2.3 Urban growth boundaries

Urban growth boundaries are planning tools that contain urban sprawl and promote efficient land use. They establish a clear line between urban and rural areas, directing development inward while preserving agricultural and natural spaces beyond the boundary.

UGBs offer benefits like preserving open spaces, encouraging compact development, and reducing infrastructure costs. However, they also present challenges such as potential housing price increases and limitations on economic growth. Successful implementation requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement.

Definition of urban growth boundaries

• Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are planning tools used to contain urban sprawl and promote efficient land use by designating specific areas for urban development
• UGBs establish a clear boundary between urban and rural lands, directing growth inward and preserving agricultural and natural areas beyond the boundary
• Typically, UGBs are implemented through zoning regulations and land use policies that restrict development outside the designated urban area

Benefits of urban growth boundaries

• UGBs contribute to sustainable urban planning by encouraging efficient land use, protecting natural resources, and promoting compact, walkable communities

Preservation of open spaces

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• By restricting urban sprawl, UGBs help maintain open spaces, such as farmlands, forests, and natural habitats, beyond the urban boundary
• Preserving these open spaces provides ecological benefits, including biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, and carbon sequestration
• Open spaces also offer recreational opportunities and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents (parks, trails, and scenic views)

Encouragement of compact development

• UGBs promote infill development and higher-density housing within the designated urban area, leading to more compact and efficient land use patterns
• Compact development reduces the need for extensive infrastructure (roads, utilities) and encourages the use of alternative transportation modes (walking, biking, public transit)
• Higher-density development within UGBs can also foster vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong sense of community

Reduction in infrastructure costs

• By concentrating development within a defined area, UGBs can help reduce the costs associated with extending and maintaining infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) to far-flung suburbs
• Compact development within UGBs allows for more efficient provision of public services (schools, healthcare, emergency services), as resources can be concentrated in a smaller area
• Lower infrastructure costs can result in cost savings for local governments and taxpayers

Challenges of urban growth boundaries

• While UGBs offer many benefits, they also present some challenges that must be addressed to ensure their effectiveness and equitable implementation

Potential for increased housing costs

• Restricting the supply of developable land through UGBs can lead to increased land and housing prices within the urban boundary
• Higher housing costs may disproportionately impact low-income and middle-income households, potentially exacerbating issues of housing affordability and displacement
• Strategies to mitigate these effects may include inclusionary zoning, affordable housing mandates, and density bonuses for developers

Limitations on economic growth

• UGBs may constrain economic growth by limiting the availability of land for commercial and industrial development
• Businesses may face challenges in finding suitable locations within the urban boundary, potentially leading to reduced job creation and investment
• Balancing economic development goals with the objectives of UGBs requires careful planning and coordination with the business community

Difficulty in predicting future growth

• Establishing an appropriate size and location for an UGB requires accurate projections of future population growth and land use needs
• Underestimating growth can lead to land shortages and development pressure, while overestimating growth can result in an oversupply of land and inefficient use of resources
• Regular monitoring and adjustment of UGBs based on changing demographic and economic conditions are necessary to ensure their long-term effectiveness

Implementation of urban growth boundaries

• Successful implementation of UGBs requires a comprehensive approach that involves establishing clear criteria, engaging stakeholders, and regularly reviewing and adjusting the boundary as needed

Establishing boundary criteria

• Criteria for defining the UGB should be based on factors such as population growth projections, land use needs, infrastructure capacity, and environmental constraints
• A data-driven approach using geographic information systems (GIS) and other analytical tools can help inform the boundary delineation process
• Consistency with state and regional planning goals and policies is essential to ensure the UGB aligns with broader sustainable development objectives

Collaboration with stakeholders

• Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, developers, and residents, is crucial for building support and ensuring the UGB reflects diverse interests
• Public participation through workshops, surveys, and hearings can help gather input and address concerns about the impacts of the UGB on different groups
• Collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions is necessary to ensure a coordinated approach to growth management across the region

Periodic review and adjustment

• Regular monitoring and evaluation of the UGB's performance are essential to assess its effectiveness in achieving sustainable planning goals
• Periodic reviews should consider factors such as land use patterns, housing affordability, economic development, and environmental impacts
• Adjustments to the UGB may be necessary to accommodate changing growth projections, address unintended consequences, or respond to new planning priorities

