Resident, developer, and city staff perceptions of LID and CSD subdivision design approaches

As urban areas expand, standard approaches to development have been associated with many negative environmental effects, increasing interest in the use of low impact development (LID) and conservation subdivision design (CSD) approaches that mitigate some of these effects. In the case of residential development three major groups influence subdivision design by developing, approving, and purchasing homes: developers, city staff, and residents. Previous studies of LID and CSD have focused on residents and their purchasing decisions. In this study, we used surveys and focus groups in Ames, IA to examine developer, city staff, and resident perceptions of development in general, and LID and CSD features in particular. Residents, developers, and city staff members expressed interest in using LID and CSD approaches. Developers and city staff members believed the amenities created by including LID and CSD features would add a premium to home prices. Resident survey respondents indicated moderate interest in LID and CSD features, while focus group participants indicated stronger interest in these designs when embedded environmental attributes were made explicit. Knowledge of the perspectives of all three groups creates a clearer understanding of ways to create opportunities for implementation of LID and CSD approaches where they do not already exist, to achieve a better balance between development and conservation of natural resources in municipalities in the Midwest.

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► Stakeholders reported familiarity with LID/CSD, but did not demonstrate accurate understanding of either.
► Homebuyers were least familiar LID/CSD, but expressed interest in purchasing homes in such subdivisions.
► Developers and city staff expressed willingness to provide/approve these subdivision designs.
► Differences in knowledge/perceptions among these stakeholders may limit implementation of LID/CSD.