In a city extraterritorial jurisdiction with rapid septic tank adoption near wells, which regulatory technique would be most appropriate?

Study for the AICP exam with the Planetizen AICP Test. Master concepts with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your exam!

Protecting groundwater resources in a fringe area where development is expanding calls for a land-use tool that limits density and preserves natural buffers. Conservation zoning fits this need by focusing on protecting water resources and shaping development intensity in sensitive areas such as aquifer recharge zones and wellheads. It can establish overlays or setback rules, lower allowable densities, and other restrictions that reduce the risk of septic systems contaminating wells as the city extends its reach.

Exclusionary zoning tends to aim at keeping out certain groups or uses through large minimum lot sizes, but it can be legally problematic and isn’t specifically designed to safeguard groundwater. Impact fees collect funds to pay for infrastructure after development is proposed, but they don’t directly regulate where septic systems are placed or how growth should occur near wells. Special exception zoning adds conditions to a specific use, but its narrow scope makes it less effective for broad, resource-protective planning across an ETJ.