The Limits of Regulation Evidence from Local Plan Implementation in California

TLDR

Local planning agencies in California implement plans through land‑use controls, capital improvements, and social programs, often requiring developers to provide infrastructure or pay impact fees. The study investigates the weaknesses of regulation as a means of implementing local plans. Regulatory administration permits piecemeal plan changes and succeeds only when there is sufficient demand for new development, even when regulations include objectives such as affordable housing.

Abstract

Abstract Abstract Plans can be implemented by capital improvements, social programs, and land use controls. Local planning agencies focus on the last, but incorporate the other two in development regulations. For example, many communities require developers to provide infrastructure directly or cover project impacts through impact fees. This study of local planning agencies in California demonstrates the weaknesses of regulation as an approach to plan implementation. It shows that the process of administering regulations, including those that combine other objectives such as affordable housing, accommodates piecemeal change in plans, and that success depends upon demand for new development in the community.