Spatial and temporal variations in land development and impervious surface creation in Oakland County, Michigan, 1945-2005

► We evaluate growth of residential space and impervious surface from 1945 to 2005. ► The average size of a new residential parcel has increased dramatically since 1945. ► Large residential lots have much smaller impervious surface ratios than small lots. ► Within a size class, impervious surface ratio may vary by 100% through time. ► Land-use characteristics are not a good indicator of impervious surface.