Landscape conservation through residential subdivision bylaws: Explanations for local adoption

    Authors

    C. V. Hawkins

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Landsc. Urban Plan.

    Keywords

    Residential subdivision bylaws; Development controversy; Professional; planner; LAND-USE REGULATIONS; GROWTH MANAGEMENT; OPEN SPACE; POLICIES; SPRAWL; POLITICS; PRESERVATION; COMMUNITIES; GOVERNANCE; PLANNERS; Ecology; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geography, Physical; Urban; Studies

    Abstract

    Subdivision bylaws influence the shape and character of open space within and across communities. Cluster subdivisions and conservation subdivision designs are intended to conserve open spaces and natural resources. Beyond antidotal evidence, however, explanations for why communities choose to adopt bylaws that permit these residential developments are not well understood. The purpose of this research is to identify predictors of subdivision bylaw choice. Data is derived from a survey of planners of cities and towns in the state of Massachusetts. U.S., and an ordered logit regression model is used to identify factors that influence bylaw adoption. The results indicate controversy over residential development increases the adoption of more conservation oriented residential development bylaws. The analysis also provides evidence of the influence planning capacity, local land use characteristics, and population characteristics have on local decisions. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Landscape and Urban Planning

    Volume

    121

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    141

    Last Page

    148

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000328659800014

    ISSN

    0169-2046

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