Introduction & Overview

Sprawl is scattered, poorly planned development that increases traffic, saps local resources, and destroys open space. Sprawling developments are located beyond the limits of city services and most employment opportunities, separating where people live from where they shop, work, recreate, and educate, forcing people to own and drive cars in order to reach most destinations.

Sprawl is a spiraling problem that goes beyond the elimination of natural and open spaces. It also increases air and water pollution, creates severe traffic troubles due to increased dependency on car travel, promotes and worsens flooding, destroys wildlife habitat, and increases costs of government services. This handbook is designed to assist those who are fighting sprawl issues. It was created by Sierra Club volunteers as a result of the many phone calls received from concerned citizens searching for ways to stop or slow sprawling developments and their consequences. The Sierra Club expects this handbook will be an effective tool to give individuals and groups the direction and general information necessary to speak and take action against unwarranted, destructive development practices which degrade our quality of life and natural environment.

One must consider several questions when developing an effective, logical strategy to ensure the most success against a specific proposed development that would promote sprawl. It is important to be familiar with the process which a developer uses when working with the Metropolitan Development Commission (or similar governing body) on a proposed development, as well as the steps one can take to oppose the development. If one strategy doesn't work, another one might!

First, what is the land use plan set out in the area's Comprehensive Plan? Does the proposed development fall under the original purpose as stated in the Plan? Will the zoning need to be changed in order for this development to occur? (See Section 2 and, if you live in Marion County, also Section 3).
Second, what type of water protection permits must be obtained before the builder can proceed and which agency issues those permits What will each permitting agency look for in determining the effects of the development on water quality (endangered wetlands, toxic contamination, increased flooding potential)? (See Section 4).
Third, what plants and/or animals are on the property which might be protected by the Endangered Species Act? (See Section 5).
Finally, what are the transportation/traffic impacts that would result from this new development? Would it create a major traffic congestion problem? Would old roads need to be widened or new roads constructed? (See Section 1.)

Not all new development is sprawl. And the struggle against destructive development doesn't have a positive result every time. We must look beyond fighting single destructive projects and work to change the conditions that allow sprawl. Each section includes suggested ways you can work to do this.

The Sierra club wishes you success in sprawl-fighting within your own community and others.

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