Smart growth: Hydrologic perspective

The loss of open space to poorly planned, low-density development with an emphasis on unnecessarily wide streets and unneeded parking areas is known as urban sprawl. Recognizing the adverse environmental and social costs of sprawl, the need for smart growth strategies, such as low-impact development, is evident. While sprawl is usually addressed from a transportation perspective, a more integrated viewpoint that includes hydrologic engineering is warranted. The important principles of smart growth that relate to hydrologic engineering are identified. To assist in the assessment of the effectiveness of smart growth development alternatives, metrics are introduced. The metrics can serve as a means for communities to plan growth and establish strategies for development that will avoid the detrimental effects of urban sprawl.