A Checklist of the Qualities of the New Urbanism Design Philosophy

This checklist is designed to provide information outlining the major elements of the New
Urbanism design for a variety of individuals. For example, this checklist will be useful for
developers who are creating plans for new development projects or intending to retrofit
existing suburban communities. The municipal planner can use the checklist to examine
incoming proposals and determine where these plans truly represent the elements of
traditional neighbourhood development. The planner can also use the checklist to test
the authenticity of development plans claiming to be designed with the elements of
traditional neighbourhood design. For the public, the checklist will provide a useful
informational tool of the qualities of the New Urbanism design philosophy, and will allow
Compact
form
(approximately
one mile
diameter) allows
for a for
pedestrian
them to participate
andurban
better
scrutinize
the planning
development
process
new
oriented environment with walking distances of five to ten minutes
projects.

DESIGN

Reduces dependence of the automobile, encourages walking

Promotes site sensitive design that works with natural systems rather than
competing with them
Compact development uses land resources more intensively by increasing
residential densities through a variety of housing types
Bike system creates opportunities for another cheaper, environmentally friendly
mode of transportation
The smaller infrastructure makes this type of neighbourhood design cheaper to
service, very cost effective

ENCOURAGES SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

Visible or distinct edges bordering natural areas, protected lands, lower density
development, or parks and open space with other distinct neighbourhoods
CLEARLY Reduces the potential for urban sprawl, or edge sprawl development
DEFINED Preserves open space and agricultural lands from further development
Reduces
airofpollution
with
compact
development
A majority
the homes
are
within aurban
five-minute
walk of the town centre and all
Defined
helppedestrian
to define road
andone-quarter
maintain servicing
its
basic boundaries,
amenities. The
shed infrastructure,
is approximately
of one mile
costs office buildings and home based businesses allow residents to be within
Some
walking distance of their places of work
BOUNDARIES
A system of sidewalks connects all uses, and is designed for the convenience of
the pedestrian
All sidewalks are clearly identifiable and illuminated
On street parking acts as a layer of protection between automobiles and
pedestrians using sidewalks
Storage of automobiles is relegated behind buildings, and accessed though
laneways, further enhancing the pedestrian environment
Narrower thoroughfares help to slow traffic and protect the pedestrian from fast
moving cars
A range of parks (i.e. school parks and playgrounds, playing fields, and
Street
layout should
be based
on a spaces
modified
grid
system
thatvillage
respects
changes
in
contemplation
gardens)
and public
(i.e.
town
square,
plaza,
green)
the
natural
landscape,
and
conserved
lands
encourage pedestrian activity and promote social contact
Should be designed to evenly disperse local traffic throughout the
provide pedestrians with links to all uses
PEDESTRIANneighbourhood,
ORIENTED and
DESIGN
Modified grid systems better support the slowing of automobile traffic and the
provision of public transportation
STREET
Planning policies should reflect reduced development standards, such as road
widths, turning radii and the provision of rear laneways.
LAYOUT
Must support
theneighbourhood
design principles
of vistas
and
termination of views with public
Town
centre and
reflect
a mix
of uses
buildings,
such
as a town
helpingbytocompatibility
improve visual
orientation,
and creating
A
variety of
housing
typeshall,
are zoned
rather
than type
memorable areas
placeseasily accommodate home based businesses within the building
Residential
Must
reduce
the needunit
for large
parking
lots with some on street parking
or
within
an ancillary
on thesurface
housing
lot
during specific
times
the day street level continuity with street level retail
Parking
structures
willofmaintain
A
majority
of thecentre,
parkinghousing
should units
be situated
theand
rearoffice
or side
thewill
building,
out of
Within
the town
above to
retail
uses
provide
view of the pedestrian
integration

INTEGRATION OF USES
RANGE OF PUBIC SPACES AND SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC REALM

VARIETY
OF

Town square acts as a focal point of the neighbourhood

Creates social cohesion, and a place for community event and activities (i.e.
Provide
forpolitical
diverserallies,
housing
opportunities
levels sales)
to ensure a socioconcerts,
public
meetings,and
artsprice
and crafts
economic
and
ethnic
mix
Recreation areas, such as playing fields, playgrounds and greens for informal and
Integrated
housingactivities
types in the town centre with apartment units above retail
non-programmed
uses,
low
rise
apartment
buildings
should
included
to provide a higher density,
All public spaces should be
physically
and be
visually
accessible
and
street
oriented
row housing
town homes,
of town
home
block
Public
spaces
are designed
to beor
interesting
and instead
distinctive,
thereby
being
development
memorable with attention to details in the design of the space (i.e. street
A
mix of single
detached,
semi-detached
homes, through
and street
oriented town
homes
furniture,
lighting,
the need
to provide enclosure
surrounding
building
integrated
placement)throughout the community should be done through careful transition
between
building
types
Larger green
spaces
such as conservation areas, should be used to define the
Creates
opportunities
for affordable housing with a housing type variety
boundaries of a neighbourhood
Medium
highershould
density
reduction
in required
front and sidetoyard
All publictospaces
behousing,
located and
along
major pedestrian
thoroughfares
setbacks
support
compact
urban
development
ensure accessibility, to promote use, and to provide security
Residential
areas
withbe
rear
laneways
provide
storage
automobiles,
reducing
Public
spaces
should
linked
through
the system
of of
landscaped
streets,
and
their
visual sidewalks
presence and pathways through open areas
pedestrian
Development
support
andand
encourage
small ancillary
on
Situate homesplans
closershould
together
to help
foster a tighter
sense ofbuildings
community
housing lots as additional housing units, or places for home based businesses

TheHOUSING
use of bicycles
as an alternative mode of transportation should be
RESIDENTIAL
TYPES

encouraged by an accessible, safe and convenient system of bike lanes and

pathways
Creation of desirable bike routes should link all the uses of the neighbourhood
Bike system should be linked with transit system
Place accessible and convenient bike storage facilities throughout the
neighbourhood
Environmentally friendly form of transportation that also helps to promote social
contact

COMPREHENSIVE BIKE SYSTEM

Major design elements should reflect the local culture and traditions, geography,

RESPECT climatic conditions, while maintaining an interesting mix of architectural styles

Architecture should draw upon vernacular themes of the development area
FOR
creating a physical connection between the existing built form the potential
LOCAL
development
HERITAGE
A detailed
set of planning codes, regulations and developments should be
AND CULTURAL
TRADITIONS
FLEXIBLE
POLICY
AND

designed for each community carefully considering natural amenities, existing

land uses and local history
Policies must be flexible to accommodate the key design elements of narrow
streets, rear access laneways, a wide variety of parking configurations
Policies and regulations must support the larger fundamental philosophy of the
New Urbanism
Buildings, particularly in the town centre, must be regulated to provide spatial
definition for the street and public space

REGULATION