Mountain Lion in Pacific Heights: Capture After Urban Saunter
- Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are local or regional planning lines intended too manage sprawl, preserve farmland and natural resources, and encourage efficient use of infrastructure.
- An urban growth boundary is a line established by a city or county to separate urban and rural lands.
- The oregon department of Land Conservation and Development (LCD) oversees the UGB program, requiring periodic reviews and amendments to ensure boundaries remain aligned with population growth and planning...
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Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are local or regional planning lines intended too manage sprawl, preserve farmland and natural resources, and encourage efficient use of infrastructure. These boundaries delineate areas where urban advancement can occur, separating them from rural lands.
Oregon’s Urban Growth Boundary Program
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An urban growth boundary is a line established by a city or county to separate urban and rural lands. The primary goal is to direct development towards existing urban areas and discourage sprawl. Oregon was the first state to implement a statewide system of UGBs in 1973 with the passage of Senate Bill 100.
The oregon department of Land Conservation and Development (LCD) oversees the UGB program, requiring periodic reviews and amendments to ensure boundaries remain aligned with population growth and planning goals. Local governments must demonstrate a need for expansion before UGBs can be adjusted.
Example: In 2018, the City of Beaverton, Oregon, underwent a UGB adjustment process, ultimately expanding its boundary by approximately 80 acres to accommodate projected housing and employment needs. City of Beaverton UGB Adjustment
King County,Washington urban Growth Boundaries
washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA) of 1990 requires designated urban growth areas to be established around cities and towns. These areas are defined by UGBs, and development is prioritized within them. King County, encompassing Seattle, utilizes UGBs to manage growth and protect open space.
Unlike Oregon’s system, Washington’s GMA allows for more adaptability in UGB adjustments, but still requires a comprehensive planning process and consideration of environmental impacts. County and city governments collaborate to determine appropriate UGB locations and sizes.
Detail: The Puget sound Regional Council plays a key role in coordinating growth management strategies across the four-county Puget Sound region, including UGB planning. Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management
Effectiveness of Urban Growth Boundaries
Studies suggest that UGBs can be effective in containing urban sprawl, preserving agricultural land, and promoting compact development. Though, their success depends on factors such as local political support, housing supply, and transportation infrastructure.
Critics argue that UGBs can contribute to increased housing costs within the boundary due to limited land supply. Proponents counter that these costs are often offset by reduced infrastructure expenses and improved quality of life.
Evidence: A 2018 study by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy found that cities with UGBs experienced slower rates of land consumption compared to cities without them. Lincoln Institute of Land Policy – Urban Growth Boundaries
Impact on Housing Affordability
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recognizes the impact of land use regulations, including UGBs, on housing affordability.Restrictive land use policies can limit housing supply and drive up prices, notably in desirable areas.
while UGBs aim to create more lasting communities, they can inadvertently exacerbate housing affordability challenges. Strategies to mitigate these effects include allowing for increased density within UGBs,promoting accessory dwelling units,and investing in affordable housing programs.
Example: In Portland, Oregon, ongoing debates center around expanding UGBs to address a severe housing shortage, while also balancing concerns about environmental protection and maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. Portland Housing Bureau