopt zoning and provide incentives that encourage developers to choose less consumptive land-use patterns.
These Smart Growth Principles help outline the philosophy behind our efforts. Not representing an exhaustive list, they can help communities evaluate decisions regarding their future through a simple philosophical approach.
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