Which term describes development that, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect on the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of more than one county?

• A. Planned Unit Development (PUD)
• B. Development order
• C. Health impact assessment
• D. Development of regional impact (DRI)

Answer: (D)

Development of regional impact describes a project whose size, character, or location would substantially affect the health, safety, or welfare of residents in more than one county. Because such a development crosses county lines and has broad implications—like traffic, utilities, schools, and environmental resources—it requires regional planning review and coordination among multiple jurisdictions to ensure that public facilities and services are adequate and that impacts are addressed coherently. This concept exists to prevent piecemeal approvals and to align large-scale projects with broader regional planning goals.

A Planned Unit Development focuses on flexible zoning and design for a cohesive community rather than cross-county effects. A development order is simply the permit approving construction, without defining regional impact. A health impact assessment evaluates potential health effects of a project but does not designate multi-county jurisdictional reach.