Education

The Role of Green Rating Systems in Sustainable Communities
View the Pod Cast and PowerPoint presentations given at The National Building Museum on December 17, 2009 by Penny Gross and Jim Zook of Fairfax County, Lance Davis of The General Services Administration (GSA), Kathy Lawson of Davis Carter Scott Architects along with Brian Trimble and Brandie Schaeffer of The Brick Industry Association.

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.  Contact us at planning@bia.org to take advantage of this complimentary program. 

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

A University of Michigan Study found that the adoption of a masonry ordinance not only enhances the durability and aesthetic value of local properties, but it also increases the property value, tax base, and overall fiscal health of the community. In addition, the research indicates that the adoption of a masonry ordinance promotes population growth and does not significantly affect the affordability of housing or rental costs.

Ordinance Development Standard, Texas see a template for a city ordinance in Texas

Use the case studies, types of planning policies, examples of planning policies and community benefits on this website to see how your community can benefit by mandating clay brick on commercial and residential structures.

More Community Planning Information
Community Planning Home Page / Case Studies / Community Benefits / Masonry Planning Policy Methods / Masonry Planning Policy Examples / Photo Gallery / Genuine Clay Pavers in Your Community / Contact BIA Community Planning Staff