2.4 Infill development and redevelopment

Infill development breathes new life into urban areas by utilizing vacant or underused spaces. It promotes efficient land use, reduces sprawl, and leverages existing infrastructure. This approach to urban growth offers numerous benefits but also faces challenges like zoning barriers and community opposition.

Successful infill projects require careful planning, design, and community engagement. They balance context-sensitive architecture with sustainable practices, creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. Measuring infill impacts helps cities refine strategies and demonstrate the value of compact, sustainable urban development.

Benefits of infill development

Efficient use of land

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• Infill development maximizes the use of existing urban land by developing vacant or underutilized lots within built-up areas
• Promotes higher density development, allowing for more housing units, businesses, and amenities in a smaller footprint
• Helps preserve open space, farmland, and natural habitats on the urban fringe by redirecting growth inward

Reduced sprawl and congestion

• By concentrating development within existing urban areas, infill reduces the need for outward expansion and sprawl
• Shorter travel distances between homes, jobs, and services can decrease car dependence and traffic congestion
• Infill development supports transit-oriented development (TOD), encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, and cycling

Proximity to existing infrastructure

• Infill projects can tap into existing infrastructure networks, such as roads, utilities, and public services, reducing the need for costly expansions
• Proximity to established amenities, like schools, parks, and healthcare facilities, enhances the livability and attractiveness of infill developments
• Efficient use of existing infrastructure helps lower the per-capita cost of public services and maintenance

Challenges with infill projects

Zoning and regulatory barriers

• Outdated zoning codes and land use regulations often hinder infill development by restricting density, mixed uses, and non-traditional housing types
• Lengthy permitting processes and complex approval procedures can increase costs and delays for infill projects
• Parking requirements and setback rules may limit the feasibility and design flexibility of infill developments

Higher construction costs

• Infill sites often require demolition, site preparation, and remediation, which can increase upfront costs compared to greenfield development
• Limited space for staging and storage can complicate construction logistics and increase expenses
• Adapting to existing site constraints and integrating with surrounding buildings may require specialized designs and materials

Community opposition and NIMBYism

• Existing residents may resist infill projects due to concerns about increased density, traffic, parking, and changes to neighborhood character
• NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) can lead to organized opposition, legal challenges, and delays in the approval process
• Fears of gentrification and displacement can fuel community resistance, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods

Identifying infill opportunities

Vacant and underutilized lots

• Vacant lots, such as empty parcels or surface parking lots, are prime candidates for infill development
• Underutilized lots, like single-story buildings in high-density areas, can be redeveloped to achieve higher and better uses
• Identifying and inventorying vacant and underutilized lots helps prioritize infill opportunities and guide planning efforts

Adaptive reuse of buildings

• Converting existing buildings, such as obsolete industrial facilities or historic structures, into new uses (lofts, offices, mixed-use) is a form of infill
• Adaptive reuse preserves embodied energy, reduces demolition waste, and maintains the urban fabric
• Repurposing buildings can revitalize neighborhoods, create unique spaces, and attract investment

Brownfield and greyfield redevelopment

• Brownfields, which are contaminated sites like former gas stations or industrial properties, can be remediated and redeveloped for infill
• Greyfields, such as declining shopping malls or strip centers, offer large parcels for mixed-use infill projects
• Redeveloping brownfields and greyfields can remove blight, improve environmental health, and catalyze area-wide revitalization

Designing successful infill

Context-sensitive architecture

• Infill design should respond to the surrounding built environment, including building heights, setbacks, and architectural styles
• Context-sensitive architecture helps new development fit harmoniously into existing neighborhoods and maintain a sense of place
• Designing with local climate, topography, and natural features in mind can enhance the sustainability and livability of infill projects

Compatibility with neighborhood character

• Successful infill complements and enhances the unique character of the surrounding neighborhood
• Designing with compatible materials, colors, and detailing can help new development blend in with the existing urban fabric
• Engaging with community members and incorporating local input can ensure that infill projects respect and reflect neighborhood identity

