The 3.4 million acres of privately owned land in the Adirondack Park is classified under the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan. This plan is designed to preserve the natural resources and open-space character of the Park, while providing ample opportunity for appropriate development. Under this plan, the Park’s private lands are designated as follows:

Hamlet: Hamlets are the growth and service centers of the Park. These areas total 54,770 acres or 2% of the private lands. There are no building density requirements in hamlet areas.

Moderate-Intensity Use Areas: These areas total 103,567 acres, or 3% of the private lands. The density requirement for these areas is 1 building per 1.3 acres.

Low-Intensity Use Areas: These areas total 277,286 acres or 9% of private lands. The density requirement for these areas is 1 building per 3.2 acres.

Rural Use Areas: These areas total 1,028,951 acres, or 33% of private lands. The density requirement for these areas is 1 building per 8.5 acres.

Resource Management Areas: These areas total 1,6333,668 acres, or 53% of private lands. Special care is given to protecting the natural character of these lands. The density requirement for these areas is 1 building per 43 acres.