CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS
INTRODUCTION
Traditional subdivisions consist of large tracts of land that are subdivided
in a grid maximizing the number of plots according to density allowed under
the zoning ordinance. This design ignores important geographical and
ecological features of the landscape that may be critical to the protection
of water quality and devours greenspace. Conservation subdivision
design, on the other hand, preserves a certain percentage of the land as
greenspace while maintaining the same density of houses (neutral density).
This is accomplished by clustering homes in pleasant neighborhoods that
are surrounded by aesthetically and ecologically important preserved areas.
The design process examines and sets aside conservation areas before selecting
roads and house sites. These conservation areas are protected in perpetuity
by a conservation easement.
Because the concept of conservation subdivisions is fairly new, many
current land-use codes currently disallow or penalize the development
of conservation subdivisions. This can easily be remedied through
adoption of a conservation subdivision ordinance or an amendment to the
zoning ordinance.
BENEFITS TO DEVELOPERS
Conservation subdivisions offer an opportunity to maximize profit while
conserving natural land. The profit margin in these developments is
not related solely to the number or size of the lots, but rather includes
the quality of the lots. Property values are increased by scenic views
and recreation opportunities. People are willing to pay more if they
face a pleasant woodlot than if their neighbor's stark wall lay beyond their
window. Additionally, developers may take advantage of an environmental
marketing strategy. Because houses are clustered in specific residential
areas, expensive infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water lines, may
be reduced. Costs associated with stormwater management may also be
reduced by preserving ecologically important regions such as groundwater
recharge areas and wetlands.
BENEFITS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND HOMEOWNERS
Conservation subdivisions provide for the preservation of undeveloped land
without the responsibility of maintenance falling on local government.
Conservation subdivisions provide homeowners scenic views and pleasant places
to play, exercise and relax, which often results in increased property values.
Linking open spaces between conservation subdivisions and pre-existing natural
areas can provide a valuable network of recreation and wildlife areas.
The benefits of reducing impervious surfaces and maintaining the ecological
function of vegetation, buffer strips, and wetlands can also reduce the
cost of flood damage and stormwater management.
1. This paper was adapted from “Conservation
Subdivisions: Designing Open Space for Cherokee County” by Sheena Logothetti,
Elizabeth Davis and Monica Stucky, published by the Office of Public Service
and Outreach, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia,
1998.
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