Paving over paradise: how land use regulations promote residential imperviousness

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of residential zoning and subdivision regulations on the extent and distribution of impervious land cover in Madison, WI. Specifically, an analysis of approximately 40,000 single-family residential parcels in the Madison region is presented to assess the impact of land development regulations governing lot size, lot frontage, front yard setbacks, street width, and the neighborhood street network configuration on total parcel impervious cover. The results of this research suggest that lower density patterns of single-family development are associated with a larger area of impervious cover per unit of occupancy than higher density patterns. The paper argues that parcel-based analyses of environmental impact are needed to evaluate the role of specific land use planning policies on regional environmental quality. Based on the results of the analysis, we identify three specific strategies for reducing residential impervious area through municipal land development regulations.