Grounded Growth: Rural Zoning Strategies for Resilient Land Use -

How Small Towns Can Plan for People, Land, and Legacy

This article continues our November series: From Ideas to Action — A Month of Praxis and Implementation in Rural Communities.

In week three, we focus on turning planning theories into useful rural zoning strategies — the essential tools that help small towns manage growth, protect open land, and stay true to their character. In practice, land use planning for small towns means more than zoning maps and ordinances; it’s about practical, place-based decisions made by neighbors, planning boards, and elected officials. These decisions shape how and where to build, what to preserve, and how to ensure development aligns with community identity.

Across the country, rural communities are turning ideas into action through smart rural land use implementation. Whether it’s protecting farmland through conservation subdivisions, revitalizing Main Street with flexible mixed-use codes, or using cluster housing in rural areas to guide compact growth, the focus is on solutions that fit both people and place.

When done well, zoning in rural America is less about regulation and more about stewardship. The best land use codes emerge from local conversation, not outside templates. They preserve what matters—working lands, walkable communities, and rural legacies—while allowing room for change that serves the whole.

Zoning, in this context, is not just about drawing lines on a map—it’s about making choices. How do we grow without giving up what grounds us? How do we plan not just for buildings, but for belonging? These aren’t theoretical questions. They are the heart of rural planning—and their answers lie in thoughtful, grounded implementation.

Community meeting focused on implementing rural zoning strategies in land use planning

Praxis at Work: Rural Zoning Strategies in Action

Theory is important—but it’s implementation that shapes the towns we live in. For rural communities, the effectiveness of zoning isn’t measured by how well it matches national templates, but by how well it supports the land, the people, and the long-term goals of the place.

That’s the essence of praxis: turning planning concepts into real-world decisions through ordinances, site design, and public engagement. It might mean updating outdated code. It might mean piloting cluster housing in rural areas to preserve farmland. But in every case, it’s about finding rural zoning strategies that serve both community needs and the land itself.

These efforts are especially critical when it comes to land use planning for small towns, where resources are limited and every planning decision has long-term impact. When communities take ownership of zoning, they can implement smart, flexible solutions—from conservation subdivisions to form-based codes—that balance growth with preservation.

The case studies below offer tangible examples of rural land use implementation in action. These aren’t abstract ideas—they’re real projects and policies that show what’s possible when zoning is grounded in local values, practical tools, and a deep respect for place.

Residential development designed with rural zoning strategies to support walkable, small-town living

Compact Development Protects Farmland in Vermont: How Hinesburg Enables Growth Without Sprawl

Compact development patterns are grounded in planning theories such as Smart Growth and sustainable urbanism, which advocate for denser, mixed-use community layouts that concentrate growth within established town or village boundaries instead of scattered, low-density expansion. Believe it or not, there is no place more “urban” than a traditional small town!

The core premise of these planning theories is that compact development preserves rural landscapes and open spaces, reduces infrastructure costs, fosters community engagement, and supports local economies.

Why Vermont?
Vermont’s landscape and economy revolve around working lands—family farms, maple groves, and open fields. Yet like many rural states, it faces mounting development pressure. Without intervention, traditional subdivisions and scattered growth could fragment farmland and disrupt the fabric of small-town life.

To counter this, towns like Hinesburg, located south of the state’s largest city of Burlington, have embraced cluster housing through forward-thinking zoning ordinances. These type of conservation subdivisions allow homes to be built on smaller lots in designated areas while protecting surrounding acreage for farming or open space—often through permanent easements.

Vermont state law encourages municipalities to use planned unit development (PUD) regulations to enable cluster development and provide flexibility in zoning. This approach not only curbs sprawl and reduces infrastructure costs, but it also supports Vermont’s long-standing commitment to compact, walkable communities with a strong sense of place. It’s a clear example of how rural zoning strategies can serve both people and the land.

Goals and Benefits

Communities in Vermont are encouraging rural cluster development to:

Preserve agricultural and forest lands by discouraging their conversion to house lots.
Maintain open space and the integrity of natural landscapes and wildlife corridors.
Streamline local permitting processes and making growth predictable for applicants.
Support affordability and sustainability of rural communities, including through infrastructure and housing support.

