Regional

Land Use Land Cover Study

Land use describes the human purpose for which land is utilized, such as residential, commercial or industrial uses. Land cover is the physical appearance of the land determined by its ecology. Examining land cover can help us uncover how human activity affects the natural landscape.

Understanding land cover change over time can help us develop sustainable communities.

Policies encouraging mixed-use and dense development often seem at odds with conservation and preservation of open space. However, numerous studies have shown that dense development may actually contribute to a reduced impact on the natural environment when compared to sprawl. In this study, we examine the intersection between human development and sustainability by analyzing environmental and fiscal impacts as a result of land use conversions.

Methodology

Policy Analysis

Chapter 40R "Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District Act"

Minimum density thresholds: e.g., at least 20 units per acre for multi‐family housing, 8 units per acre for single‐family, 12 units per acre for 2‐3-family buildings. This state statute enables municipalities to adopt overlay zoning districts that allow higher‐density residential or mixed‐use development “as‐of‐right” (or with limited review) in “smart‐growth” locations (e.g., transit stations, town centers).

Chapter 40A 3A "MBTA Communities Zoning Law"

Often called the “MBTA Communities Act” (though the statute is part of M.G.L. c. 40A § 3A) and applies to cities/towns that are served by or adjacent to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) transit system. That district must have a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre (or other threshold depending on community category) and be located within about 0.5 miles of a transit stop (where feasible). Requirement: An MBTA community must establish at least one district of reasonable size where multi-family housing is allowed as-of-right, without age restrictions, suitable for families with children.

Open Space Residential Design

Some towns adopt conservation subdivision bylaws under the authority of c. 40A § 9, enabling clustering of development, reduction of lot sizes, preservation of open space, and thus indirectly encouraging somewhat denser housing on the buildable portion of the land (by clustering).

Environmental Impact

Tree Cover Loss

Tree cover is all vegetation greater than 5 meters in height, which may be natural forests or planted tree cover across a range of densities, according to the Global Forest Watch (GFW). Tree cover provides shade in urban areas helping to offset heat absorption from asphalt. It also serves as habitat for many sensitive species in the area.

Open Space Loss

Open spaces are any land or water area that is undeveloped includng public parks, forests, and natural areas. Open space might include forest areas, but also fields, pastures, and grasslands.

Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is the breaking of large continuous natural habitats into smaller isolated patches. This leads to a decrease in overall habitat and restricts movement leading loss in biodiversity and possible extinction.

Impervious Surface Area

Impervious surfaces are areas that prevent water from flowing into the ground including paved parking lots, buildings, sidewalks, and streets. As the water flows through these built-up landscapes, it carries pollutants and contaminants into waterways.

Fiscal Impact

A parcel's land use type will impact the amount of taxes that the parcel can generate for a town, or the amount of investment that the town might need to add to that area. A land use conversion from residential to commercial uses might generate more income for a town depending on the market conditions. Ecosystem services also provide benefits to a town by generating tourism and providing a public amenity for residents to use.