Density Regulations, Greenfield vs. Infill Development, Mixed-Use and Transit-Oriented Development, Environmental and Sustainability Requirements

A key issue is the local zoning plans (whether they are there or not), and if they are there, what category of land the individual plots are classified in (agricultural land, land equipped with certain utilities, investment land, special-purpose land, areas under nature protection such as nature parks, etc.), who owns them (individuals, companies, public institutions, local governments, etc.), legal regulations on the possibility of building certain types of buildings, in which the rules of their use and functionality are specified, their height, number of possible floors, which will be related to what I wrote above and, for example, special, exceptional conditions. ), legal regulations on the possibility of constructing certain types of buildings, in which the rules of their purpose and functionality are specified, their height, the number of possible floors, which will be related to what I wrote above and, for example, to special, exceptional conditions occurring in a certain area, such as periodic flooding of the area by a nearby river or difficult to predict periodic earthquakes. In addition, in connection with the growing importance of green transformation of the economy, the realization of the goals of sustainable development, building a sustainable, zero-carbon, green closed loop economy, the issues of sustainable, zero-carbon, non-harmful to the climate and the environment building are increasingly and more often taken into account in the planning of land use and construction of more buildings. As a result, the importance of remodeling, restoring, renovating existing buildings in accordance with the principles of sustainability, zero-carbon, sustainable development goals is increasing than erecting more buildings. On the other hand, the erection of more buildings should be carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainability, zero-carbon, realization of sustainable development goals, so that the construction sector also realistically participates in the process of green transformation of the economy.

I am conducting research on this issue.

I have written more on this subject in the following article:

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT AS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE PRO-ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS GREEN ECONOMY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Article IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY DEVE...

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Dariusz Prokopowicz

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Dariusz Prokopowicz

Bhawna Vijay

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The delicate interplay between urban development and land conservation is a pressing concern in modern city planning. At the heart of this balance are zoning policies and urban development regulations, which shape the physical dynamics of urban growth, favoring either vertical (high-rise) or horizontal (sprawl) building forms. This study delves into the profound influence of these policies on the choice between vertical and horizontal buildings, with a specific focus on their implications for land conservation. We would like to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex relationship based on recent scholarly sources.

High-density zoning regulations in major urban centers like New York and San Francisco play a pivotal role in land conservation efforts. These policies can significantly reduce the urban footprint by allowing for higher building densities, preserving surrounding natural landscapes, and mitigating urban sprawl. For example, they enable the construction of high-rise buildings, accommodating more residents and businesses within a limited area. This not only optimizes land use but also restricts the expansion of the urban regions into green fields and agricultural lands, thereby promoting effective land conservation (Glaeser, 2021).

Policies that encourage mixed-use zoning further support vertical development. These policies integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within single buildings or closely connected areas, fostering vibrant, compact communities. Mixed-use developments reduce the need for extensive transportation networks, preserving land that would otherwise be used for roads and parking spaces (Grant, 2022). Consequently, urban areas with mixed-use zoning can support higher population densities while maintaining smaller ecological footprints, a term used to describe the impact of human activities on the environment.

In contrast, urban development regulations that permit or encourage low-density, horizontal expansion often lead to urban sprawl, which describes the uncontrolled spread of metropolitan areas. This phenomenon has significant and concerning implications for land conservation. Regulations that favor single-family homes over multi-family units or impose height restrictions can inadvertently promote the spread of urban areas. This type of zoning is prevalent in many suburban regions, where large plots of land are dedicated to relatively few dwellings (Ewing & Hamidi, 2021).

The adverse environmental effects of horizontal expansion are well-documented. Urban sprawl engulfs vast land areas, leading to habitat fragmentation, loss of agricultural regions, and increased carbon emissions due to longer travel distances. For instance, in cities with lenient land-use regulations, such as Houston, Texas, the absence of strict zoning laws has triggered extensive urban sprawl, resulting in significant environmental degradation and inefficient land use. This underscores the urgent need for more effective land conservation strategies, emphasizing the detrimental impact of low-density, horizontal expansion (Kim & Cho, 2022).

Effective land conservation necessitates a careful equilibrium between accommodating urban growth and preserving natural environments. Zoning policies and urban development regulations must be meticulously crafted to foster sustainable development patterns. Incentives for high-density, mixed-use developments can be synergized with stringent urban growth boundaries to curb sprawl (Yang & Zhao, 2021). These strategies ensure that urban expansion is channeled inward and upward rather than outward, conserving land. This plan of action underscores the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting balanced, innovative planning strategies for sustainable urban growth and effective land conservation. This need is becoming increasingly urgent.

Moreover, innovative urban planning practices, such as transit-oriented development (TOD), can be crucial. TOD focuses on creating dense, walkable communities centered around public transportation hubs. This approach reduces reliance on personal vehicles and promotes efficient land use by concentrating development within specific corridors (Cervero, 2022). Cities that adopt TOD principles, such as Portland, Oregon, have seen significant land conservation and urban livability improvements.

Zoning policies and urban development regulations are pivotal in shaping the structural dynamics of urban growth and their consequent impact on land conservation. Policies that favor vertical development and mixed-use zoning can significantly enhance land use efficiency, reducing urban sprawl and preserving natural landscapes. Conversely, regulations that promote low-density, horizontal expansion can lead to substantial environmental degradation. Therefore, adopting balanced, innovative planning strategies that encourage sustainable urban growth is essential for effective land conservation.

References

Cervero, R. (2022). Beyond Mobility: Planning Cities for People and Places. Island Press.

Ewing, R., & Hamidi, S. (2021). Urban Sprawl Metrics: History, Description, and Uses. Sustainability,13(1), 148.

Glaeser, E. L. (2021). The Economics Approach to Cities. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 35(4), 3-26.

Grant, J. L. (2022). Mixed Use in Theory and Practice: Canadian Experience with Implementing a Planning Principle. Planning Practice & Research, 37(1), 1–14.

Hamidi, S., & Zandiatashbar, A. (2021). Compact Development and Adverse Impacts of Urban Sprawl: A Multinational Assessment. Cities, 108, 102970.

Kim, J., & Cho, S. H. (2022). Urban Growth Patterns and Implications for Land Use Policy in Houston, Texas. Land Use Policy, 112, 105751.

Felix M. Delmonte

Thank you very much sir for you response.