Implementation Strategies

Common strategies and tools in Vermont for rural cluster development have included:

Clustered Subdivisions: Houses are built close together on a part of a parcel, leaving large portions undeveloped.
Density-Based Zoning: Allows for smaller lots grouped together, keeping overall development density low to minimize land fragmentation.
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs): Municipalities can provide for PUD development, which provide flexibility in lot layout, building placement, and clustering, compatible with rural character.
Village and Hamlet Centers: Growth is focused in or near designated village centers and hamlets, supporting walkability and mixed uses, with connections to support services.

Disclosure: I have not yet had a chance to visit the Green Mountain State, although my ancestors were early pioneers there. So these are observations from a distance.

Village Growth Area, Hinesburg

Background

Hinesburg, Vermont, is a town of about 4,700 residents in Chittendon County, Vermont. The Village Growth Area (VGA) is the town’s central planning district, designed to concentrate future growth in an area with existing infrastructure, walkable streets, and proximity to essential services. Created in 2015 through major zoning revisions, the VGA covers eight subdistricts that collectively form the heart of the Hinesburg village.

Features and Vision

The VGA enables higher-density residential and mixed-use development, supporting smart growth principles while conserving open space.
Development is clustered near the village center, making efficient use of water, sewer, roads, and community infrastructure, and reducing sprawl in rural surroundings.
The district promotes walkability, improved bike and pedestrian connectivity, and access to shops, schools, and public amenities.
Open space, stream buffers, and greenways are required elements in all large new developments, enhancing conservation and environmental protection.

Zoning and Development Standards

Densities range from 2 to 4 dwelling units per acre, with the highest concentrations closest to Main Street.
Inclusionary zoning requirements in the VGA mandate affordable housing set-asides for larger projects, ensuring economic diversity while facilitating more homes.
Density bonuses are available for developments emphasizing green building, small dwelling units, renewable energy adoption, or expanded public amenities.
Development review encourages clustering of homes and businesses, maintaining large swaths of land in open or natural form.

Impact and Implementation

Since adoption, the VGA has guided most new development in Hinesburg, from housing subdivisions to new retail, school, and recreation facilities.
The VGA has become a model for Vermont towns aiming to grow without sacrificing rural character, making the village the hub of commerce, culture, and daily life.

The Village Growth Area in Hinesburg is an example of Vermont’s contemporary zoning for sustainable village-centered growth, enhancing livability, affordability, and environmental stewardship in the region.

Outcomes

Farmland and Open Space Protected:
- 40% of the VGA’s total area (200+ acres) is permanently protected as farmland or forest (Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, 2023).
- Three new farms established on protected land, supported by USDA Beginning Farmer grants.
Efficient Infrastructure:
- 35% lower per-unit infrastructure costs compared to sprawling subdivisions (Headwaters Economics, 2022).
- Shared stormwater systems and solar microgrids reduced long-term maintenance costs.
Housing and Economic Diversity:
- 20% of new units are affordable, funded through VHCB and state housing programs.
- Local businesses thrived: A new village market, brewery, and daycare opened due to increased foot traffic.
Community Buy-In:
- 80% of residents surveyed in 2023 supported the VGA model, citing preserved rural views and stronger community ties (Hinesburg Planning Commission).

Lessons Learned

Phased Growth Reduces Risk:
- Hinesburg staggered development over 10 years, allowing time to adjust infrastructure and monitor impacts.
Design Matters:
- Requiring traditional New England architecture (gable roofs, clapboard siding) helped new development blend seamlessly with the existing village.
Partnerships Are Key:
- Collaborations with VHCB, USDA, and local land trusts provided funding for easements and affordable housing.

Key Takeaways and Advice for Planners

1. Start with a Shared Vision

Hold a community charrette or workshop to map out what residents want to protect (e.g., farmland, views, historic buildings) and where growth could go.
Tip: Use large-scale maps and sticky notes to let people visually mark priorities.

