Urban Growth Boundaries

Definition

Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are regional boundaries set by local governments to control urban sprawl by limiting the area where urban development can occur. These boundaries aim to promote sustainable land use, preserve open space, and encourage higher density development within the defined area. By concentrating growth and development, UGBs help to protect rural land and natural resources while also addressing issues of transportation, infrastructure, and community planning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban growth boundaries have been implemented in various cities around the world as a tool for managing urban development and promoting sustainability.
2. One of the key benefits of UGBs is that they encourage more efficient use of existing infrastructure, reducing costs associated with extending services to new areas.
3. UGBs can lead to increased property values within the boundary due to limited supply and higher demand for housing and commercial spaces.
4. Critics argue that UGBs can create affordability issues by restricting land availability, which may drive up housing prices in urban areas.
5. Successful implementation of UGBs often requires strong public support and coordination among various government agencies to effectively manage growth.

Review Questions

• How do urban growth boundaries influence community planning and development within a city?
  • Urban growth boundaries significantly shape community planning by directing where development should occur and limiting sprawl into surrounding areas. By concentrating growth within the boundaries, cities can create more cohesive neighborhoods with better access to amenities and services. This approach also facilitates better infrastructure planning, as services such as water, sewage, and transportation can be more efficiently managed within a defined area.
• Evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing urban growth boundaries in metropolitan areas.
  • The advantages of implementing urban growth boundaries include promoting sustainable land use, preserving open space, and encouraging higher density development which can lead to reduced transportation costs and improved air quality. However, disadvantages may include rising property prices due to restricted land availability, potential economic impacts on developers who cannot build outside the boundary, and concerns over fairness for lower-income residents who may be priced out of the market. Balancing these factors is crucial for effective urban planning.
• Assess the role of public policy in the successful implementation of urban growth boundaries and its impact on urban sustainability.
  • Public policy plays a vital role in establishing and enforcing urban growth boundaries by creating legal frameworks that support sustainable land use practices. Effective policies can facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, such as local governments, developers, and community members, ensuring that UGBs reflect the needs and desires of the population. The impact on urban sustainability is significant, as well-implemented UGBs can lead to reduced environmental degradation, improved quality of life through walkable communities, and long-term economic benefits through more efficient resource allocation.

Related terms

Smart Growth: An urban planning approach that promotes sustainable development by encouraging a mix of land uses, walkable neighborhoods, and public transportation.

Zoning:

The regulation of land use by local authorities to control how land can be developed and what types of activities are allowed in different areas.

Urban Sprawl:

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to increased traffic congestion and loss of agricultural land.