Industrial Zoning and Employment Density: A Missed Connection?
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Date
2020
Authors
Rohan, Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
This study explores the density and composition of employment within industrial zones in a sample of Oregon cities. Employment densities are particularly important in Oregon because they are used in the calculation of land needs, ultimately influencing urban growth boundary expansions. This study uses the mapping and analysis software ArcGIS to explore employment density; combining tax lot, zoning, and geo-located Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data. This study finds that median employment densities are relatively consistent across cities of different sizes, despite differences in employment sector composition. This study also quantifies employment density by employment sectors, again finding that median employment densities are relatively consistent, with a few exceptions. When employment is categorized as either industrial or commercial, this study finds that considerable commercial employment exists on industrial lands. Lastly, this study reviews economic opportunities analyses for the five study cities, noting the variety of methods jurisdictions use to calculate employment densities, and ultimately land needs. Based on these findings, this study concludes that Oregon industrial planning land use laws are working as intended and that jurisdictions do take advantage of the multiple methodologies allowed to them for conducting land needs assessments. Furthermore, cities should be cognizant of how non-industrial uses on industrial lands may influence land needs assessments as well as the undue influence singular, large employers may have on sector composition and overall employment density. Lastly, cities may want to reconsider the methodology they use in estimating land needs as continued mixing of uses in industrial zones may make accurate estimations more difficult.
Description
37 pages
Keywords
Employment density, Industrial zone, Land needs assessment