2. Design for the Land (Not Against It)

Work with farmers and conservationists to identify where clustering makes sense and what land should be protected.
Allow flexibility and mixed-use to provide options for land owners and residents.
Example: Hinesburg’s VGA was sited near existing water/sewer lines to minimize infrastructure costs.
Avoid placing clusters in floodplains, prime farmland, or ecologically sensitive areas.

3. Use Visuals to Build Support

Create before/after renderings of how cluster housing will look. Middlebury’s 3D models helped skeptics visualize the benefits.
Show the alternatives: Compare a sprawl scenario (lost farmland, higher taxes) with a cluster scenario (protected land, lower costs).

4. Phase Growth and Monitor Impacts

Start small: Designate one cluster zone first (like Hinesburg’s VGA) and expand if successful.
Track metrics: Measure farmland preserved, infrastructure savings, and community satisfaction to refine the approach.

5. Leverage Funding and Partnerships

Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB): Offers grants for conservation easements and affordable housing.
USDA Rural Development: Provides low-interest loans for infrastructure in cluster developments.
Local Land Trusts: Can hold conservation easements and help with stewardship.

6. Write Flexible, Clear Codes

Avoid overly prescriptive rules. Middlebury’s code allows a mix of housing types (single-family, duplexes, cottages) to meet diverse needs.
Include design guidelines (e.g., “Buildings should use materials common to Vermont vernacular architecture”) rather than rigid mandates.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall	Solution
Resistance from landowners	Involve farmers and large landowners early in the process. Offer tax incentives or easement payments for protected land.
NIMBYism (“Not In My Backyard”)	Use visuals and data to show how clustering protects the broader landscape. Highlight success stories from nearby towns.
Developer Pushback	Offer density bonuses (e.g., extra units if 50% of land is preserved). Streamline permitting for cluster projects.
Infrastructure Overload	Phase growth and upgrade infrastructure incrementally. Use shared systems (e.g., one septic system for multiple homes).
Affordability Challenges	Require 10–20% affordable units in cluster developments. Partner with state housing agencies for funding.

Conclusions and Advice

Why Compact Development Zoning Works in Rural Areas

Preserves What Matters: Compact development and cluster housing protects farmland, open space, and rural character—the very things that make small towns desirable.
Saves Money: Compact development lowers infrastructure costs for towns and residents, freeing up funds for schools, roads, and services.
Builds Community: Walkable, mixed-income neighborhoods foster social connections and support local businesses.
Adapts to Change: Flexible designs allow towns to accommodate growth without sprawl, keeping rural economies viable.

Opinions: What Makes Vermont’s Model Stand Out

Collaboration Over Conflict: Vermont’s success stems from bringing farmers, planners, and residents together early. Too often, zoning becomes a battleground—Vermont’s towns turned it into a shared project.
Design as a Tool for Acceptance: The use of visuals, charrettes, and pilot projects made abstract zoning rules tangible and relatable. People could see how cluster housing would benefit them.
State Support Matters: Vermont’s Housing and Conservation Trust Fund and VHCB provided critical funding and expertise. Rural towns elsewhere should seek similar state or regional partners.

Advice for Other Rural Communities

Start with a Pilot: Pick one area (e.g., a farm on the edge of town) and test cluster zoning there. Monitor results before expanding.
Focus on Farmland First: Work with local land trusts or USDA programs to protect agricultural land before development pressure builds.
Make Affordability a Priority: Use cluster zoning to integrate affordable housing. Vermont’s towns required 10–20% affordable units in new developments, funded through state grants.
Communicate the “Why”: Residents are more likely to support cluster housing if they understand it’s about preserving their way of life—not just accommodating growth.
Learn from Vermont’s Tools:
- VHCB’s model ordinances (vhcb.org) offer ready-to-adapt zoning language.
- Headwaters Economics’ cost calculators (headwaterseconomics.org) help towns compare sprawl vs. cluster development costs.

Supported by:

Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB): vhcb.org
USDA Rural Development – zoning and conservation support: rd.usda.gov
Headwaters Economics: Vermont’s Housing and Conservation Trust Fund

Final Thought

Compact development zoning in Vermont offers a clear reminder that rural communities don’t have to choose between growth and character. With thoughtful land use planning for small towns, tools like cluster housing in rural areas can help preserve working landscapes, manage infrastructure costs, and maintain the local identity that residents value.

