Adherence to Planning Regulation in the Different Residential Zones of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper examines residents’ level of compliance with planning regulations in different residential zones of Ado-Ekiti. Data for the study were collected from 154, 165 and 89 respondents in the high, medium and low densities respectively, as well as 29 in the planned residential scheme using a multistage sampling technique. The data obtained in this study include respondents’ socio-economic characteristics such as educational qualification, income, and length of residence in the study area. Data on planning standards with which residents’ compliance was measured were obtained from planning agencies in the city. The study showed that respondents’ educational qualifications and income varied inversely with residential densities of selected areas. The mean income of residents in the high, medium and low residential densities and planned residential schemes were respectively N28,421.14, N55,448.29, N72,720.76, and N54,433.69. The proportion of respondents that violate planning regulations decreased as distance increased from the high to the low residential density. The study established that 63.7%, 40.2%, 18.2% and 3.4% of respondents in the high, medium and low residential densities and planned residential scheme respectively contravened front setback standard. The study showed that the growth of residential areas in Ado-Ekiti especially the low and medium was based on the layout plans prepared by individual families which are not properly coordinated, rather than a comprehensive master plan.The study, therefore, recommends that comprehensive development plans should be prepared to guide development activities in all the residential areas. Similarly, the study advocates that planning agencies should adequately enforce development control to ensure developers comply in Ado-Ekiti.