ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the background for the procedural provisions included in the ordinance. A review of the literature shows that the approval process as structured has become a problem with far-reaching consequences. The national literature recommending procedural and substantive changes to expedite the subdivision and site plan application and review process is highlighted, and field-level experience in initiating procedural reforms is reviewed. The last decade has witnessed growing interest in the provision of affordable housing. While much attention has been paid to standards related to the physical character of housing and the changes needed in these standards to provide for affordable-cost dwellings there is growing recognition that reform in just this one area is inadequate. The growing complexity of land-use development procedures has induced calls for reform. The following recommendation from an Urban Land Institute task force is reflective of such concern: American developers of housing must deal with an expanding array of regulations at every level of government.
