Coastal Services Center

Additional Information on Conservation Design

Conservation subdivisions are characterized by common open spaces which preserve sensitive resources and by clustered compact development. Clustering housing lots allows for land to be set aside for open space preservation. The benefits of this type of design include protection of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitat, provision of recreational opportunities, and the potential for reduced infrastructure development costs and increased market prices of lots adjacent to green space.

A typical goal of conservation design is to conserve at least 50 percent of the site for open space. But not just any 50 percent – it is critical that valuable natural areas are distinguished from those suitable for development. The preservation of sensitive natural areas (such as natural vegetation along streams and water bodies), open space, and tree canopy can greatly reduce negative impacts to a specific development site. Conservation developments are very popular and valued for their environmental integrity as well as recreational opportunities.

In and of themselves, conservation developments do not counter regional sprawl. In fact, a conservation development located in a rural area that conserves 50 percent of the site, but allows for 2-to-5 acre single family residential lots can actually contribute to the larger sprawl picture. As with any type of development, the site location within the region or watershed is important. Siting developments near existing infrastructure and near shopping and employment areas can save development costs and lessen development impacts such as daily vehicle miles traveled, which ultimately affects air and water quality. Also, conservation developments should consider the larger goals of connecting to a broader network of conservation efforts, or they may not achieve the overall open space goals of the community.

References and Resources

Bergtedt, et. al. 1999. "Conservation Subdivisions: Ecological, Landscape and Construction, and Legal Applications to Cherokee County, Georgia." University of Georgia Institute of Ecology Office of Public Service and Outreach.

Gilroy, Leonard. 2002. "Conservation Subdivision Design: A Market-Friendly Approach to Local Environmental Protection." Reason Public Policy Institute.

Haines, Anna Ph.D. Summer 2002. "An Innovative Tool for Managing Rural Residential Development: A Look at Conservation Subdivisions." The Land Use Tracker.

McMahon, Edward T. and Michael Pawluskiwicz. 2003. "The Practice of Conservation Development: Lessons in Success." The Conservation Fund. Urban Land Institute.

Weger, Seth and Laurie Fowler. 2002. "Conservation Subdivision Ordinances". Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Community Affairs.