The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a
new report examining residential construction trends in
metropolitan regions, which finds that nearly three out of four large
metropolitan regions saw an increased share of new housing development in
previously developed areas during 2005 – 2009 compared to 2000 – 2004.
Known as infill housing, this type of development provides economic and public
health benefits to metropolitan areas while protecting the local environment.
Infill housing saves money and energy by taking advantage of previous
investments in existing infrastructure (such as water, sewer, and roads). This
type of development can also help preserve open space, protect natural
resources, and reduce transportation emissions and the amount of polluted
stormwater washing off new roadways and other paved surfaces.
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| An Excel Homes urban infill project |
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The findings of the report demonstrate that infill has become a significant
portion of the
housing market. Among all 209 metropolitan regions examined, 21 percent
of new homes were infill, while the remaining share was built on undeveloped
land outside existing communities. Seventy-one percent of large
metropolitan regions saw an increased share of infill housing
development. Among 51 large metropolitan regions examined in this study,
36 saw an increased share of infill housing development during 2005-2009
compared to 2000-2004. For example, eight out of ten new homes in
were infill.
Angeles
all saw a majority of new home construction in previously developed areas
during the same time period.
