Conservation Subdivision Design
Conservation subdivision design, sometimes referred to as cluster development design, involves the grouping of dwellings on a portion of a development parcel in order to preserve the remainder of the parcel in open space. Management options for the open space areas include, among others, preservation of existing natural features, restoration of natural conditions, and continued agricultural use. The open space may be owned by a homeowners association, the local municipality or County, the State, a land trust or other private conservation organization, or the original landowner. Conservation easements and deed restrictions should be used to protect the common open space from future conversion to more intensive uses.
In comparison to conventional subdivision designs, conservation subdivisions afford greater opportunity for preserving open space and maintaining the natural resources of the parcel being developed. When properly designed, the visual impact of new residential development from surrounding streets and adjoining parcels can be minimized and significant natural features and agricultural lands can be protected from development. Public infrastructure maintenance costs may be reduced due to shortened street and utility lengths.
SEWRPC defines a conservation subdivision as a housing development characterized by compact lots and permanent open space, where the natural features of the site are maintained to the greatest extent possible. SEWRPC recommends that a minimum of 60 percent of the site area be set aside as open space in conservation subdivisions in unsewered areas and a minimum of 40 percent of the site area be set aside as open space in sewered areas.
The following information about conservation subdivisions in the Southeastern Wisconsin Region is available:
SEWRPC has produced the following publications about conservation subdivisions: