Checklist

A Checklist of the Qualities of the New Urbanism Design Philosophy

This checklist is designed to provide information outlining the major elements of the New Urbanism design for a variety of individuals. For example, this checklist will be useful for developers who are creating plans for new development projects or intending to retrofit existing suburban communities. The municipal planner can use the checklist to examine incoming proposals and determine where these plans truly represent the elements of traditional neighbourhood development. The planner can also use the checklist to test the authenticity of development plans claiming to be designed with the elements of traditional neighbourhood design. For the public, the checklist will provide a useful informational tool of the qualities of the New Urbanism design philosophy, and will allow them to participate and better scrutinize the planning development process for new projects.

DESIGN ENCOURAGES SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

Compact urban form (approximately one mile diameter) allows for a pedestrian oriented environment with walking distances of five to ten minutes
Reduces dependence of the automobile, encourages walking
Promotes site sensitive design that works with natural systems rather than competing with them
Compact development uses land resources more intensively by increasing residential densities through a variety of housing types
Bike system creates opportunities for another cheaper, environmentally friendly mode of transportation
The smaller infrastructure makes this type of neighbourhood design cheaper to service, very cost effective

CLEARLY DEFINED BOUNDARIES

Visible or distinct edges bordering natural areas, protected lands, lower density development, or parks and open space with other distinct neighbourhoods
Reduces the potential for urban sprawl, or edge sprawl development
Preserves open space and agricultural lands from further development
Reduces air pollution with compact urban development
Defined boundaries, help to define road infrastructure, and maintain servicing costs

PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED DESIGN

A majority of the homes are within a five-minute walk of the town centre and all its basic amenities. The pedestrian shed is approximately one-quarter of one mile
Some office buildings and home based businesses allow residents to be within walking distance of their places of work
A system of sidewalks connects all uses, and is designed for the convenience of the pedestrian
All sidewalks are clearly identifiable and illuminated
On street parking acts as a layer of protection between automobiles and pedestrians using sidewalks
Storage of automobiles is relegated behind buildings, and accessed though laneways, further enhancing the pedestrian environment
Narrower thoroughfares help to slow traffic and protect the pedestrian from fast moving cars
A range of parks (i.e. school parks and playgrounds, playing fields, and contemplation gardens) and public spaces (i.e. town square, village plaza, green) encourage pedestrian activity and promote social contact

STREET LAYOUT

Street layout should be based on a modified grid system that respects changes in the natural landscape, and conserved lands
Should be designed to evenly disperse local traffic throughout the neighbourhood, and provide pedestrians with links to all uses
Modified grid systems better support the slowing of automobile traffic and the provision of public transportation
Planning policies should reflect reduced development standards, such as road widths, turning radii and the provision of rear laneways.
Must support the design principles of vistas and termination of views with public buildings, such as a town hall, helping to improve visual orientation, and creating memorable places
Must reduce the need for large surface parking lots with some on street parking during specific times of the day
A majority of the parking should be situated to the rear or side the building, out of view of the pedestrian

INTEGRATION OF USES

Town centre and neighbourhood reflect a mix of uses
A variety of housing types are zoned by compatibility rather than type
Residential areas easily accommodate home based businesses within the building or within an ancillary unit on the housing lot
Parking structures will maintain street level continuity with street level retail
Within the town centre, housing units above retail and office uses will provide integration

RANGE OF PUBIC SPACES AND SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC REALM

Town square acts as a focal point of the neighbourhood
Creates social cohesion, and a place for community event and activities (i.e. concerts, political rallies, public meetings, arts and crafts sales)
Recreation areas, such as playing fields, playgrounds and greens for informal and non-programmed activities
All public spaces should be physically and visually accessible
Public spaces are designed to be interesting and distinctive, thereby being memorable with attention to details in the design of the space (i.e. street furniture, lighting, the need to provide enclosure through surrounding building placement)
Larger green spaces such as conservation areas, should be used to define the boundaries of a neighbourhood
All public spaces should be located along major pedestrian thoroughfares to ensure accessibility, to promote use, and to provide security
Public spaces should be linked through the system of landscaped streets, and pedestrian sidewalks and pathways through open areas
Situate homes closer together to help and foster a tighter sense of community

VARIETY OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TYPES

Provide for diverse housing opportunities and price levels to ensure a socio-economic and ethnic mix
Integrated housing types in the town centre with apartment units above retail uses, low rise apartment buildings should be included to provide a higher density, and street oriented row housing or town homes, instead of town home block development
A mix of single detached, semi-detached homes, and street oriented town homes integrated throughout the community should be done through careful transition between building types
Creates opportunities for affordable housing with a housing type variety
Medium to higher density housing, and reduction in required front and side yard setbacks support compact urban development
Residential areas with rear laneways provide storage of automobiles, reducing their visual presence
Development plans should support and encourage small ancillary buildings on housing lots as additional housing units, or places for home based businesses

COMPREHENSIVE BIKE SYSTEM

The use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation should be encouraged by an accessible, safe and convenient system of bike lanes and pathways
Creation of desirable bike routes should link all the uses of the neighbourhood
Bike system should be linked with transit system
Place accessible and convenient bike storage facilities throughout the neighbourhood
Environmentally friendly form of transportation that also helps to promote social contact

RESPECT FOR LOCAL HERITAGE AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS

Major design elements should reflect the local culture and traditions, geography, climatic conditions, while maintaining an interesting mix of architectural styles
Architecture should draw upon vernacular themes of the development area creating a physical connection between the existing built form the potential development

FLEXIBLE POLICY AND REGULATION

A detailed set of planning codes, regulations and developments should be designed for each community carefully considering natural amenities, existing land uses and local history
Policies must be flexible to accommodate the key design elements of narrow streets, rear access laneways, a wide variety of parking configurations
Policies and regulations must support the larger fundamental philosophy of the New Urbanism
Buildings, particularly in the town centre, must be regulated to provide spatial definition for the street and public space