While conventional environmental wisdom suggests that only draconian government efforts to preserve open space will work, the market is already well ahead of the curve.
Conservation subdivision design (CSD) represents a subtle, but significant, twist to the traditional subdivision design and review process. In a more "traditional" subdivision design -- often referred to as the "cookie cutter" approach -- all of the developable land within a tract is divided into roads and house lots, typically subject to minimum lot size requirements. Open space typically consists only of the undevelopable portions of the tract, such as wetlands and steep slopes. In other words, most of the land is either built upon, apportioned to individual lots as yards, or surfaced for roads.
Thanks to George Passantino
Read the full story: Conservation Subdivision Design: A Market-Friendly Approach to Local Environmental Protection
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority