Innovation and Research
We combine research with practical recommendations to create
innovative solutions to planning problems. Our achievements include:
- Developing one of the first transfer of development rights
(TDR) programs in California to protect sensitive hillside terrain
in Claremont.
- Creating an innovative "inclusionary lot" program
which helped bring Portola Valley's housing element into compliance
with HCD rules.
- Producing California's first slope-density zoning and landslide
regulations.
- Crafting unique ordinances for dealing with small, unbuildable,
historic subdivision parcels in the steep hillsides of Belmont.
- Creating the nation's first training exercise for local officials
on recovery and rebuilding after earthquakes, now adopted by
FEMA.
- Researching the application of land use planning in hazardous
environments in the U.S. and abroad with grants from FEMA, USGS
and the National Science Foundation.
- Receiving the Outstanding Planning and Distinguished Leadership
Awards from the Northern Section of the California Chapter of
the American Plannning Association.