Regional Dashboard
Land Use
LAND USE-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
WHAT IS THE MEASURE?
The number of acres developed for residential use for every additional 100 persons in San Diego County. 
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- As our population grows, we require more housing to accommodate our families and new residents.
- Given geographical, zoning and other development constraints, conflicts on how we use our land will arise without proper planning.
- If not done thoughtfully, residential land development results in degraded water quality, increased water and electricity consumption and costs, an increase in vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption and time spent on the road, and encroachment on important natural areas and wildlife habitat.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
In the last four years, the number of acres of land developed per 100 new residents has declined compared to the previous four years, indicating that we may be moving away from the sprawling trend that was evident in the first half of this decade. An increase in multi-family housing building permits in recent years supports this more compact development trend.
But even at 14 acres developed per 100 new residents, our consumption of land for residential use outpaces our population growth. Though some of the land use patterns we see in our region are correlated to broader phenomenon, such as access to low interest credit which can drive inefficient land use, if we want to make room for our growing families, we need to consider smarter, more efficient residential land development policies at the local and county levels.
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LAND USE-PARK ACCESS
WHAT IS THE MEASURE?
Percent of population that lives within 1/4 mile (easy walking distance) of a park.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- In addition to providing recreational outlets, parks and natural areas provide habitat for wildlife, flood control, water filtration, and scenic beauty.
- Places like Balboa Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, the world-class beaches that span our coastline, and Anza Borrego State Park are all important draws for visitors and residents alike.
- Green areas can make neighborhoods more vibrant and safe, and enhance the value of real estate.
- Particularly for urban areas where many homes don’t have yards, parks may be the sole open space available to families and children.
- Allotting space in our communities for residents to move and exercise is also critical to health and addressing the epidemic of obesity in our county.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
About 30% (more than 800,000) of the County’s residents are within easy walking distance to a park or natural area. The map demonstrates that there is significant opportunity to increase residents’ access to parks and natural areas in the western part of the county and to provide public transportation options to the sizeable natural and recreational amenities in the eastern part of the county.
In addition to measuring distance to parks, other ways of measuring park equity are acres of park per 1000 residents and whether open spaces are meeting the needs of the community. The San Diego Foundation is currently sponsoring a study that will analyze these issues in more depth.
LINKS TO ACTION
News, resources, calendar of events from the Smart Growth Network.
The City Project is a Los Angeles nonprofit group that does research, mapping and promotes active engagement of communities in park access. City Project is currently working with the San Diego Foundation to map San Diego's park access and equity issues.
The Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana District Council provides leadership in the responsible use of land to enhance the total environment. The District Council addresses issues involving land use, real estate, housing, transportation and urban development.
National Recreation and Parks Association provides information for professionals and the public on the importance of parks and recreation. Here you will find resources like policy publications and legislative agendas, the Advocacy Action Center for getting involved with your local community, and learning tools and publications.
The Trust for Public Land provides information on preserving land for human enjoyment and wellbeing. Here are resources for conservation initiatives, federal and climate conservation programs, and news and publications.