Urban sprawl

Definition

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, resulting in low-density development and increased reliance on automobiles. This phenomenon is characterized by the spread of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, often leading to significant changes in land use patterns and impacting community design, transportation systems, and environmental sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban sprawl often results in increased traffic congestion, longer commute times, and greater dependence on cars, which can lead to environmental issues like air pollution.
2. The phenomenon has been linked to the decline of city centers as people move to the outskirts, leading to decreased investment in urban infrastructure.
3. Urban sprawl can create challenges for public services such as emergency response, waste management, and public transportation due to the spread-out nature of development.
4. The rise of affordable housing in suburban areas has contributed significantly to urban sprawl, as families seek more space and better living conditions away from crowded cities.
5. Efforts to combat urban sprawl have included policies that promote infill development and redevelopment of existing urban areas to create more efficient land use.

Review Questions

• How does urban sprawl impact transportation systems within metropolitan areas?
  • Urban sprawl significantly alters transportation systems by increasing reliance on automobiles due to low-density development. As cities expand outward, public transportation options may become less feasible or efficient, leading to longer commute times and increased traffic congestion. The need for infrastructure to accommodate cars, such as highways and parking facilities, often overshadows investment in public transit, resulting in a cycle that further promotes sprawl.
• What are some strategies that urban planners can implement to manage or reduce urban sprawl?
  • To manage urban sprawl, planners can implement strategies such as Smart Growth principles that emphasize compact development and mixed-use neighborhoods. They may also advocate for improved public transportation systems to connect suburbs with city centers effectively. Additionally, creating zoning regulations that encourage higher density and infill development can help preserve open space and limit the expansion into rural areas.
• Evaluate the long-term environmental consequences of urban sprawl on natural ecosystems and community health.
  • The long-term environmental consequences of urban sprawl include habitat destruction and fragmentation as natural areas are converted into developed land. This can lead to loss of biodiversity and disruption of local ecosystems. Moreover, urban sprawl often results in increased air and water pollution due to higher vehicle emissions and runoff from impervious surfaces. These environmental impacts can adversely affect community health by contributing to respiratory issues and reducing access to green spaces that promote physical activity and well-being.

Related terms

Smart Growth: An urban planning approach that aims to curtail urban sprawl by promoting sustainable and compact development, encouraging mixed-use neighborhoods, and enhancing public transportation.

Suburbanization: The process by which people move from urban areas to suburban areas, often contributing to urban sprawl as cities expand outward.

Zoning: The legislative process that divides land into zones for different uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, influencing the layout and development of urban areas.