I​n addition to comprehensive planning, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations, local governments may use other tools and federal authorities to guide and regulate community development that is compatible with continued military operations. These tools and how they may promote compatible community development, are illustrated in Planning Tools to Guide Compatible Community Development. This guide links over 100 different planning tools to techniques a community might consider using in support of military and community compatibility.

Types of planning tools listed in the chart include:

• Height Limits: Height limits regulated by zoning ensure that air operations conducted by a military installation are not infringed upon by tall buildings and the community is protected from an unnecessary safety hazard.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Memoranda of understanding can address different topics including communication and collaboration and issues associated with safety or environmental concerns that need to be addressed in a formal manner. MOUs are used to document the formal terms and conditions agreed to by the community and the military installation, with input from other stakeholders.
• Military Influence Areas: Military influence areas are determined through various studies such as the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) program, the Range Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (RAICUZ) program, an Installation Complex Encroachment Management Action Plan (ICEMAP), and Installation Development Plans (IDP). Once the influence areas are identified, the potential impacts of the specific element are qualified and quantified. Many follow-on tools can be used to then address any incompatibilities identified, such as development proposed in Accident Potential Zones (APZ) or clear zones, the need for noise attenuation in newly constructed buildings, preserving natural buffers to protect wildlife habitat, and prevention measures to keep light pollution from affecting night training.
• Real Estate Disclosures: Real estate disclosures are commonly used to provide information to potential home buyers regarding nearby military operations. Disclosures often note that a property for sale or lease is located within a military operations area and that the operations may have an impact on the community, such as noise or vibration. Providing this information up front prevents future frustration and other problems between the military installation and residents.