Opinion ID: 1182164
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the planned unit development concept

Text: The concept of a planned unit development was initiated by planners and public officials to remedy the defects in traditional zoning theory and practice. [2] While not a new concept, [3] it has been only in recent years that zoning authorities have made this option practicable to planners and developers by providing enabling ordinances allowing such development. [4] The objectives of planned unit developments are: (1) to achieve flexibility; (2) to provide a more desirable living environment than would be possible through the strict application of zoning ordinance requirements; (3) to encourage developers to use a more creative approach in their development of land; (4) to encourage a more efficient and more desirable use of open land; and (5) to encourage variety in the physical development pattern of the city. [5] We agree that a planned unit development which is well conceived and well designed will achieve these objectives. However, while the primary benefits of a PUD ordinance are flexibility in design and improved development and use of land areas, these objectives can be secured only if the planning authority retains its control by, at a minimum, overseeing and approving general development plans of a developer. See Krasnowiecki, Planned Unit Development: A Challenge to Established Theory and Practice of Land Use Control, 114 Pa.L.R. 47, 79-88 (1965); Mandelker, Reflections on the American System of Planning Controls: A Response to Professor Krasnowiecki, 114 Pa.L.Rev. 98, 99, 101-104 (1965). The planned unit development concept necessarily allows for a great deal of discretion in the hands of planning authorities in implementing a PUD ordinance, but that discretion is properly in their hands and not those of the developers. Obviously, in order to guarantee a well conceived and well designed planned unit development, the planning authorities must have the necessary plans and information from the developer before making a decision. Once approved, the developer should be bound by the plans unless any changes are approved by the planning authorities in accordance with the PUD ordinance.