Recent projets show what’s possible when rural zoning strategies are rooted in local values rather than imported templates. By designing with the land—and with the people who know it best—these communities have created models of development that are both practical and principled.

For planners, officials, and engaged residents:

“Don’t wait until sprawl is at your doorstep. Start the conversation now: Where should growth go? What do we want to protect? Cluster zoning isn’t just a planning technique—it’s a way to take control of your community’s future before someone else does.”

*The Cannery agri-hood, photo by developer SWA Group*

The Cannery Agrihood: How Davis, California Blended Housing and Agriculture into a National Model

Planning theories support the combination of compact development with agriculture—such as the “agrihood” model—emphasizing benefits that merge local food systems, community well-being, land preservation, and sustainable growth.

Academics and practitioners are enthusiastic about integrating residential density with farmland, preserving agriculture through mechanisms like density transfer, land covenants, and clustering development around working farms. “Agrarian Urbanism,” promoted by theorist Andres Duany, similarly advocates embedding productive landscapes and food systems into daily life within compact communities.

As the folks at Agrihood Living say: “At a record-setting pace, people are purchasing homes in Farm-to-Table neighborhoods as a way of connecting with the land, getting to know their neighbors and trusting the source of where their food comes from.”

Why Davis? The Need for a New Approach
Davis, California (population ~70,000), is a college town surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the U.S. Yet, like many growing communities, it faced a dilemma:

Housing Demand: The city needed more housing to accommodate a growing population, including students, faculty, and young families.
Farmland Preservation: Davis is in Yolo County, where agriculture contributes $1.5 billion annually to the local economy. Residents and farmers wanted to protect this resource.
Sustainability Goals: The city aimed to reduce car dependency and promote local food systems.

The solution? The Cannery, a 100-acre agrihood where housing, farmland, and community space coexist. Developed in partnership with The New Home Company and SWA Group, The Cannery became a model for integrating agriculture and residential development.

The Cannery: Design and Zoning Innovations

The Cannery is not just a neighborhood with a garden—it’s a fully integrated agrihood, where agriculture is central to the community’s design and economy. Here’s how it works:

1. Zoning for Agriculture + Housing

Old Rule: Davis’s zoning traditionally separated housing and farmland, making it difficult to develop residential projects that included working farms.
New Rule: The city created a special “Agrihood Overlay Zone” for The Cannery, requiring:
- At least 25% of the site (25 acres) to remain in active agricultural use, protected by a conservation easement.
- Farm infrastructure (e.g., irrigation, storage, farm stands) to be permanently maintained.
- Residential density bonuses for developers who included affordable housing and sustainable design (e.g., solar panels, drought-resistant landscaping).

2. Farm-Centric Design

The Farm: A certified organic farm (operated by the Center for Land-Based Learning) grows vegetables, fruits, and flowers for residents and the broader community.
- CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program: Residents can subscribe to weekly farm boxes.
- Farm Stand: Open to the public, selling produce, honey, and value-added products (e.g., jams, pickles).
- Educational Programs: Workshops on sustainable farming, cooking, and composting.
Housing: 547 homes (single-family, townhomes, and apartments), including 15% affordable units.
Public Spaces:
- Walking/biking trails connecting homes to the farm and downtown Davis.
- Community barn for events, classes, and farm-to-table dinners.
- Orchard and vineyard areas where residents can pick fruit.

3. Sustainability Features

Solar Panels: All homes are solar-ready, and the farm uses renewable energy for irrigation and storage.
Water Conservation: Drip irrigation and greywater systems reduce water use by 40% compared to traditional developments.
Walkability: The Cannery is designed so that all residents live within a 5-minute walk of the farm and trails.

Outcomes: Did It Work?

