Product No.: 05009
Date Published: 12/2004
If you would like to request a printed copy (or copies) of this product, please call DVRPC at 215-592-1800 or email the staff contact listed below. If you would like to request this publication or portion of this publication in another language or format, please fill out a request form.
As a means to help implement policies advocated in the DVRPC long-range land use and transportation plan, this study takes a critical look at what is meant by residential density, including what low, medium, and high densities mean to different suburbs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. How is density measured and how is it perceived? Why is there frequently a negative perception of density? What has been the rationale for low-density development? What are the benefits and impacts of higher density? How has the region grown over the last ten years and what density trends are apparent? Beyond defining and measuring density in the region, the study also looks at the market for higher densities in the Delaware Valley region, as well as nationally. What demographic groups do higher density developments appeal to? Lastly, the study addresses the critical importance of good design as it relates to density, and recommends policies and guidelines that achieve better community design.Geographic Area Covered: Nine-county Delaware Valley region with discussion of individual counties and municipalities.
Key Words: population density, housing unit density, dwelling units per acre, gross density, net density, floor area ratio, cluster zoning, lot averaging, design, neighborhood types, building types, streets, parking, streetscape, form-based codes, Smart Code, the Transect, design guidelines
Staff Contact(s)
- Karin A. Morris, AICP (kmorris@dvrpc.org)
Translation Request
DVRPC’s publications or portions of publications can be translated in alternative languages and formats if requested. To request translation, please submit the form below. You can also contact DVRPC’s Office of Communications & Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org.
Title VI Statement
In effect as of January 30, 2025
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, all programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or income level, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination mandates.
DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC’s public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities and in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. DVRPC will work to accommodate all reasonable requests for translation, interpretation, accommodations or other auxiliary services and encourages that requests be made at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Requests can be made by contacting the Commission’s ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins via email at public_affairs@dvrpc.org, calling (215) 592-1800, or while registering for an upcoming meeting.
Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with DVRPC's ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of DVRPC is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to Shoshana Akins as well. For more information on DVRPC's Title VI program or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please visit: www.dvrpc.org/GetInvolved/TitleVI, call (215) 592-1800, or email public_affairs@dvrpc.org.