Tiffin Comprehensive Plan – Updated 2018

Appendix Sense of Place: The characteristics of a location that make it readily recognizable as being unique and different from its surroundings. Setback: The distance between the permitted structure and the lot line. In Tiffin, the setback is regulated for the front, rear and side yards of principal and accessory uses. Smart Planning: The State of Iowa has adopted Smart Planning principles and elements that cities and counties should consider when preparing plans and reviewing development proposals. Strategy: Tasks that may be taken to achieve stated goals and policies. Streetscape: All the elements that constitute the physical makeup of a street and that, as a group, define its character, including building frontage, paving, street furniture, landscaping (trees and other plantings), awnings and marquees, signs and lighting. Street System Hierarchy: The Tiffin street system generally consists of three functional uses of streets: Arterial, Collector and Local streets. Arterial Streets provide a continuous route for the movement of large volumes of through-traffic across and beyond the city and between high traffic generation points. Collector Streets provide movement of traffic between arterial streets as well as providing limited access to abutting property. Local streets serve as a means of access to abutting property. Urban Design: The process of organizing the contextual elements of the built environment such that the end result will be a place with its own character or identity. Also, urban design can be described as planning the development of the built environment in a comprehensive manner to achieve a unified, functional, efficient and appealing physical setting. Urban Sprawl: Uncontrolled growth, usually low-density in nature, in previously rural areas and some distance from existing development and infrastructure. Use: The purpose for which a lot or structure is or may be leased, occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, intended, constructed, moved, altered, and/or enlarged in accordance with the zoning ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use categories. Zoning: The delineation of districts and the establishment of regulations governing the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings. City of Tiffin, City of Tiffin 2018 Comprehensive PlanComprehensive Plan 85