land-use intensity system

land-use intensity system (LUIS)

A concept that certain uses of land share common characteristics as far as population densities and traffic generation, and that the best method of zoning or imposing development restrictions is with regard to those characteristics.Densities are controlled by reference to floor area ratio,open space ratio,livability space ratio,and/or recreational space ratio.

Example: Rather than zone separate areas for office use, multifamily residential use, and retail use, one LUIS zoning area might permit all three, since all three involve large numbers of people in small spaces needing multilane roads with separate turn lanes and synchronized traffic control devices.