Visionary city leaders have chosen architectural standards as a way of safeguarding their community's character and safety for centuries. A University of Michigan study has found that the adoption of masonry ordinances, which specify that a certain percentage of clay brick and masonry be used as the primary exterior building material, increase community fiscal health and contribute to continued growth, without any significant increase in ownership or rental costs.

 

Community Planning Assistance

The BIA's community planning department provides technical planning assistance to communities across the nation interested in managing design through the use of masonry planning policies. Complimentary outreach services provided by experienced planners are available to assist planners and elected officials in the development of a built environment that is safe, durable, and positively contributes to the local economy. View the Community Planning Overview for more details on BIA community planning and masonry planning policies.

 

Community Design Analysis

The Community Design Analysis (CDA) is a complimentary planning outreach program aimed at assisting communities in achieving their design potential. The CDA is a unique experience tailored to suit each individual community's unique design needs. Programming includes an onsite photographic inventory of design assets and opportunities, policy review and analysis, and interactive design training and exercises. The CDA incorporates the needs of local elected and appointed officials, business owners, and community leaders to develop a local design program. 

 

Communities can apply to be selected for the CDA program by filling out the Community Design Analysis Application.

 

Planning Resources

 

Case Study Communities - find out how and why other communities are implementing masonry planning policies

 

Masonry Planning Policy Methods - learn the methods that can be used in your community to manage design with a masonry planning policy

 

Masonry Planning Policy Examples - view a number of existing masonry planning policies from communities across the country

 

Photo Gallery - explore photos of residential, multi-family, commercial, big-box and mixed-use structures built with clay brick and masonry

 

Community Benefits of Masonry Planning Policies - learn how your community can benefit by specifying the use of clay brick or masonry

 

Economics of Masonry Planning Policies - find out the economics of good design and how Masonry Planning Policies can affect your community's bottom line

 

 

Contact BIA Community Planners - find what you need to know fast

 

Contact us and we will put you in touch with a BIA Community Planner in your area. Our trained planning staff is available to answer your questions and provide technical assistance to planners, city managers, and elected and appointed officials. Our team has experience as municipal planners and therefore understands the community planning process and is sensitive to local needs and interests.