Those Pesky Sprawl Definitions

Defining "urban sprawl" is an apparent inconvenience but that doesn't stop growth control advocates from restricting housing choice.

1 minute read

January 17, 2002, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Local governments across the state are instituting restrictive growth controls to limit housing development, all in an effort to "control" urban sprawl. But, what is urban "sprawl"? Activist groups often comment on the term with platitudes, but few take the time to define it in a meaningful sense. Even reports on regional growth seem to take the term for granted. Citizens for Civic Renewal in Cincinnati, for example, commissioned a study on the region's growth that concludes with the claim its proposals offer a "distinct strategy for dealing with the sprawl problem." The study, however, doesn't explicitly define what urban sprawl is."

Thanks to George Passantino

Wednesday, January 16, 2002 in Reason Public Policy Institute

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

September 19 - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit