Highlands Land Use Capability Map

Land Use Capability Map: The map is based on an analysis of natural resources, existing development, infrastructure, and agricultural activities. The map establishes three major geographic zones that overlay municipal zoning, each with its own criteria and standards.

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The Protection Zone: consists of environmentally important lands that are critical to maintaining water quality, quantity, and other significant ecological processes. Public land acquisition is a priority in the Protection Zone.
The Conservation Zone: consists of areas with significant agricultural lands mixed with important environmental features that should be preserved when possible. Development potential is limited in size and intensity due to infrastructure constraints and natural resource protection goals, although opportunities exist for low impact, clustered development.
The Planned Community Zone: consists of areas with existing concentrated development. These areas are less environmentally constrained, and, with planning, may support development in a manner and intensity desired by the municipality. In addition to zone standards, site-specific standards may apply, reflecting the presence of such natural features as streams or steep slopes.