The difference between "clustering" and conservation subdivisions

"We already have clustering!" That's the common response LandChoices hears from township officials when we recommend they consider conservation subdivisions to preserve rural lands.

The cluster subdivision in the site plan above is the result of the Milford, Michigan cluster ordinance. The problem? It preserves very little, if any, land.

Whereas with clustering preserved land is often an afterthought, conservation subdivisions preserve the highest quality conservation lands first.

Conservation subdivisions set a much higher standard for the quantity, quality, and configuration of preserved land. Cluster ordinances typically require only 25 or 30 percent open space, including unbuildable wetlands, steep slopes and flood plains. Conservation subdivisions designate at least 40 percent (and usually 50 percent, and up to 70 percent or more in rural areas) of the buildable land , plus unbuildable wetlands, steep slopes and floodplains, as preserved land. Learn the difference between clustering and conservation subdivisions.

Have you ever heard the term "clustering" used?

Kirt Manecke
LandChoices
downloadtheordinance.org

Site plan courtesy Choate Custom Homes