Higher Density Development: Myth and Fact

As the United States continues to grow and change, communities are left tofigure out where all these new people will live, work, and shop. Newmarkets are emerging for real estate that offers a more convenientlifestyle than is offered by many low-density sprawling communities. New compact developments with a mix of uses and housing types throughout the country are being embraced as a popular alternative to sprawl. At the core of the success of these developments is density, which is the key to making these communitieswalkable and vibrant.

Unfortunately, in too many communities higher-density mixed-use developmentis difficult to construct because of zoning and building codes that favor low-density development with segregated uses and because of opposition from the community. This publication is a joint venture of the Urban Land Institute, NMHC–the National Multi Housing Council,Sierra Club, and AIA–the American Institute of Architects, and examines several myths surrounding higher-density development and attempts to dispel them with facts to help dismantle the many barrierssuch developments face.

[Editor's note: The link below is to a 1MB PDF document.]