Kara Sears
Building a city from scratch and creating its laws is no easy feat. It requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, from choosing the right location and infrastructure to establishing a form of government and legislation. In the real world, creating a city is more complex than in video games like Minecraft, Civilization, or SimCity, as you must navigate bureaucratic red tape, work with architects and planners, and consider the needs and input of your residents. This process can be influenced by the amount of available land and the specific laws of the state or country in which the city will be located.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Deserts, undeveloped jungles, and uninhabited islands are popular choices. |
| Infrastructure | Electricity, phone services, roads, drainage, wells, and septic systems are essential. For a "smart city", extensive fibre optic cabling is required. |
| Purpose | The city should have a reason for existing, or people won't live there. |
| Laws and Government | Research the laws of your state and choose the form of government. |
| Legal Approval | Obtain signatures and file paperwork with a judge or state legislature. A lawyer may be needed. |
| Zoning Laws | Establish zoning laws to support property values and quality of life. |
| Ordinance | Follow a predetermined process to pass an ordinance (city law). Involve the public and work with clerks and councils. |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a location: deserts, undeveloped jungles, and uninhabited islands are popular choices
- Research state laws: each state has its own process for establishing a new city or town
- Determine the type of government: options include a general law city or a home rule city
- Establish zoning laws: work with neighbours to create laws that support property values and quality of life
- Create ordinances: follow the predetermined process to propose and approve new city laws
Choose a location: deserts, undeveloped jungles, and uninhabited islands are popular choices
When creating your own city, choosing a location is an important first step. Deserts, undeveloped jungles, and uninhabited islands are all popular choices, and for good reason. These types of locations offer a blank slate to build your city from the ground up and establish your own laws and way of life.
Uninhabited islands, in particular, have captured the imagination of writers, filmmakers, and dreamers for centuries. The idea of being stranded on a desert island has been portrayed in famous works such as Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and William Shakespeare's "The Tempest". In real life, stories of castaways like Alexander Selkirk, who spent four years on an uninhabited island, have also inspired many.
There are still uninhabited islands in the world today that fit the bill for your new city location. For example, the Mu Ko Ang Thong archipelago in Thailand is a group of about 40 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, most of which are uninhabited and undeveloped, featuring dramatic rock cliffs and tropical forests. If you're looking for something more remote, the Phoenix Islands in the Pacific are a group of atolls and coral reefs with pristine ecosystems that are virtually untouched by humans.
Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to islands. Vast deserts and untouched jungles can also provide the isolation and freedom you need to establish your own city and laws. The Madrean Archipelago in the southwestern United States and Mexico is a "sky island" complex with isolated mountain ranges surrounded by seas of desert scrub and grasslands. This unique location is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.
Whatever location you choose, whether it's an uninhabited island, an isolated desert, or an undeveloped jungle, make sure to consider the practicalities of building a city and establishing your own laws. Access to resources like fresh water and food will be crucial, as well as the ability to sustain yourself and any future citizens in the long term.
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Research state laws: each state has its own process for establishing a new city or town
In the United States, towns exist within states and counties, and each state has its own process for establishing a new city or town. The first step is to research the laws of your state. States have varying amounts of unincorporated land, which is land that isn't part of an established town or city. Some states have very little unincorporated land, making your only option for creating a new town secession from an existing municipality. This can be complicated and expensive, as the existing town or city will likely fight your efforts in court. Therefore, it is much easier to pick a state with a lot of unincorporated land.
The process for establishing a new town from an unincorporated area is similar across states. The first step is to pay to have the area surveyed. This establishes the proposed borders of your new town and confirms that you are not claiming any land that is already owned. Many states have minimum population requirements for new municipalities, so the survey will also determine the number of residents included in your proposed town.
Once you have found a suitable location, you will need to follow the specific laws and procedures of your state to incorporate your town. This usually involves establishing a government and providing basic services. For example, in Texas, to become a general law city, you must apply to a county judge with the signatures of fifty residents out of at least 250 in the area. A home rule city, which has more authority, requires over 5,000 residents.
It is important to note that creating a new town or city is not a simple process, and there are many complexities and challenges to consider. For example, providing infrastructure for your residents can be a significant challenge. Additionally, your town will need to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations to be legally recognized.
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Determine the type of government: options include a general law city or a home rule city
When creating your own city, one of the first steps is determining the type of government you want in place. This is an important decision as it will outline the laws and regulations that your citizens will need to follow.
In the United States, there are two main options for city government types: a general law city or a home rule city. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
A general law city is one that follows the laws set out by the state. The state will outline the specific powers and responsibilities of the city government, and the city must abide by these rules. General law cities have very limited power and must follow the guidelines set by the state legislature. For example, a state law may require general-law cities to have a five-member city council, as is the case in California. To become a general law city, you typically need to apply to a county judge with the signatures of fifty residents out of at least 250 in the area, and the judge will then order a referendum.
