Minimum lot sizes and setback requirements can create parcels that are set apart from adjacent ones with little coordination of design between them. Building footprints, combined with individual driveways and other paved areas, add up to excessive impervious cover and the potential degradation of water quality due to non-point source pollution. Houses are typically placed closer together and targeted away from naturally sensitive features. Individual driveways and parking areas may be consolidated to conserve even more space. The resultant open area is then available for use as a park, buffer, or wildlife habitat.
Clustering serves economic, environmental, social, and aesthetic purposes.
Increased open space provided usually has a direct relation to increased property values May provide for better public or community access to a natural or recreational feature. Early in the development planning process, environmentally sensitive areas should be identified and their boundaries delineated on development plans. Sensitive areas may include steep slopes, wetlands, flood prone areas, riparian corridors, wildlife habitat, etc. Many of these sensitive areas are located adjacent to waterways. Retaining natural or forested buffers along waterways helps preserve the important functions of these sensitive areas.