Urban sprawl is the growth of cities outward instead of upward. This sprawl increases commute times, therefore increasing air pollution and the reliance on oil. Zoning ordinances can isolate land use which restricts the availability of renewal and reuse of existing areas thus demanding that new land be developed. Low density growth planning increases the amount of land that is needed to allow for automobile access and people per area. All of these factors can be limited or avoided if planning committees educate the public and incorporate land use regulations and capital improvement programs that will benefit everyone.

In many cities these committees are aware and willing to try to make a change but they are not successful because of two common factors:

Outdated city codes
Conversion of rural open space

City codes can demand excessive amounts of parking spaces or allow the amount of cars that people will own to be a determining factor in space allowances. In reality if public transportation or the ability to walk is considered, most people will choose these alternatives. Also, the conversion of rural open spaces, which includes prime agriculture land, woodlands, and wetlands to residential use, is not needed if cities allow for the re-use of existing structures, whether commercial or not, to be used for what they are needed for, housing alternatives. It is important to use land efficiently because it reinforces community vitality and protects natural resources.

Most cities have elected officials to control land use and to authorize urban expansion and growth. They need to be reminded that smart growth and adaptive reuse is more important than the sprawl that has previously been the norm in construction.