Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Why should I care about Smart Growth? Does it really matter?
Does Smart Growth mean no growth?
Isn't Smart Growth expensive?
Doesn't Smart Growth limit my choice in where to live?
Is there a single regional land use plan?
I live in a fast-growing outer suburban area. Does Smart Growth only apply to cities?
Is there any limit to how much growth will be directed to existing communities, and who gets to decide?
Does Smart Growth mean that I can't drive my car?
Where has Smart Growth worked?
What can I do to encourage Smart Growth?

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Why should I care about Smart Growth? Does it really matter?

Smart Growth is a way to manage growth and development in a way that it fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious, while promoting a stronger link between transportation and land use.

Does Smart Growth mean no growth?

Smart Growth is one solution to accomodate the growing number of people coming to our region. Here in metropolitan Washington, Smart Growth means finding smart solutions to the challenges of future development in our region. We must ensure that new development and transportation facilities are wisely together, and promote growth that revitalizes existing communities or creates well-planned ones.

Isn't Smart Growth expensive?

A conventional suburban development pattern is expensive for local and state governments, as well as for tax payers. Compact developed designed around existing transportation infrastructure and utilities is more cost effective and reduces development pressures in other parts of the region.

Doesn't Smart Growth limit my choice in where to live?

Choices are expanded with Smart Growth. Communities must have a range of housing opportunities and choices in order to provide quality housing for people at all income levels. A mix of single and multi-family homes serves a varied population.

Is there a single regional land use plan?

No, land use plans are created at the local level and regulated by the states. The Washington region contains the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I live in a fast-growing outer suburban area. Does Smart Growth only apply to cities?

No, Smart Growth is not one size fits all. The ten Smart Growth principles can be applied in ways that reflect rural, suburban, or urban locations. For instance, rural areas may choose to focus on preserving open space, and fostering distinctive, attractive places with a strong sense of place. Jurisdictions with Metro, MARC or VRE may choose to take advantage of compact building design and a mix of land uses around these rail stations.

Is there any limit to how much growth will be directed to existing communities, and who gets to decide?

Smart Growth is a policy tool that is guided by zoning and local comprehensive plans. It can be used to help manage existing development and guide how we grow in the future. Developers, planners, local officials, and citizens need to collaborate, so all of their hopes and concerns are heard - and the development project becomes a shared vision. Only when all interested parties work together from the beginning of the process will a project satisfy the whole community.

Does Smart Growth mean that I can't drive my car?

Smart Growth advocates promoting a variety of transportation choices. It seeks to provide communities with transportation options, in addition to driving, to get to jobs, schools, shopping, and leisure activities.

Where has Smart Growth worked?

Smart Growth projects have been successful in a variety of locations in urban, suburban, and rural areas. For a comprehensive list of Smart Growth examples, please see EPA's Smart Growth Policy Database.

What can I do to encourage Smart Growth?

Citizens can support Smart Growth projects and initiatives within their communties. Citizens need to be participants in the planning review process and be a part of the solution.