PCJ columnist Ed McMahon still finds a number of persistent barriers to better development. Inflexible Local Regulations Local regulations are often an impediment to smart growth. Local officials should make zoning and subdivision regulations more flexible so as to encourage cluster development, mixed uses, narrower streets, and other better development concepts.
Time is money in the development business.
Yet innovative developers who would protect the environment or provide walkable mixed-use developments are often stymied by inflexible regulations. Outdated Market Perceptions 3. High Development and Process Costs 4. Financing by Formula 5. Proposing High Density Without Amenity 6.