WCEL > Issues > Urban Growth and Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part 3 > Density > Questions to Ask About Increasing Densities

Smart Bylaws Guide – Questions to Ask About Increasing Densities

[from Local Government Commission and US EPA, Creating Great Neighbourhoods: Density in Your Community (2002) pp.28-36]

1. Increase Densities in Appropriate Locations

• Where are the best places in our community for density? 
• Is there available land near existing transit stations, town centers, employment centers or major community amenities? 
• Is there an opportunity to redevelop the area between two neighborhoods? 
• How can we change the zoning for these selected areas to encourage development at higher densities? 
• How will this dense development be integrated with the neighborhood? 
• What techniques will be used? 
• Are there old vacant or underperforming shopping centers that could be converted into denser neighborhoods? 

2. Connect People and Places 

• What type of street network is proposed for the development? 
• Will the street and sidewalk network provide a safe, welcoming pedestrian environment? 
• Are the buildings parallel to the street? Are they close to the sidewalk? 
• Will the development provide access to bus or transit service? 
• Is there an infill development that needs to implement traffic calming measures to slow vehicle speeds and create streets that are safe and comfortable for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists? 

3. Mix Uses 

• What uses will be integrated into the development? 
• Will local services be provided within the development? 
• Are there neighboring commercial, office or civic uses that will be accessible from the development? 
• How would mixing uses on or next to the development site help improve resident access to local services?

4. Find Parking Alternatives 

• Where will parking be located for residential, commercial and office uses? 
• How can parking be used to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility? 
• Will parking be located between the sidewalk and buildings? 
• How can parking demand and supply be reduced? Can walking or transit accessibility help reduce the need for parking? 
• Can parking supply be shared between neighboring residences or shops and offices? 
• Are densities high enough to build a parking structure?

5. Create Great Places for People 

• How will the buildings relate to the street? Will they come up to the sidewalk or have narrow setbacks? 
• What will building walls facing the street look like? (No blank walls) 
• Where will parks and plazas be located? 
• How will residential or other uses frame the open spaces? 
• What other community focal points will be integrated into the development to create an interesting place to walk?

Example of a Planning Exercise that Visually and Otherwise Mapped Out Density Issues

City of Duncan Official Community Plan Workshop #4 Summary of Comments on Housing and Development