Infill Development

The term “infill development” refers to building within unused and underutilized lands within existing development patterns, typically but not exclusively in urban areas. Infill development is critical to accommodating growth and redesigning our cities to be environmentally- and socially-sustainable.

OPR works with agencies and jurisdictions at both the state and local levels to support infill development and reduce sprawl. OPR is committed to promoting compact development in order to:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve regional air quality by reducing the distance people need to travel
Reduce conversion of agricultural land, sensitive habitat, and open space for new development
Reduce costs to build and maintain expensive infrastructure
Facilitate healthy and environmentally-friendly active transportation
Reduce storm-water runoff resulting in flooding and pollution of waterways
Bring vibrancy, community and social connection to neighborhoods

OPR’s 1978 An Urban Strategy for Californiaprovides a framework for sustainable infill development. We provide technical assistance on CEQA and identify best practices to share across the state.

State Resources

Federal Resources