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 | Jan 3, 2020
BIG unveils Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm vision
BIG and WXY Architects are co-leading the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 22, 2019
Culdesac Tempe will be the country’s first from-scratch, car-free neighborhood
The neighborhood is scheduled to launch in 2020.
Sustainability | Nov 8, 2019
South Korea plans to build three hydrogen-powered cities by 2022
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is in charge of the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 6, 2019
Does investment in public transit pay off in economic development and growth?
Despite recent data about ridership declines, a new report on mass transit is optimistic.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Oct 7, 2019
Central Park’s Lasker Rink and Pool to undergo $150 million restoration project
The project will be the largest the Central Park Conservancy has ever undertaken.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 28, 2019
Seattle’s newest substation doubles as a civic amenity
The Denny Substation includes 44,000 sf of open space that invites local residents and visitors to frequent the complex.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
