Highlights from the EPA's 2012 Residential Construction Trends in America's Metropolitan Regions report indicates that infill development is becoming increasingly more popular. In the US there still plenty of suburban development on the books, interest in urban development continues to increase because of the intrinsic overall access that comes with urban development. As an urban planner I am excited to explore new concepts for urban living that better aligns with transportation networks. I'm sure architects are excited to get out their creativity pens...I can't wait to see new designs for urban residential architecture.
3 out of 4 large metropolitan regions in saw an increased share of new housing development in previously developed areas during 2005 - 2009 compared to 2000 - 2004.
21% of new homes in the 209 metropolitan regions examined were infill.
8 out of 10 new homes in San Jose, California were infill.
Miami increased from 40% to 49% infill, and Providence, Rhode Island, increased from 20%t to 29%.
New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all saw a majority of new home construction in previously developed areas during the same time period.
Benefits of Infill Development
3 out of 4 large metropolitan regions in saw an increased share of new housing development in previously developed areas during 2005 - 2009 compared to 2000 - 2004.
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| Source: U.S. EPA |
21% of new homes in the 209 metropolitan regions examined were infill.
8 out of 10 new homes in San Jose, California were infill.
Miami increased from 40% to 49% infill, and Providence, Rhode Island, increased from 20%t to 29%.
New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all saw a majority of new home construction in previously developed areas during the same time period.
Benefits of Infill Development
- Provides economic and public health benefits to metropolitan areas while protecting the local environment
- Saves money and energy
- Takes advantage of previous investments in existing infrastructure such as water, sewer, and roads
- Preserves open space
- Protects natural resources
- Reduces transportation emissions
- Decreases the amount of polluted stormwater washing off new roadways and other paved surfaces
- Raises property values
- Increases a community’s tax base
- Attracts retail businesses to serve the larger residential population
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| Source: U.S. EPA |
The EPA report includes a listing of resources available to local, regional, and state leaders that want to coordinate land use, housing, and transportation policies.
For more information see the EPA press release.
