Conservation Value of Residential Open Space: Designation and Management Language of Florida’s Land Development Regulations

• Main Authors: Dara M. Wald, Mark E. Hostetler
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-06-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: conservation development; environmental policy; regulations; open space
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/6/1536/

The conservation value of open space depends upon the quantity and quality of the area protected, as well as how it is designed and managed. This study reports the results of a content analysis of Florida county Land Development Regulations. Codes were reviewed to determine the amount of open space required, how open space is protected during construction, the delegation of responsibilities, and the designation of funds for management. Definitions of open space varied dramatically across the state. Most county codes provided inadequate descriptions of management recommendations, which could lead to a decline in the conservation value of the protected space.