Smart Growth Policies:
- Zoning Ordinances - The most widely used tool for achieving smart growth is modification of local zoning laws. By modifying zoning ordinances to increase the density of development and redevelopment allowed in or near existing towns and neighborhoods and/or restrict new development in outlying or environmentally sensitive areas, we can practice Smart Growth. Additional density incentives can be offered for development of brownfield and grey-field land or for providing amenities such as parks and open space. Zoning ordinances typically include minimum parking requirements. Reductions in or elimination of parking minimums or imposition of parking maximums can also reduce the amount of parking built with new development increasing land available for parks and other community amenities.
- Urban Growth Boundaries - Related to zoning ordinances, an Urban Growth Boundary is a tool that used in some cities to contain high density development to certain areas. By creating a boundary that urban growth and development can not extend out of, smart growth can be implemented by containing urbanization and maintaining natural habitats.
- Transfer Of Development Rights - Transfer of development rights systems are intended to allow property owners in areas deemed desirable for growth (such as infill and brownfield sites) to purchase the right to build at higher densities from owners of properties in areas deemed undesirable for growth such as environmental lands, farmlands or lands outside of an Urban Growth Boundary.
- Environmental Impact Assessments - One approach to assist in smart growth in democratic countries is for law-makers to require prospective developers to prepare environmental impact assessments of their plans as a condition for state and/or local governments to give them permission to build their buildings. These reports often indicate how significant impacts generated by the development will be mitigated, the cost of which is usually paid by the developer.
- Compact Neighborhoods - Compact, livable urban neighborhoods attract more people and business. Creating such neighborhoods is a critical element of reducing urban sprawl and protecting the climate. Such a tactic includes adopting redevelopment strategies and zoning policies that channel housing and job growth into urban centers and neighborhood business districts, to create compact, walk-able, and bike- and transit-friendly hubs. This sometimes requires local governmental bodies to implement code changes that allow increased height and density downtown and regulations that not only eliminate minimum parking requirements for new development but establish a maximum number of allowed spaces. Other topics that fall under this concept are mixed-use development, inclusion of affordable housing, restrictions or limitations on suburban design forms (e.g., detached houses on individual lots, strip malls and surface parking lots), and inclusion of parks and recreation areas.
- Development Compliance - In communities practicing smart growth policies, developers must comply with local codes and requirements. Consequently, developer compliance builds communal trust because it demonstrates a genuine interest in the environmental quality of the community.
- Transit-Oriented Development - Transit-oriented development is a residential or commercial area designed to maximize access to public transport. Many cities striving to implement better TOD strategies to secure funding to create new public transportation infrastructure and improve existing services. Other measures might include regional cooperation to increase efficiency and expand services, and moving buses and trains more frequently through high-use areas. Other topics that fall under this concept are Transportation Demand Management measures, road pricing systems, and commercial parking taxes.
- Sustainable Architecture - In sustainable architecture the recent movements of New Urbanism and New Classical Architecture promote a sustainable approach towards construction that appreciates and develops smart growth, architectural tradition, and classical design. This in contrast to modernist and globally uniform architecture, as well as leaning against solitary housing estates and suburban sprawl.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Friendly Design - Biking and walking instead of driving can reduce emissions, save money on fuel and maintenance, and foster a healthier population. Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly improvements include bike lanes on main streets, an urban bike-trail system, bike parking, pedestrian crossings, and associated master plans will support Smart Growth, a more energy efficient city, and a healthier population. The most pedestrian- and bike-friendly variant of smart growth and New Urbanism is New Pedestrianism because motor vehicles are on a separate grid.
- Preserving open space and critical habitat, reusing land, and protecting water supplies and air quality
- Transparent, predictable, fair and cost-effective rules for development
- Historic preservation
- Setting aside large areas where development is prohibited, nature is able to run its course, providing fresh air and clean water
- Expansion around already existing areas allows public services to be located where people are living without taking away from the core city neighborhoods in large urban areas
- Developing around pre-existing areas decreases the socioeconomic segregation allowing society to function more equitably, generating a tax base for housing, educational and employment programs
The New City:
People will live, work, play, and go to school in walk-able cities with multi-purpose buildings that are tall skyscrapers powered through solar, wind, and geothermal power
People will live, work, play, and go to school in walk-able cities with multi-purpose buildings that are tall skyscrapers powered through solar, wind, and geothermal power
Growth Room:
Sydney and Sydney 2.0 has plenty of room to grow, both upwards and outwards. With the vast tracts of land that Australia has, undeveloped, there is plenty of space to spread out, because land it cheep due to much supply. This is not our emphasis though. We will build upwards instead of outwards, because it won’t waste land, and will be much more energy efficient. |