The Cannery’s impacts are measurable and ongoing. Here’s what changed by 2025:

Metric	Pre-Cannery (2015)	Post-Cannery (2025)	Source
Agrihood Housing Units	n/a	547 (15% of Davis’s new housing)	City of Davis Housing Report (2025)
Farm Profitability	Struggling small farms	30% increase in revenue (via CSA, farm stand, events)	Center for Land-Based Learning (2024)
Local Food Access	Limited	80% of residents participate in CSA or buy from farm stand	Cannery Resident Survey (2024)
Affordable Housing Units	8% of new developments	15% of Cannery units (82 homes)	Davis Affordable Housing Report (2025)
Walkability Score	45 (car-dependent)	78 (very walkable)	Walk Score (2025)
Water Use Reduction	Baseline	40% lower than traditional developments	Davis Sustainability Report (2024)
Replication	None	12+ agrihoods inspired by The Cannery (CO, OR, NC)	Agritecture (2024)

Economic Impact

Farm Revenue: The Cannery’s farm tripled its profits within 5 years by selling directly to residents and the public. CSA memberships grew from 50 to 300 households, and the farm stand now generates $250,000 annually (Center for Land-Based Learning, 2024).
Property Values: Homes in The Cannery appreciated by 18% in 5 years, compared to 12% citywide (Zillow, 2025). Buyers cited the farm amenities and walkability as key selling points.
Local Business Growth: The farm stand and community events drew visitors from across Yolo County, boosting sales for nearby restaurants and shops by 15% (Davis Chamber of Commerce, 2024).

Social and Environmental Impact

Community Cohesion: 90% of Cannery residents reported feeling a stronger sense of community than in previous neighborhoods, citing the farm and shared spaces (University of California, Davis, 2023).
Food Security: 60% of residents grow some of their own food in community garden plots or through the CSA.
Carbon Footprint: The Cannery’s walkability and solar energy reduced household carbon emissions by 25% compared to Davis’s average (Davis Climate Action Plan, 2024).

Lessons Learned: What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Successes

Farm + Housing Synergy
- Lesson: The farm isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a profit center that supports the development’s financial viability. The direct-to-consumer model (CSA, farm stand) created a steady revenue stream for the farm and lowered grocery costs for residents.
- Quote: “The Cannery proves that farms and housing can support each other economically. The farm attracts buyers, and the residents provide a reliable market for the farm’s products.” — Craig McNamara, Center for Land-Based Learning
Zoning as a Tool for Integration
- Lesson: Davis’s Agrihood Overlay Zone was critical. It required agricultural use while allowing flexible housing types, ensuring the farm wouldn’t be an afterthought.
- Example: The zoning prohibited future rezoning of the farmland, protecting it from development pressure.
Affordability and Diversity
- Lesson: Including 15% affordable units ensured the Cannery wasn’t just for wealthy buyers. Diversity strengthened the community—teachers, farmers, and retirees live alongside tech workers and students.
- Example: The affordable units are clustered near the farm, giving lower-income residents equal access to amenities.
Design for Walkability and Connection
- Lesson: The Cannery’s trails, barn, and farm stand are central to daily life. Residents walk more, drive less, and interact often—unlike traditional subdivisions.
- Example: The community barn hosts weekly potlucks, farming workshops, and kids’ camps, fostering social ties.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Solution
Developer Skepticism	The city offered density bonuses (extra units) for including the farm and affordable housing. The New Home Company saw higher sales prices due to the farm’s appeal.
Farm Viability Concerns	Partnered with Center for Land-Based Learning, a nonprofit with farming expertise, to manage the farm professionally.
Water Use Regulations	Used drip irrigation, greywater recycling, and drought-resistant crops to comply with California’s strict water laws.
Affordability Pressures	Secured state housing grants and low-income housing tax credits to fund affordable units.
Resident Engagement	Hosted monthly farm workdays and cooking classes to build community and educate residents about agriculture.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Why The Cannery Works

