The buildable land inventory (BLI) is an inventory of residential land that is still buildable or able to be developed. It uses available Geographic Information System (GIS) data to analyze and estimate where and how much additional development could occur, not necessarily what will occur. The number of residential lots that could be created or single-family units constructed based on the jurisdiction's current zoning and/or proposed future zoning, called "land use designation," are estimated. While the GIS model does not include or analyze commercial or industrial land, the report contains information on land zoned for these uses.

A BLI is a planning tool for making decisions related to the effectiveness of previously-adopted comprehensive plans and measures that could be taken to implement desired changes. The results of a BLI could influence decisions on such issues as watershed management, zoning and subdivision regulations, public facilities, and preservation measures. A BLI will not address the capacity of the natural systems or infrastructure because it is based on zoning that may or may not have been put in place with these considerations in mind. It also does not address the timing of potential development. It is important to reiterate that the BLI is a planning tool. It is not meant, nor even able, to be exact.

Calculations based on 2005 zoning, as well as calculations based on adopted land use designations, were completed. Figures based on zoning were run for the unincorporated areas of the county as whole, as well as for each municipality. The calculations based on adopted land use designations were run for each Community Planning Area (what is now known as the Designated Growth Area) as well as the area of the county outside of any Community Planning Areas. As these numbers were based on adopted plans, the adoption of any plans since 2005 will likely change those numbers.

To view the June 2005 report and maps associated with the calculations, click on the links below. As calculations are run by other geographic areas, the completed calculations will be added as addendums. For a summary of the findings of the report, click on the link below the report to view the slide show.

For questions or comments, please contact Mike Roberts.

The initial calculations and report were completed based on zoning for the unincorporated areas of the county and each municipality. The initial report also included calculations based on the land use designations shown on the various adopted comprehensive plans in the county for areas inside designated growth areas as well as the area outside of these areas.

With this work complete, the data can also be used to estimate potential residential lots that could be developed based on other geographic boundaries. Click on any of the following links to review a short summary of the results by other types of area. These results are based on the data from the existing report and calculations for January 2005 zoning.

• Priority Funding Areas (PFA)
• Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZ)
• 14-Digit Hydrologic Unit (watersheds)