Final answer:
Local municipal governments or planning boards decide on the types of occupancies to be built and their locations, using zoning regulations and a master plan to guide development. Developers must comply with these plans, and decisions made can sometimes be controversial within the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local organization that decides what types of occupancies will be built and where is typically the municipal government or local planning board. This entity is responsible for land-use regulation, which includes creating and enforcing zoning laws. Zoning regulations are essential in determining the kinds of buildings that can be constructed in certain zones, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use areas.
Local governments follow a planning process that culminates in a master plan, guiding future development. The master plan is implemented through ordinances that cover zoning, regulation of subdivision developments, street plans, plans for public facilities, and building regulations. These local bodies often hold significant influence over community development and architectural landscape, handling the delicate balance between economic growth and preserving community character.
It's essential for developers to align their projects with the official map or plan of the municipality to ensure compliance and to obtain the necessary permissions for construction. Decisions on land use can sometimes lead to controversy, as exemplified by the case of the El Paso City Council's decision to replace a city hall with a new ballpark. Such decisions underscore the impact local governments have on shaping the environment and the importance of public engagement in the planning process.