On the other hand, a home rule city, also known as a charter city, has more autonomy in terms of governance. In these cities, the governing system is defined by its own municipal charter document, which means they have the flexibility to choose their own government structure. Home rule cities can pass various types of laws to govern themselves, as long as these laws do not conflict with state and federal constitutions. For example, a home rule city may choose a "strong mayor" or "city manager" form of government, and they may be administered predominantly by residents or through a third-party management structure. To become a home rule city, you typically need a larger population, with a requirement of over 5,000 residents.
It's important to note that the specific process and requirements for establishing a city government may vary depending on your location and the legal framework in your country or state. Additionally, the creation of laws in a city, known as ordinances, follows a predetermined process that involves the public and city council members. This process ensures that citizens' voices are heard and that any changes to city ordinances are carefully considered.
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Establish zoning laws: work with neighbours to create laws that support property values and quality of life
Establishing zoning laws is an important step in creating your own city and ensuring the welfare of its residents. Zoning laws refer to the legislative process of dividing land into zones for specific uses and regulating the types of structures that can be built on that land. These laws can limit commercial or industrial use to prevent certain businesses, such as polluting factories, from building in residential neighbourhoods.
To establish zoning laws that support property values and quality of life, consider the following steps:
- Identify the purpose of your city: Before establishing zoning laws, it is crucial to understand why your city exists. Identify the unique characteristics and attractions that will draw people to live in your city. This could be related to economic opportunities, environmental considerations, or specific community values.
- Determine zoning classifications: Decide on the types of zones your city will have. Common classifications include residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, and hotel/hospitality zones. Consider the specific needs and priorities of your city's residents when determining these classifications.
- Engage with neighbours and the community: Collaborate closely with your neighbours and the wider community to understand their priorities and concerns. Hold public hearings and meetings to discuss proposed zoning laws and their potential impact on the community. This ensures that the laws are created with the input and support of those who will be most affected by them.
- Protect property values: Zoning laws can play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing property values. This can be achieved by maintaining the character of the community, ensuring compatibility between neighbouring land uses, and preventing incompatible land uses that may negatively impact each other. For example, separating residential areas from heavy industrial zones can help minimise noise and pollution, improving the quality of life for residents.
- Consider exceptions and conditional uses: While zoning laws provide structure, there may be cases where exceptions or conditional uses are necessary. For instance, allowing a convenience store or gas station in a residential area might serve a public benefit, provided that any negative impacts can be minimised through careful regulation.
- Stay adaptable: Remember that zoning laws are not set in stone. They can be modified or amended to accommodate changing needs and circumstances. This adaptability ensures that your city can grow and evolve while still prioritising the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
By following these steps and working collaboratively with your neighbours and community, you can establish zoning laws that support property values and enhance the quality of life for all residents in your city.
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Create ordinances: follow the predetermined process to propose and approve new city laws
In the United States, the process of creating a city law, or ordinance, involves several steps and the participation of citizens, clerks, and councils. This process is predetermined and ensures that democracy is protected by allowing citizens to voice their opinions.
The first step in creating a new ordinance is to identify a problem or opportunity for change. This could be initiated by a citizen or a council member. For example, a citizen may raise a concern about the nuisance caused by e-bike riders on city streets. Once a problem is identified, the relevant city council member can propose the creation of a new ordinance to address the issue.
After a proposed ordinance is agreed upon, the city council and designated committees decide on the desired outcome of the changes. In the case of the e-bike issue, the city council may decide to limit the operation of e-bikes to individuals with valid driver's licenses. The city clerk is then informed of the proposed ordinance, and it is added to the city council's public agenda for discussion and citizen input.
The city clerk or city attorney then conducts research to ensure that the proposed ordinance does not conflict with existing state or federal laws. In the e-bike example, they would research whether the state has any laws regulating e-bikes and whether the city has the authority to require a valid driver's license for their operation.
Once the research is complete and any potential legal conflicts are addressed, the proposed ordinance is presented to the city council for a vote. If the ordinance is approved by the city council, it becomes part of the city's Municipal Code, organized into various chapters and sections.
It is important to note that the process of creating ordinances may vary slightly depending on the specific laws and procedures of the city, state, and country in question.
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Frequently asked questions
Before you begin, you need to choose a spot. Deserts, undeveloped jungles, and uninhabited islands are popular choices as they are less likely to be inhabited and you can avoid legal battles over ancestral land rights.
Once you have your spot, you need to decide on the type of city. Do you want a modern city with all the latest technology and infrastructure, or do you want something more traditional? You also need to consider the purpose of your city. Why does it exist, and who will live there?
In the US, cities rely on a parliamentary process to move from concern or opportunity to law (municipal ordinance). This process involves the public and is facilitated by clerks and councils. An ordinance is a city law, and one that is being proposed is called a proposed ordinance. Once approved, they are organized as the city's Municipal Code.
If you are a citizen, you can reach out to a city council member to propose an ordinance. The council member will then discuss the desired outcome with other council members and designated committees. The city clerk is informed of the proposed ordinance, and it is added to a city council public agenda for public comment.
An example of an ordinance is limiting the use of e-bikes in a city. The city of Santa Carla, for instance, decided to limit the operation of e-bikes to individuals with valid driver's licenses.
