Dialogue on Development - Design with the Desert: Conservation and Sustainable Development - page 341

(a) (b)

FIGURE 19.1
(a) A development in the southeast valley of Phoenix reminiscent of landscapes from other geographic areas
with extensive grass, deciduous trees, palms, and white picket fences. (b) Typical ranch style house and land-
scape in the Phoenix area including a green grass lawn, deciduous trees, and shrubbery pruned as hedges.

19.3 Beyond Talk to Solutions
Balancing development and growth to environmental sustainability should be the ultimate
goal of the community and development interests. So how can we create an environment
for residents and development interests to talk with each other before reaching the point
of no return on unsustainable development? The following are some of my thoughts on
the nature of development and how all parties can find common ground on community
choices.

19.3.1 Create a Vision

Effective planning starts with a clear vision of what the goals and objectives are for the
proposed action. This vision should reflect the core values and principles of the community
at large. Cities are required to develop a general plan at specified time intervals of five,
ten or more years. The general plan includes a detailed study of the natural and built
environments of the community. The plan starts with an expression of what the community
wants to see in the future. The planning guidelines outlined in the plan indicate the
values of the community in shaping the course of future development. This vision can
be bold in scope or limited to certain areas of development activities, such as schools,
roads, or commercial centers. The visioning process for the general plan of a community
is an effective place for a concerned resident to enter the dialogue on development of the
community.
Development activities are governed by land use planning guidelines set forth in the
community's general plan. The Standard State Zoning and Enabling Act of 1922 gave
cities the power to enact zoning regulations in accordance with a comprehensive plan
for the affected area. In 1926, the Supreme Court handed down a decision in Village of
Euclid v Ambler Realty Co . that established the constitutional basis for comprehensive