Abstract
This research has identified the response to three research questions regarding the socio-economic impact of environmental planning. The questions dealt with the relationship between the ease in enforcing environmental regulations and the level of compliance with these regulations, the impact of these regulations on local economies, and the impact of environmental regulations on the re-location decisions of residents and businesses. The conclusions to this research effort has identified no relationship between enforcement and compliance with environmental regulations. The ease of enforcement was similar for the four environmental plans identified as used at the county level, performance zoning, the regulated use of native vegetation for landscaping, compact development, and the incorporation of greenways into regional plans. The level of compliance was equally similar with the exception of performance zoning. Where used, this planning method maintained the highest level of compliance. The impact on local economies was identified to be insignificant. Research data identified equally positive and negative impacts from environmental regulations. This reviewed in conjunction with census data from the retail trade industries results in the observation that environmental regulations do not inhibit the expansion of businesses and will not negatively influence or impact the local economies. The regulations have been shown to have a positive impact on service industries and retail by promoting a safe, clean, and healthful environment. Relocation decisions were also not impacted by environmental regulations. Businesses consider the additional cost of environmental regulations to be less of a concern in most cases than other decision factors, such as wage rates. However, highly polluting industries would tend to consider the costs of polluting as a primary decision factor. Residents were concerned with the quality of drinking water and level of air contaminants such as smog and pollen levels. The presence of regulations is favorable to these residents.
Berling, Juliet Meghan Ruth (1993). The socio-economic inmpact of environmental planning on the urban environment. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1523681.