Logistics of zoning, zoning for logistics: Toward healthy and equitable development for urban freight

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Warehousing and distribution
center (W&D) expansion has raised concerns about disparate,
adverse health effects from urban freight. While local governments wield
several tools to manage logistics-related development, few may be as
consequential to public health disparities as zoning. This study
synthesizes the state of recent U.S. zoning actions toward W&D,
particularly as a tool (or barrier) for protecting public health in areas
historically burdened by freight traffic. Specifically, we investigate 92
zoning actions at 67 locations (51 municipalities, 9 counties, and 7
states) and assess the level at which Environmental Justice (EJ)
principles inform these actions. We analyze 213 public documents including
ordinance texts, council meeting transcripts, zoning codes, plans, and
developer/advocacy websites. Despite the recent attention toward
W&D at the state-level, most local actions are discretionary
(n=32). While we offer examples of councils contending with EJ issues,
discretionary processes have drawbacks. Other jurisdictions revisit
long-term plans (n=17), land use definitions (n=13), development standards
(n=13), and conditional use permitting (n=12). However, many regulations
restrict by-right W&D development with little indication that
these changes are intended to benefit historically burdened
communities.  Takeaway for practice: Local jurisdictions lack a
unified regulatory approach to W&D. However, long-term plans and
state environmental policies guide jurisdictions with the most EJ-explicit
actions. Equitable and healthy urban freight requires clear strategic land
use priorities and environmental safe-guards for vulnerable populations.
We discuss how these findings fit into contemporary debates surrounding
zoning and urban freight planning.