Sustainable Land Use
Sustainable land use and planning is a hallmark of a sustainable city. In a city with limited developable parcels and a tradition of robust historic preservation, it is necessary to redevelop with innovative green design incentives. Tree planting initiatives, green building, and park management each contribute to the goals outlined in the updated "Green Print," which is a comprehensive report on Providence's efforts to reduce global warming, and to position itself as a leader in the rapidly growing green economy.
Achievements:
- The City's recently adopted Comprehensive Plan includes an entirely new section on sustainability. It offers recommendations for the City and developers on preserving the natural environment in Providence and decreasing energy consumption and pollution.
- Updating the Providence water infrastructure has saved energy and increased safety. The Providence Water Supply Board has removed underground fuel storage tanks at several sites and replaced them with new above ground tanks at two sites.
- The City has built its first skateboard park at Neutokancanut Park, two dog parks, and 17 walking and jogging tracks.
- Providence has 42 community gardens (including 14 owned and managed in trust by the Southside Community Land Trust), 20 home gardens, and 10 school gardens in the Community Grower's Network.
Any planning, zoning, or development in Providence must be conducted according to Comprehensive Plan entitled, "Providence Tomorrow." Click here for more information on the Comprehensive Plan.
Click here for information on the Green Print.
For the Green and Healthy Homes program, click here.
As Providence continues to develop, the City must find ways to maintain green, open spaces. Urban parks offer citizens environmental, social, economic, and health benefits. The following are city parks resources:
List of Parks
Recreation Office
Recreation Centers
Pools and Water Parks
Botanical Center
Sustainable Landscape at the Botanical Center
Trees are an integral part of a sustainable landscape. City trees moderate climate, increase property values, improve air quality, conserve water, and harbor wildlife. Providence has a vibrant tree planting program. For more information, click Tree Planting or check out these resources:
The Neighborhood Tree Planting Program
Trees 2020
Tree List
Tree Ordinances
Trees (Zoning)
State of the Urban Forest
Zoning establishes guidelines on how and where a city defines the characteristics of its land.
Click here for Inspections and Standards
Click here for the Department of Public Works Environmental Services.