Land use planning: An optimizing model

An optimizing model for comprehensive land use planning (OPTPLAN) is described. Multiple objectives and constraints on desired growth patterns are considered simultaneously in arriving at optimal acreages of ten land use types in several regions within a county or city. Objectives are (i) minimization of conflict between different land uses, (ii) minimization of travel distance of new trips to the existing transportation network, (iii) generation of a fiscally sound plan, and (iv) minimization of environmental impact. Constraints are on each type of land use based on population and employment projections, projected mix of residential dwelling units, local commercial and institutional land needed per thousand persons, location and extent of new industries, open space requirements per thousand population, and natural resource considerations. Application of the model to Du Page County, Illinois is shown.