If Savannah had land-use regulations in 1734

The image of Savannah, Georgia, in 1734 is well known to urbanists. It shows the street grid carved out of virgin forest with about 80 little houses built around the first four signature squares.

Savannah, in that year, was a greenfield project. It went on to be one of North America’s most treasured cities. The plan, by founder James Oglethorpe, is beautiful and unique. It was developed, like most of America’s great cities, prior to zoning and most land use regulations.

I recently came across the attached Savannah aerial, modified with comments that display modern attitudes toward zoning, planning, and NIMBYism. It’s safe to say that Savannah would have turned out differently. You need to view the image details and make it as big as possible to see the comments.

“These roads aren’t wide enough for fire trucks.”

“What’s a fire truck?”

“Oh please no one move in next to me, please please please!”

“This place is too dense, let’s sprawl west and build a place I like to call Atlanta! Who’s with me?”