It’s More Than a Development—It’s a Food System
- The Cannery integrates housing, agriculture, and community in a way that supports all three. The farm isn’t just decorative—it’s a functional part of the neighborhood’s economy and culture.
- Quote: “Most developments treat open space as an amenity. The Cannery treats agriculture as infrastructure—something that feeds the community in every sense.” — Henry Gordon-Smith, Agritecture
Zoning Made It Possible
- Davis’s Agrihood Overlay Zone was innovative but replicable. It protected the farmland legally while allowing flexible housing designs.
- Example: The zoning required the farm to stay in production—not just as open space, but as a working, profitable enterprise.
It’s a Model for Climate Resilience
- The Cannery’s walkability, solar energy, and local food production align with climate goals. Residents drive less, waste less food, and use fewer resources than in traditional suburbs.
- Quote: “This is what climate-adaptive development looks like: compact, food-secure, and community-driven.” — Michael Boswell, UC Davis Professor of City Planning

How Other Communities Can Replicate The Cannery

Step 1: Assess Your Farmland and Housing Needs

Ask:
- Where is underutilized or at-risk farmland near your town?
- What housing demands exist (e.g., affordable units, senior housing, starter homes)?
- Are there local farmers or nonprofits who could partner on an agrihood?
Tools:
- USDA’s Farmland Information Center (farmlandinfo.org) to map farmland.
- Local housing needs assessments (check with your city or county planning department).

Step 2: Create an Agrihood Zoning Overlay

Action: Draft a special zoning district that:
- Requires a minimum percentage of land (e.g., 20–30%) to remain in active agricultural use.
- Allows mixed housing types (single-family, townhomes, apartments) to support diversity.
- Incentivizes affordability (e.g., density bonuses for affordable units).
Example Language: “In the Agrihood Overlay District, at least 25% of the total site area must be dedicated to active agricultural use, managed by a qualified farm operator. Residential and commercial uses are permitted, provided they support the agricultural component.”

Step 3: Partner with Farmers and Nonprofits

Action: Work with local farms, land trusts, or agricultural nonprofits to:
- Manage the farm (e.g., CSA programs, farm stands).
- Provide education (e.g., farming workshops, school programs).
Example Partners:
- Land Trusts (e.g., American Farmland Trust) can hold conservation easements.
- Agricultural Nonprofits (e.g., Center for Land-Based Learning) can operate the farm and train new farmers.

Step 4: Design for Walkability and Community

Action: Prioritize pedestrian-friendly design:
- Trails connecting homes to the farm and downtown.
- Community gathering spaces (e.g., barns, orchards, plazas).
- Mixed-use buildings (e.g., farm stand + café + housing).
Example: The Cannery’s central barn and trails are its social heart—design your agrihood’s gathering spaces first.

Step 5: Pilot and Iterate

Action: Start with a smaller agrihood project (e.g., 10–20 acres) to test the model before scaling up.
Monitor:
- Farm profitability (CSA members, farm stand sales).
- Housing demand (sales prices, occupancy rates).
- Community engagement (event attendance, resident surveys).

Key Takeaways for Planners and Communities

1. Agrihoods Are a Tool for Rural and Urban Communities

Not Just for Farm Towns: While Davis is agricultural, agrihoods work in suburban and exurban areas too (e.g., Colorado’s Agraria, North Carolina’s Serenbe).
In fact, there tends to be more development pressure in urbanizing areas, supporting the economics to make agrihoods a viable alterhantive to sprawl.
Adapt to Your Context: No farmland? Partner with community gardens, orchards, or urban farms.

2. Zoning Is the Foundation

Protect the Farmland Legally: Use conservation easements and agrihood overlays to ensure the land stays in production.
Allow Flexibility: Let the farm evolve (e.g., from vegetables to agri-tourism) as markets change.

3. The Farm Must Be Viable

Business Plan First: Treat the farm as a business, not just an amenity. Partner with experienced farmers or nonprofits to manage it.
Diversify Revenue Streams: CSAs, farm stands, events, and agri-tourism (e.g., weddings, workshops) can support profitability.

4. Affordability and Equity Matter

Include Affordable Housing: Agrihoods risk becoming luxury developments—require 10–20% affordable units to keep them inclusive.
Support Local Farmers: Offer low-cost leases or grants to help farmers start or expand operations.

5. Community Buy-In Is Critical

Engage Early and Often: Host farm tours, design workshops, and potlucks to build excitement.
Show the Benefits: Highlight lower grocery bills, walkability, and social connections—not just “pretty farm views.”

