Arizona will no longer grant certifications for new residential developments in Phoenix, it’s largest city, due to concerns over groundwater supply.
The announcement indicates that the Phoenix area, currently the nation’s fastest-growing region in terms of population growth, will not be able to sustain its rapid growth because of limited freshwater resources. The state’s new policy won’t impact developments that have already been approved, so the growth limit ramifications will not be felt in the short term.
Longer term, though, housing developers will have a high bar to overcome to get new projects approved. They will have to demonstrate that they can provide an “assured water supply” for 100 years using water from a source that is not local groundwater.
About 80,000 unbuilt lots for housing are already approved and can go forward. The state’s decision is not expected to reduce water use for industry and manufacturing. But it could be a warning sign that parched areas of the West face tough decisions over how much growth they can support in the years ahead.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Feb 9, 2016
Winners named in 'reinventing Paris' competition
Architects submitted projects that redeveloped key parts of the city and incorporated green space features.
Urban Planning | Feb 2, 2016
Report identifies 600 cities that will drive economic growth through 2025
Of them, 440 are in emerging economies in China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Urban Planning | Jan 21, 2016
Anders Berensson Architects re-imagines Stockholm as a city of skywalks
The Swedish firm’s "Klarastaden" plan connects the city via clear skyways that weave in and around the city’s buildings.
Urban Planning | Jan 19, 2016
Cities are booming, but do they have what it takes to sustain growth?
While cities are creating new jobs and attracting new residents, there are warning signs that suggest this current urban boom lacks the necessary sustainability that comes with focusing on the macro issues of community, affordibility, and displacement, writes Gensler’s Peter Weingarten.
Urban Planning | Jan 4, 2016
The next boomtown? Construction and redevelopment sizzle in San Diego
The city's emission-reduction plan could drive influx into downtown
Urban Planning | Dec 21, 2015
Addressing urban density with design
How does success in managing density begin? By being design friendly to everyone, writes Jessica K. Lucyshyn of GS&P.
Urban Planning | Dec 7, 2015
Handbook for design, construction, maintenance of permeable pavements released
Supports sustainable solution to stormwater and urban runoff.
