HOW GOVERNMENT REGULATION CREATES SPRAWL: JACKSONVILLE AS A CASE STUDY

ZONING FOR SPRAWL Segregation of Land Uses Segregation of Land Uses Most residential zones- no commerce (Jacksonville Code, sec ) Most residential zones- no commerce (Jacksonville Code, sec ) Many commercial zones- no housing (Code, sec (II)(a-c), (III)(a-c) and IV (a-c). Many commercial zones- no housing (Code, sec (II)(a-c), (III)(a-c) and IV (a-c).

Result: Unless you live near a commercial zone you can’t walk to stores Unless you live near a commercial zone you can’t walk to stores

Anti-Density Regulation Of 17 residential zones, seven allow less than 7 units per acre – one as low as 1 unit per 2 acres ( ) Of 17 residential zones, seven allow less than 7 units per acre – one as low as 1 unit per 2 acres ( )

Result: If only a few units on blocks nearest shops, few people can walk to shops If only a few units on blocks nearest shops, few people can walk to shops Neighborhood must have at least 7 or 8 units per acre for decent bus service to be cost-effective (See, e.g., Freilich, 30 URB. LAW 547)- so lower density means no public transit for most people Neighborhood must have at least 7 or 8 units per acre for decent bus service to be cost-effective (See, e.g., Freilich, 30 URB. LAW 547)- so lower density means no public transit for most people

PARKING AND STREET DESIGN: WHY YOU HAVE TO DRIVE EVERYWHERE EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIVE IN LOW DENSITY, SINGLE USE ZONES

Parking: 1.75 parking spaces per apt even for studio and one bedroom apts (Code, )- similar requirements for businesses 1.75 parking spaces per apt even for studio and one bedroom apts (Code, )- similar requirements for businesses

Results: Density reduced because land used for parking can’t be used for housing Density reduced because land used for parking can’t be used for housing Unpleasant commutes for pedestrians - pedestrians must walk through sea of parking to get anywhere Unpleasant commutes for pedestrians - pedestrians must walk through sea of parking to get anywhere

Streets for Cars, Not For People Street width- subdivision regulations require very wide streets. For example, “major arterials” have to be 150 feet wide (Code, )- basically mean 8 or 10 lanes. Street width- subdivision regulations require very wide streets. For example, “major arterials” have to be 150 feet wide (Code, )- basically mean 8 or 10 lanes.

Results: Walking time consuming and unpleasant- wide street takes more time to cross, means more time exposed to traffic Walking time consuming and unpleasant- wide street takes more time to cross, means more time exposed to traffic

Block length Code allows only 4 intersections per mile (1320 foot blocks) on major arterials. Code allows only 4 intersections per mile (1320 foot blocks) on major arterials.

Results: If streets have few intersections, pedestrians have fewer chances to cross streets- another factor making walking annoying If streets have few intersections, pedestrians have fewer chances to cross streets- another factor making walking annoying

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