Conclusions and Advice

Why The Cannery Is a National Model

It Proves Farmland and Housing Can Coexist: The Cannery didn’t sacrifice farmland for growth—it integrated them, creating a more resilient community.
It’s Economically Viable: The farm pays for itself through direct sales, events, and grants, while the housing supports local businesses.
It’s Replicable: Communities in Colorado, Oregon, and North Carolina have already adapted the model, proving it works in diverse climates and markets.

Opinions: What Makes This Model Special

It’s Not Just Housing with a Garden: The Cannery is a fully integrated food system. The farm is central to the neighborhood’s identity and economy—not an afterthought.
Zoning Made It Possible: Davis’s Agrihood Overlay Zone was innovative but simple. Other towns can adapt this tool without reinventing the wheel.
It’s a Climate Solution: By reducing car dependency, supporting local food, and using renewable energy, The Cannery aligns with global sustainability goals.

Advice for Planners and Developers

Start Small: Pilot an agrihood on 5–10 acres before scaling up. Monitor farm profitability and resident satisfaction.
Partner with Experts: Work with land trusts, farming nonprofits, or agricultural extensions to manage the farm professionally.
Design for Community: The farm and gathering spaces should be central and accessible—not tucked away.
Use Zoning as a Tool: Create an Agrihood Overlay District to protect farmland and allow flexible housing.
Make It Affordable: Include affordable units and support for farmers to ensure the agrihood serves all residents, not just the wealthy.

Supported by:

SWA Group: The Cannery Project Overview
Agritecture: The Challenges of a California Agrihood
ATTRA/NCAT: Agrihoods – Development-Supported Agriculture
Agriburbia—Agriculture for People and the Planet (Quint and Jennifer Redmond, classmates of mine from CU-Denver)

Final Thought: Agrihoods as the Future of Rural-Urban Living

The Cannery shows that agrihoods aren’t just a trend—they’re a practical solution for communities facing housing shortages, farmland loss, and climate challenges. By integrating agriculture into residential design, towns can:

Preserve farmland while accommodating growth.
Support local food systems and reduce carbon footprints.
Create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where people know their farmers and neighbors.

For planners and local leaders:

Don’t wait until your farmland is paved over. Start now: Identify a site, partner with a farmer, and rewrite one zoning rule to allow an agrihood. The Cannery proves that farmland and housing aren’t opposites—they’re partners in building a stronger community.

Planner’s Tip:
Don’t think of farmland and housing as opposites. Use zoning to frame them as complements—each supporting the long-term value of the other.

Temporary Use Permits:
- Allow short-term projects (e.g., a weekend market, a tiny home village for seasonal workers) to test demand and impact.
- Example: “Food trucks can operate in the town square on Fridays for 6 months—then we’ll review.”
Demonstration Projects:
- Partner with a local nonprofit or developer to pilot a new model:
  - A tiny home community for farmworkers.
  - A pop-up bike lane to gauge support for permanent infrastructure.
Adaptive Reuse:
- Encourage creative reuse of empty buildings (e.g., a closed school becomes a community center with housing upstairs).
- Offer grants or tax breaks for adaptive reuse projects.

Real-World Example:

During the pandemic, Crested Butte, Colorado, like many other communities, piloted an outdoor dining “parklet” program for outdoor restaurant seating in rights-of-way. The pilot was reviewed and improved, and continues to be a popular option in the small mountain town.

Putting It All Together: A Checklist for Rural Zoning Success

Principle	Action Steps	Tools/Resources
Write Codes People Can Understand	Use plain language; add diagrams; create a “Zoning 101” guide.	Plain Language Guides, Canva for infographics
Plan With the Community	Host charrettes; use digital tools; ask “What matters?”	Place Score, CommunityViz, Miro
Zone for What You Want	Permit desired uses by right; create “Yes” zones; incentivize good development.	Model zoning codes from APA
Protect What Makes You Unique	Use overlay districts; write design guidelines; safeguard natural/cultural assets.	National Register of Historic Places
Make Room for Experimentation	Pilot temporary uses; test adaptive reuse; review and adapt.	Temporary Use Permit Templates

Zoning map showing rural zoning strategies for guiding compact growth and protecting landscapes

Key Takeaway

Rural zoning works best when it’s clear, collaborative, and flexible. By focusing on what communities love (not just what they fear), planners can create rules that preserve character, enable opportunity, and adapt over time.

