Measuring the Adoption of Local Sprawl Reduction Planning Policies in Florida

The issue of sprawl has become a major focus for planning researchers and practitioners and often underlies the debate on creating sustainable communities. Rising dependence on the automobile, rapid population growth, and migration out of existing urban centers in search of affordable housing are some of the factors that have reshaped the American landscape into a pattern of low-density, sprawling residential developments (Mieszkowski and Mills 1993; Beatley and Manning 1997; Burchell et al. 1998). For years, planners have argued (and sometimes documented) that sprawling urban and suburban development patterns are creating negative impacts including habitat fragmentation, water and air pollution, increasing tax bases and infrastructure costs, inequality, and social stagnation (Ewing 1997; Porter 2000; Squires 2002). While the triggers for and adverse effects of sprawl are well articulated, little empirical research has been conducted on the factors influencing communities to actually reduce sprawl through local planning policies. This study focuses on the adoption of sprawl-reduction planning policies (SRPPs) by local jurisdictions in southern Florida. Despite a strong state-planning mandate intended to manage growth and limit adverse impacts from sprawl, ecological systems are being threatened by sprawling development patterns, particularly in southern Florida where natural amenities provide an ideal location for second homes and seasonal tourism. Specifically, we address the issue of mitigating sprawl and its environmental consequences by evaluating the local comprehensive plans of forty-six jurisdictions in southern Florida. Using plan evaluation, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and quantitative analytical techniques, this study (1) examines the presence (or absence) of environmental SRPPs in a region with a history of sprawling development patterns, (2) analyzes the spatial pattern of sprawl-reduction planning strategies across the study area, and (3) identifies the major environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors influencing communities to adopt SRPPs. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis, we test several hypotheses on what motivates local jurisdictions to adopt policies aimed at reducing sprawling growth patterns. Based on the results, we discuss the planning implications for incorporating SRPPs into local planning frameworks as a proactive approach to reducing the adverse impacts of sprawl.