reshapes cities, spreading development outward. It's driven by population growth, car dependency, and preferences for spacious living. This expansion impacts , social dynamics, and the environment.
aim to control land use and manage growth. While they can prevent conflicting uses and maintain property values, traditional zoning sometimes contributes to sprawl. Alternative approaches like offer potential solutions.
Urban sprawl and its characteristics
Definition and patterns of urban sprawl
Top images from around the web for Definition and patterns of urban sprawl
Map3.5-29945-Urban sprawl in London.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
Map3.5-29945-Urban sprawl in London.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Definition and patterns of urban sprawl
Map3.5-29945-Urban sprawl in London.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
Map3.5-29945-Urban sprawl in London.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
12.4 URBAN PATTERNS – Introduction to Human Geography View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Urban sprawl denotes rapid, uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped land
Creates patchwork of developed and undeveloped areas through "leapfrog" development skipping over undeveloped land
Converts agricultural or natural lands into residential, commercial, or industrial uses
Proliferates suburban neighborhoods, shopping centers, and office parks on city outskirts
Contrasts with compact city development emphasizing higher density, mixed-use development, and efficient land use
Key features and drivers of urban sprawl
Low-density development spreads urban areas over larger land areas
Automobile dependency increases as distances between destinations grow
patterns separate residential, commercial, and industrial areas
Population growth drives demand for new housing and commercial spaces
Increased affluence allows more people to afford larger homes and lots
Preferences for spacious living environments fuel expansion into suburban areas
Impacts of urban sprawl
Economic consequences
Increases infrastructure costs to serve sprawling developments
Raises transportation expenses for residents due to longer commutes
Potentially reduces urban core tax base as businesses and residents move to periphery
Risks loss of productive agricultural land to development
Social and health effects
Increases social segregation by income levels in different neighborhoods
Reduces community cohesion due to car-centric lifestyle and dispersed development
Prolongs commute times, diminishing quality of life and increasing stress
Promotes car-dependent lifestyles linked to health issues (obesity, cardiovascular disease)
Environmental impacts
Increases air pollution from greater vehicle emissions
Contributes to , raising temperatures in developed areas
Degrades water quality through increased runoff from impervious surfaces
Destroys natural habitats and reduces biodiversity
Elevates energy consumption due to inefficient land use and transportation patterns
Purpose and types of zoning
Fundamentals of zoning regulations
Function as legal mechanisms for local governments to control land use and development
Separate incompatible land uses to minimize conflicts (residential areas away from heavy industry)
Promote orderly urban growth and development
Establish specific permitted uses and development standards for different areas
Common zoning classifications
allows housing development (single-family homes, apartments)
permits business activities (retail stores, offices)
accommodates manufacturing and heavy industry
combines multiple uses within a single development or area
Alternative zoning approaches
divides land into distinct zones with uniform regulations (most common in U.S.)
focus on physical form of buildings and their relationship to public spaces
adds special provisions to existing zoning (historic preservation, environmental protection)
regulates based on actual development impacts (noise levels, traffic generation)
Effectiveness of zoning in managing growth
Positive impacts of zoning
Prevents conflicting land uses (heavy industry next to residential areas)
Maintains property values in established neighborhoods
Provides framework for orderly development and infrastructure planning
Preserves open spaces and environmentally sensitive areas when properly implemented
Limitations and criticisms of zoning
Traditional zoning practices contribute to urban sprawl through low-density, single-use development patterns
Creates barriers to by limiting housing types or imposing minimum lot sizes
Effectiveness depends on consistency and enforcement across jurisdictional boundaries
Political pressures and economic incentives can undermine zoning goals
Developers may obtain variances or rezoning approvals, circumventing original intentions
Alternatives and improvements to traditional zoning
Smart growth initiatives promote compact, mixed-use development to combat sprawl
Form-based codes emphasize building form and public space relationships over strict use separation
Performance-based zoning focuses on actual impacts rather than predetermined categories
Inclusionary zoning policies require inclusion of affordable housing units in new developments
Transit-oriented development encourages higher-density, mixed-use development near public transit hubs