Color-Blind Friendly Zoning Maps

Zoning maps visually represent different zones or districts within a city or town, which each designate specific uses and regulations. Traditional zoning maps often rely heavily on color differentiation (red for retail, purple for industrial, yellow for residential, etc.), posing a significant challenge for individuals with color vision deficiency (CVD), commonly known as color blindness. Recognizing this issue, there are ways to create color-blind friendly zoning maps, ensuring that everyone can access and understand how land use in their community is organized.

Color blindness affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women globally. The most common types include red-green color blindness, where distinguishing between red and green hues is difficult, and blue-yellow color blindness, which is rarer. Most zoning maps often use these colors to indicate different zones, making it challenging for individuals with color blindness to interpret the information accurately.

There are various strategies to create color-blind friendly zoning maps. Some of these strategies include using distinct patterns and textures or implementing high-contrast colors. Online tools, such as Color Brewer, offer accessible color palettes for maps. When available, interactive digital maps can also allow users to click on different zones to receive textual descriptions or additional information instead of relying on color differentiation. In locations with complex zoning patterns, like New York City (which has six different commercial districts), this approach can be particularly impactful.

SHC is currently in the process of updating the City of Lauderdale’s zoning ordinance. The City needed to make a few adjustments to their zoning title to align the document with their adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan, per state statute. Part of this process has involved updating the City’s zoning map, which was originally adopted in 1996 and no longer accurately reflects the City’s goals and land use patterns. While the revised zoning code is still in development, the proposed new zoning map has been designed to be color-blind friendly. The map utilizes different shades and patterns to distinguish between the various districts and avoids red-green and blue-yellow color combinations. 

It's a small gesture, but color-blind friendly zoning maps can make community planning more inclusive and accessible. They can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and understand zoning information.