Urban sprawl is a pejorative term used to describe the spread of low-density, often poorly planned, development on the outskirts of urban areas. It is characterized by:
- Distance from Employment and Commercial Centers: Residential areas are situated far from places of work, shopping, and entertainment, typically increasing commute times.
- Dependence on Automobile Travel: Due to the spatial separation of various urban functions, residents often rely heavily on cars for transportation.
- Extended Public Infrastructure: The spread-out nature of these developments demands more extensive and costly public services and infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and schools.
Causes of Urban Sprawl
Economic Factors
The availability of affordable land on the urban fringe coupled with the desire for larger homes and yards can drive urban sprawl.
Policy and Planning
Certain policies, such as zoning laws that favor single-family homes and minimum lot sizes, can encourage sprawl.
Consumer Preferences
Many individuals prefer the suburban lifestyle, which they associate with better schools, lower crime rates, and a perceived higher quality of living.
Consequences of Urban Sprawl
Environmental Impact
Urban sprawl has significant environmental impacts, including increased air and water pollution, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and the loss of wildlife habitats and agricultural lands.
Economic Costs
The extended infrastructure required by sprawl increases the financial burden on municipalities, leading to higher taxes and potentially reduced public services elsewhere.
Social and Health Issues
Relying on automobiles for daily travel can lead to increased traffic congestion, reduced physical activity, and associated health issues like obesity.
Examples
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is often cited as a quintessential example of urban sprawl, with its extensive, car-dependent suburbs expanding far from the city center.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has faced criticism for its sprawling growth pattern, which has led to severe traffic congestion and significant environmental degradation.
Historical Context
Urban sprawl became particularly pronounced in the post-World War II era, with the rise of the automobile industry and increased suburbanization.
Comparisons
Urbanization vs. Suburbanization
Urbanization involves the growth and expansion of cities, often leading to higher density, whereas suburbanization typically results in lower-density, spread-out development patterns characteristic of urban sprawl.
Infill Development
This strategy contrasts urban sprawl by promoting higher-density development within existing urban areas to optimize land use and reduce infrastructure costs.
Related Terms
- Zoning Laws: Regulations that define how land can be used in different areas, often contributing to or mitigating sprawl.
- Greenbelt: A zone of protected open space surrounding urban areas, aimed at containing urban sprawl.
- Smart Growth: Urban planning principles focused on sustainable and efficient land use to combat the negative effects of sprawl.
FAQs
What are some strategies to combat urban sprawl?
- Smart Growth Initiatives: Encouraging higher-density, mixed-use developments and improving public transportation can help reduce sprawl.
- Urban Growth Boundaries: Implementing boundaries beyond which development is restricted can contain urban expansion.
Is urban sprawl inevitable?
References
- Bruegmann, R. (2005). Sprawl: A Compact History. University of Chicago Press.
- Ewing, R., Hamidi, S. (2015). Measuring Sprawl 2014. Smart Growth America.
- Duany, A., Plater-Zyberk, E., Speck, J. (2000). Suburban Nation. North Point Press.
Summary
Urban sprawl represents the challenges and consequences of low-density development far from urban cores. While it offers certain lifestyle advantages, it also brings significant environmental, economic, and social costs. Addressing sprawl requires deliberate policy and planning strategies to promote sustainable, efficient urban growth.
