Efficient Land Use

» Re-use previously developed and brownfield sites

» Encourage density in community centers

» Support a mix of housing choices, including affordable housing

» Encourage new forms of community design

By adopting policies that encourage land use efficiency within previously developed regions, the pressure to convert agricultural lands to other uses will lessen. Lands situated along the urban-rural border are the most likely targets for development. “Greenfields,” previously undeveloped lands, along this fringe border are oftentimes more desirable land for developers simply because they are cheaper and the possibility of amass large parcels of land exists. If land is cheaper on the fringe, it stands to figure that housing prices will be cheaper as well. But disturbed lands within a community center or its sphere of influence already have infrastructure such as sewer and water systems, roads and schools provided.

Urban land development efficiency policies such as infill development, re-use of previously developed and “brownfield” sites, and financial incentives to encourage a mix of housing types help to reduce land consumption on the urban edge. Creating affordable housing components within infill and new developments is an important component for land use efficiency as well. The SOSA Region only has two jurisdictions with inclusionary zoning ordinances for affordable housing: Mammoth Lakes and Nevada County, including the Town of Truckee. By taking the next step, requiring affordable housing within developments coupled with mixed-use developments of commercial and residential developments, creates communities rather than housing tracts.

Land development policies also need to occur in rural settings. By encouraging alternative forms of community design, such as clustered zoning, open space and natural resources can be conserved. Clustered zoning refers to the grouping of home sites in a development onto adjacent compact lots while leaving the remaining land for open space, agricultural use, water quality preservation or some other passive, non-intensive use.

Density does not mean overcrowding. Housing and commercial density can be achieved while maintaining open space with close proximity and access. Developments with one housing unit per acre or greater acreage consume large parcels of land in a fragmented manner.

Encouraging density in community centers requires a desire to create communities with a mixed use of commercial and residential units as well as a dedication to maintain natural resources and open spaces near the community.