ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how cities and suburbs are using green spaces to create sustainable and desirable places aided by infill development and the adaptive reuse of buildings. An important element for cities and suburbs in retaining residents and attracting new ones is the quality and energy efficiency of buildings and transportation systems together with green space for recreation, stormwater management, aesthetics, reduction of the heat island effect, and wildlife habitat. Cities, suburbs, and metro regions that steward their built and natural environments may well have a better chance of creating sustainable economies and equitable societies. More than 300 cities and suburbs in the United States have adopted form-based codes or merged form-based codes with traditional Euclidian zoning to create parallel codes. Zoning ordinances have a direct influence on the appearance and functioning of cities and suburbs. An ordinance that allows mixed use development and higher density encourages more pedestrian traffic and transit use.
