ABSTRACT
Even though the emphasis in this book is on zoning and the vital role it plays in community development, the thesis that it is but part of a total package necessary for effective planning has been stressed. We have seen how zoning preceded planning during the earlier part of this century and how the philosophy changed after the need for a sound basis for land-use controls became evident and some influence was wielded by the federal government. That change involved a recognition that all phases of a community structure were founded on land use, that purposeful planning was the cornerstone for guiding and directing land development, and that zoning could perform its ascribed function equitably and reasonably only if it is viewed as a tool for implementing comprehensive planning. With the new philosophy came the perception that the design and organization of developing areas and the financing mechanism for the community infrastructure to service the new, as well as the older parts of an urban configuration created the need for additional plan-implementing tools. Thus, subdivision controls and capital improvement programming became a part of American local government's arsenal for guiding growth.