Urban growth boundaries vs urban service areas

• Urban service areas (USAs) are similar to UGBs in that they define the extent of urban development, but they focus specifically on the provision of public services and infrastructure
• USAs delineate the area within which a city or county plans to provide urban services (water, sewer, roads) over a specified time horizon
• While UGBs are primarily concerned with controlling urban sprawl and preserving open spaces, USAs are more focused on ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of public services
• In some cases, UGBs and USAs may be used in conjunction to promote both growth management and efficient service provision

Case studies of urban growth boundaries

• Examining real-world examples of UGBs can provide valuable insights into their implementation, benefits, and challenges in different contexts

Portland, Oregon

• Portland's UGB, established in 1979, is one of the most well-known and successful examples of growth management in the United States
• The UGB has helped preserve agricultural lands and natural areas, promote compact development, and support a thriving public transit system
• However, Portland has also faced challenges related to housing affordability and the need to expand the UGB to accommodate population growth

Boulder, Colorado

• Boulder's UGB, known as the "blue line," was established in 1958 to protect the city's scenic mountain backdrop and limit development in sensitive areas
• The UGB has been credited with preserving open spaces, promoting infill development, and maintaining Boulder's unique character
• Challenges have included high housing costs and the need to balance growth with environmental protection

Lexington, Kentucky

• Lexington's UGB, established in 1958, has been instrumental in preserving the city's iconic horse farms and rural landscape
• The UGB has encouraged compact development and revitalization of the downtown core, contributing to a vibrant urban environment
• Lexington has faced pressure to expand the UGB to accommodate growth, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment

Integrating urban growth boundaries into comprehensive plans

• To be effective, UGBs should be integrated into a community's comprehensive plan, which guides long-term land use, transportation, and infrastructure decisions
• The comprehensive plan should articulate the goals and policies related to growth management, open space preservation, and sustainable development that the UGB is intended to support
• Aligning the UGB with other elements of the comprehensive plan, such as transportation and economic development strategies, can help ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to planning
• Regular updates to the comprehensive plan should consider the performance of the UGB and make necessary adjustments to ensure its continued effectiveness

Legal considerations for urban growth boundaries

• Implementing UGBs requires a solid legal foundation to withstand potential challenges and ensure enforceability
• State-enabling legislation may be necessary to grant local governments the authority to establish and enforce UGBs
• Zoning regulations and land use codes must be updated to reflect the UGB and provide clear guidance on permitted development within and outside the boundary
• Legal challenges to UGBs may arise from property owners or developers claiming infringement on property rights or seeking to develop outside the boundary
• Careful drafting of UGB policies and regulations, along with a transparent and inclusive planning process, can help mitigate legal risks

Monitoring the effectiveness of urban growth boundaries

• Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to assess the performance of UGBs and make data-driven decisions about their adjustment and implementation

Measuring changes in land use patterns

• Tracking changes in land use within and outside the UGB can provide insights into the effectiveness of the boundary in containing urban sprawl
• GIS analysis can be used to monitor the rate and location of development, identify areas of infill and redevelopment, and assess the preservation of open spaces
• Comparing land use patterns before and after the implementation of the UGB can help quantify its impact on growth management

Assessing housing affordability

• Monitoring housing prices and affordability within the UGB is crucial to ensure that growth management policies do not exacerbate housing challenges
• Tracking metrics such as median home prices, rent levels, and the supply of affordable housing units can help identify potential issues and inform policy responses
• Comparing housing affordability within the UGB to regional and national trends can provide context for evaluating the UGB's impact

Evaluating environmental impacts

• Assessing the environmental outcomes of the UGB can help determine its effectiveness in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development
• Monitoring indicators such as air and water quality, biodiversity, and carbon emissions can provide insights into the UGB's environmental performance
• Comparing environmental conditions within and outside the UGB can help quantify the benefits of growth management for ecological health

Future of urban growth boundaries in sustainable planning

• As cities continue to grow and face challenges related to sprawl, resource conservation, and climate change, UGBs are likely to remain an important tool for sustainable planning
• Advances in geospatial technology and data analytics may enable more sophisticated approaches to defining and monitoring UGBs
• Integration of UGBs with other sustainable planning strategies, such as transit-oriented development and green infrastructure, can help create more resilient and livable communities
• Sharing best practices and lessons learned from successful UGB implementation can support the wider adoption of growth management policies in cities around the world