In order to protect its unique environmental heritage, the Town of Erin required an innovative land use policy plan.

The plan creates a series of performance standards for new developments, strict density controls to encourage environmental conservation, and a series of overlay zones to protect several of the community's unique features. The Holy Hill area, the Little Oconomowoc River, the Kettle-Moraine geological features, the Ice Age Trail, and the areas surrounding the Lowe's Lake State Park were protected by these overlay zones.

Scenic roads and a Town Center Area were also given special designations.