Enhancing walkability and connectivity

• Infill design should prioritize pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, with wide sidewalks, street trees, and active ground-floor uses
• Creating connections to existing pedestrian and bicycle networks can improve accessibility and encourage non-motorized transportation
• Designing for walkability promotes public health, social interaction, and a vibrant urban environment

Financing infill development

Public-private partnerships

• Collaborations between local governments and private developers can help finance and facilitate infill projects
• Public entities can provide land, infrastructure, tax incentives, or expedited permitting in exchange for community benefits
• Successful partnerships align public goals (affordable housing, economic development) with private sector expertise and resources

Tax incentives and abatements

• Local governments can offer tax incentives, such as property tax abatements or tax increment financing (TIF), to encourage infill development
• Incentives can help offset the higher costs associated with infill and make projects more financially feasible
• Targeted tax breaks can be tied to specific public benefits, like affordable housing, historic preservation, or green building

Overcoming lender reluctance

• Traditional lenders may perceive infill projects as higher risk due to unique challenges and non-standard product types
• Developers can mitigate lender concerns by demonstrating market demand, securing public sector support, and providing clear project timelines
• Alternative financing sources, like community development financial institutions (CDFIs) or crowdfunding, can help fill funding gaps

Engaging the community

Addressing gentrification concerns

• Infill development can sometimes lead to rising property values and displacement of long-time residents
• Engaging the community early and openly about gentrification concerns can help build trust and find mutually beneficial solutions
• Strategies like community benefits agreements, affordable housing set-asides, and local hiring provisions can help mitigate displacement risks

Inclusive planning processes

• Involving the community in the planning and design of infill projects can lead to better outcomes and increased public support
• Inclusive processes may include community workshops, design charrettes, and online engagement tools
• Seeking diverse perspectives and actively reaching out to underrepresented groups can ensure that infill projects reflect the needs of the entire community

Highlighting benefits to residents

• Communicating the potential benefits of infill development, such as improved services, job opportunities, and enhanced public spaces, can help build community support
• Demonstrating how infill projects align with community goals and values can foster a shared sense of ownership and pride
• Celebrating successful infill projects and sharing stories of positive community impact can inspire further support for future developments

Sustainable infill practices

Green building techniques

• Incorporating sustainable design and construction practices can reduce the environmental impact of infill development
• Green building techniques may include energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and the use of recycled or locally sourced materials
• Pursuing green building certifications (LEED, Living Building Challenge) can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and attract environmentally conscious residents and businesses

Stormwater management strategies

• Infill development can create additional impervious surfaces, increasing runoff and straining existing stormwater infrastructure
• Implementing green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, bioswales, and green roofs, can help manage stormwater on-site and reduce the burden on municipal systems
• Integrating stormwater management into the design of public spaces, like parks and plazas, can provide multiple benefits, including improved water quality and enhanced aesthetics

Incorporating renewable energy

• Infill projects can incorporate renewable energy systems, like solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• On-site renewable energy generation can lower operating costs, improve energy resilience, and contribute to local climate action goals
• Integrating renewable energy into the design of infill projects can also serve as a visible demonstration of sustainable development practices

Measuring infill impacts

Metrics for density and land use

• Tracking changes in population and building density can help assess the effectiveness of infill development in achieving compact growth
• Measuring the mix of land uses (residential, commercial, institutional) can indicate progress towards creating vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods
• Monitoring the ratio of infill to greenfield development can help gauge the success of policies aimed at encouraging infill

Assessing economic and fiscal effects

• Evaluating the impact of infill development on property values, tax revenues, and job creation can demonstrate economic benefits to the community
• Comparing the cost of providing services to infill versus greenfield development can highlight the fiscal advantages of compact growth
• Analyzing the effects of infill on local businesses, including increased foot traffic and customer spending, can support the case for further investment

Evaluating social and health outcomes

• Measuring changes in access to affordable housing, community amenities, and public services can help assess the social equity impacts of infill development
• Tracking indicators like walkability, physical activity levels, and air quality can provide insights into the health benefits of infill
• Conducting community surveys and focus groups can gather qualitative data on residents' experiences and perceptions of infill projects