U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Four New Smart Growth Publications Free from EPA

EPA has released four new smart growth publications:

Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development
(EPA publication 231-R-06-001)
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that U.S. population will grow by 50 million people, or approximately 18 percent, between 2000 and 2020. This study intends to help communities better understand the impacts of higher and lower density on water resources. To more fully explore this issue, EPA modeled stormwater runoff from three different densities at three scales — one-acre level, lot level, and watershed level — and at three different time series build-outs to examine the premise that lower-density development is always better for water quality. The findings indicated that low-density development may not always be the preferred strategy for protecting water resources. Higher densities may better protect water quality — especially at the lot level and watershed scale.

Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices
(EPA publication 231-B-05-002)
To comply with the Clean Water Act, over 6000 communities across the nation are developing municipal stormwater permitting programs (also known as Phases I & II). Many of these communities are also implementing programs that encourage development in existing communities, redevelopment of vacant properties, promote transportation options and facilitate efficient use of land and infrastructure. "Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices" reviews nine common smart growth techniques and examines how they can be used to prevent or manage stormwater runoff. This publication will help communities encourage smart growth and meet the new regulatory requirements.

Growing Toward More Efficient Water Use: Linking Development, Infrastructure, and Drinking Water Policies
(EPA publication 230-R-06-001)
This publication focuses on the relationship between development patterns, water use, and the cost of water delivery. It reviews literature that shows how large-lot, dispersed development patterns cost more to serve because of the length of pipe required, pumping costs, and other factors. The literature also shows that large-lot, dispersed development uses more water. "Growing Toward More Efficient Water Use" concludes with policy options for states, localities, and utilities that directly reduce the cost and demand for water, while indirectly promoting smart growth. These policies offer opportunities for more efficient water use at a time when many communities face water shortages.

Parking Spaces / Community Places: Finding the Balance through Smart Growth Solutions
(EPA publication 231-K-06-001)
This report highlights proven approaches that balance parking with broader community goals. Current codes typically apply inflexible minimums that ignore community and developer priorities including environmental quality and human health. An oversupply of unnecessary parking wastes money and creates places that degrade water quality and encourage excess driving and air emissions. The highlighted solutions cover a range of supply management, demand management, and pricing strategies. Communities have found that combinations of parking pricing, shared parking, demand management, and other techniques have helped them create vibrant places while protecting environmental quality and still providing for necessary vehicle storage.

For free hard copies of any of these publications, please send an e-mail to ncepimal@one.net or call 800-490-9198.

Electronic versions of these publications are available at: www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.

March 2006