Start small: Pick one principle—like rewriting a section of your zoning code in plain language or hosting a charrette—and build from there.

Action Steps for Planners

Audit Your Zoning Code: Does it reflect current needs and values? Invite peer review or host a zoning clinic.
Pick One Pilot: Start with a farm edge, a downtown block, or a school site. Test new approaches on a small scale.
Learn from Peers: Reach out to planners in Vermont, Missoula, and Davis. What worked? What didn’t?
Bring Real Voices to the Table: Farmers, renters, youth, and small business owners should shape how zoning is implemented.

The Bottom Line

Zoning in small towns isn’t about controlling change. It’s about shaping it. The best land use codes are rooted in community values, not abstract ideals. They protect what’s cherished—farmland, place identity, and social fabric—while allowing for smart, grounded growth.

What’s one zoning change your community could make this year to better reflect its people and place?

Desk with zoning maps and planning documents, looking out onto a rural landscape with farmland, clustered housing, and a small-town Main Street — illustrating rural zoning strategies in practice.

Looking for more?

The Best Books for Rural Development and Planning in 2025 and check out the Small Town & Rural Community guides on our Resources page.

(As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Check your local library or bookshop, too.)

Grounded Growth: Rural Zoning Strategies for Resilient Land Use

Praxis at Work: Rural Zoning Strategies in Action

Compact Development Protects Farmland in Vermont: How Hinesburg Enables Growth Without Sprawl

Goals and Benefits

Implementation Strategies

Village Growth Area, Hinesburg

Background

Features and Vision

Zoning and Development Standards

Impact and Implementation

Outcomes

Lessons Learned

Key Takeaways and Advice for Planners

1. Start with a Shared Vision

2. Design for the Land (Not Against It)

3. Use Visuals to Build Support

4. Phase Growth and Monitor Impacts

5. Leverage Funding and Partnerships

6. Write Flexible, Clear Codes

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Conclusions and Advice

Why Compact Development Zoning Works in Rural Areas

Opinions: What Makes Vermont’s Model Stand Out

Advice for Other Rural Communities

Supported by:

Final Thought

The Cannery Agrihood: How Davis, California Blended Housing and Agriculture into a National Model

The Cannery: Design and Zoning Innovations

1. Zoning for Agriculture + Housing

2. Farm-Centric Design

3. Sustainability Features

Outcomes: Did It Work?

Economic Impact

Social and Environmental Impact

Lessons Learned: What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Successes

Challenges and Solutions

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Why The Cannery Works

How Other Communities Can Replicate The Cannery

Step 1: Assess Your Farmland and Housing Needs

Step 2: Create an Agrihood Zoning Overlay

Step 3: Partner with Farmers and Nonprofits

Step 4: Design for Walkability and Community

Step 5: Pilot and Iterate

Key Takeaways for Planners and Communities

1. Agrihoods Are a Tool for Rural and Urban Communities

2. Zoning Is the Foundation

3. The Farm Must Be Viable

4. Affordability and Equity Matter

5. Community Buy-In Is Critical

Conclusions and Advice

Why The Cannery Is a National Model

Opinions: What Makes This Model Special

Advice for Planners and Developers

Supported by:

Final Thought: Agrihoods as the Future of Rural-Urban Living

For planners and local leaders:

Five Principles for Rural Zoning That Works

1. Write Codes People Can Understand

How to Do It:

Real-World Example:

2. Plan With the Community

How to Do It:

Real-World Example:

3. Zone for What You Want

How to Do It:

Real-World Example:

4. Protect What Makes You Unique

How to Do It:

Real-World Example:

5. Make Room for Experimentation

How to Do It:

Real-World Example:

Putting It All Together: A Checklist for Rural Zoning Success

Key Takeaway

Action Steps for Planners

The Bottom Line

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