Land-Use Ordinances Action Pack

Did you know that you can use zoning and other local authority to prevent community alcohol problems? This action pack will help you get started.

Introduction to “Land-Use Ordinances”:

How do they help prevent alcohol-related community problems?

• Land-use policies reflect local residents’ choices about the environments and activities they want in their community.

• In the U.S., land use is generally based on the idea of local control—when cities and counties have a say in the mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and recreational uses.

• Land-use policies are central to environmental prevention and provide a powerful tool for reducing alcohol-related problems. Community members can reduce access to alcohol using land use policies, for example placing conditions on the location, design, quantity and operation of alcohol outlets.

• Putting land-use policies to work as a strategy for preventing alcohol problems requires identifying a set of policy goals, understanding how local land-use processes work in your state and locality, and mobilizing community support to influence decision makers in your community.