Research Abstract
The Effects of New Urban Developments Compared to Conventional Low Density Developments
on Natural Hazard Mitigation


Principal Investigator
Philip Berke


Problem
New Urban developments are a higher density, more compact urban form than conventional low
density developments (sprawl).  High density developments like New Urban forms place more people,
buildings, and infrastructure at risk than conventional developments on an equivalent land unit
exposed to hazards, and thus pose a potentially greater threat.  Despite the rapid expansion of New
Urban developments in hazardous areas, no studies have analyzed the effects of New Urban design
on hazard mitigation.


Objectives
This three-year National Science Foundation ($398,000) supported study compares hazard mitigation
practices used by New Urban developments as a compact urban form to conventional low-density
developments. This study consists of three objectives:

     1. Identify New Urban development projects that are located in hazard prone areas in the U.S.,
         and a control group of conventional low-density development projects.
     2. Determine the extent to which hazard mitigation practices are integrated into site designs
         for New Urban developments compared to conventional developments.
     3. Evaluate the influence of New Urban design, relative to the influence of local mitigation plans
         and implementation programs on integration of natural hazard mitigation practices into
         developments.


Implications
This study will contribute to knowledge about how Smart Growth programs and New Urban
developments can be designed to attain the benefits of New Urbanism without increasing the threat
from hazards.  The study will yield guidelines for local governments on how to prepare comprehensive
hazard mitigation plans that identify and prioritize mitigation policies focused on New Urban
developments; identify site design practices to safely build New Urban developments; and suggest
factors that need attention for supporting mitigation involving enforcement, citizen support, and staff
capacity.  Because federal and state governments have significant roles in promoting mitigation, the
study will also provide guidelines on how to influence local governments and developers to support
use of mitigation practices in New Urban developments.


Investigators
Philip Berke (Principal Investigator), and David Salvesen and Yan Song (co-Principal Investigator),
Center for Urban & Regional Studies, University of North Carolina. Contact person: Philip Berke,
pberke@unc.edu, 919 962-4765