Smart growth

Definition

Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that promotes environmentally sustainable development by encouraging compact, transit-oriented, walkable, and mixed-use communities. It aims to limit urban sprawl and create more efficient land use patterns that enhance quality of life, foster economic development, and protect natural resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smart growth principles focus on preserving open spaces and reducing the need for new infrastructure by utilizing existing urban areas more effectively.
2. It emphasizes community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that developments reflect the desires and needs of local residents.
3. Smart growth can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting alternative transportation methods like biking, walking, and public transit.
4. Policies supporting smart growth often include zoning changes that allow for higher density housing and mixed-use developments.
5. One of the goals of smart growth is to create vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play without relying heavily on cars.

Review Questions

• How does smart growth contribute to sustainable urban development?
  • Smart growth contributes to sustainable urban development by promoting compact and efficient land use patterns that minimize urban sprawl. By encouraging mixed-use developments and transit-oriented designs, smart growth creates walkable communities that reduce reliance on cars. This not only helps preserve open spaces but also enhances the quality of life for residents through improved access to amenities and reduced environmental impacts.
• Discuss how zoning regulations can be adapted to support smart growth initiatives in urban areas.
  • Zoning regulations can be adapted to support smart growth initiatives by allowing for higher density housing, mixed-use developments, and flexible land use practices. This might include revising zoning codes to permit residential units above commercial spaces or establishing design guidelines that promote walkability. These changes can help create vibrant neighborhoods with diverse options for living, working, and recreation while reducing the footprint of urban sprawl.
• Evaluate the challenges and opportunities that smart growth presents for urban planners in balancing development needs with environmental protection.
  • Smart growth presents challenges for urban planners as they strive to balance the demands of development with environmental protection. Planners must navigate community resistance to change while ensuring new developments meet sustainability criteria. However, opportunities arise in fostering innovative designs that integrate green spaces, improve public transit access, and enhance community engagement. Successfully implementing smart growth strategies can lead to resilient urban areas that thrive economically while safeguarding natural resources.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to environmental degradation and increased reliance on automobiles.

Mixed-Use Development: A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses within a single space, promoting walkability and reducing the need for car travel.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): A type of urban development that maximizes access to public transport, typically featuring higher density housing and commercial spaces within walking distance of transit stations.