Urban Sprawl
Definition
Urban sprawl describes low-density, car-dependent expansion of urban areas characterized by separated land uses, leapfrog development, and high infrastructure costs per capita. Sprawl increases vehicle miles traveled, consumes habitat and farmland, and can entrench inequities in access to jobs and services. Measuring sprawl uses indicators like density, land-use mix, block length, job–housing balance, and transit accessibility.
Application
Planners use sprawl metrics to reform zoning, invest in infill, and prioritize transit. Environmental agencies assess carbon and habitat impacts. Fiscal analysts estimate long-run maintenance liabilities of spread-out infrastructure. Health departments track physical activity and air quality implications.
FAQ
What policies most effectively curb sprawl?
Allow mixed-use and higher density near transit, price parking, adopt urban growth boundaries with robust infill capacity, and coordinate transport with land use.
How do housing affordability and sprawl interact?
Restrictive central-city zoning pushes households to the edge; enabling abundant infill can reduce sprawl pressure while improving affordability.
What myths persist about sprawl’s benefits?
That it is always cheaper or offers more choice; once life-cycle costs and congestion are included, compact options can be superior for many households.
How should sprawl metrics account for polycentric metros?
Evaluate accessibility to multiple centers and transit, not just distance to a single CBD; polycentricity can mitigate some drawbacks if connected well.