Planning and Zoning in Southern New York State: Recent Changes and Implications for Planning and Geographic Information Systems in the 1990s

ABSTRACT. Historically, rapid development pressures have induced changes in zoning and planning regulations. This case study examines a cross-section of New York City's outer suburbs at different development stages. The study concludes that regulatory changes re flect the influences of individual consultants, county initiatives and local municipal contro versy _ The increased use of geographic information systems will change planning data management, but zoning strategies will remain resisitant to standardized analysis. Historically, planning in the United States has been a reaction to the pressure of de velopment or land ' use changes that threatened the status quo. Zoning is the legal mechanism for enforcing planning by restricting uses and densities. This control of pri vate property through planning threatens what is widely understood as a basic American right; the freedom to do what one pleases with onels own land, and limitations of that right have been arbitrated through the courts. The history of planning in the United States, and shifts in the focus ofwhat is planned, reflect both the thrust of legal decisions over land use and the strength of development pressure. Zoning enactment and change can be viewed as examples of innovation and subs