Strip Development
Strip development refers to a pattern of commercial land use in which individual businesses or establishments are located along a major road or thoroughfare. Each business has direct, individual access to the road, often resulting in a linear arrangement of retail and commercial spaces. This form of development is characterized by its visibility and accessibility, heavily relying on signage to attract customers driving by.
Examples
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Shopping Plazas and Retail Centers: Many suburban areas feature shopping plazas and retail strips where stores, restaurants, and services are aligned side by side along busy streets.
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Gas Stations and Fast-Food Chains: These businesses often situate themselves in strip development patterns to capitalize on high traffic volumes and ease of access.
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Auto Dealerships and Specialty Stores: These types of businesses commonly use strip development due to the high visibility and ample space it provides for display and customer access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main benefit of strip development for businesses?
- A1: The main benefit is high visibility and easy access for customers, which can drive higher foot traffic and sales.
Q2: What are some potential downsides of strip development?
- A2: Potential downsides include increased traffic congestion, aesthetic concerns, and the potential for underutilized spaces or urban sprawl.
Q3: How does strip development impact local traffic?
- A3: Strip development can lead to higher traffic volumes and congestion on major roads, especially during peak business hours.
Q4: What types of businesses usually prefer strip development?
- A4: Businesses that benefit from high visibility and ease of access, such as retail stores, restaurants, and service stations, typically prefer strip development.
Q5: How does strip development affect urban planning?
- A5: Urban planners have to manage the balance between commercial development needs and traffic flow, aesthetics, and community preferences.
Related Terms
- Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into previously rural or undeveloped land.
- Mixed-Use Development: Development that combines residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single area or building.
- Highway Commercial Zoning: Zoning that permits commercial activities along significant highways, often facilitating strip development.
- Traffic Engineering: The study and practice of designing and managing roads and intersections to ensure efficient and safe traffic flow.
- Sign Ordinance: Local laws governing the size, placement, and appearance of signage to balance business needs and community aesthetics.
Online References
- Urban Planning Concepts
- Transportation Research Board
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Urban Form
- American Planning Association (APA)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Urban Sprawl and Public Health: Designing, Planning, and Building for Healthy Communities” by Howard Frumkin, Lawrence Frank, and Richard Jackson
- “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs
- “Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream” by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck
- “The Geography of Transport Systems” by Jean-Paul Rodrigue
- “Principles of Urban Retail Planning and Development” by Robert J. Gibbs
Fundamentals of Strip Development: Urban Planning Basics Quiz
### What characterizes strip development?
- [x] Direct access to a major thoroughfare for each establishment.
- [ ] No signage for businesses.
- [ ] Residential homes mixed in with businesses.
- [ ] Complete isolation from major roads.
> **Explanation:** Strip development is characterized by each establishment having direct access to a major thoroughfare, often using signs to attract passersby.
### Why is strip development beneficial for businesses?
- [x] High visibility and easy access.
- [ ] Low property costs.
- [ ] High likelihood of residential traffic.
- [ ] Reduced competition from other businesses.
> **Explanation:** The high visibility and easy access to customers driving by can significantly increase foot traffic and sales for businesses in strip developments.
### What is a potential downside of strip development?
- [ ] Increased property values.
- [x] Traffic congestion.
- [ ] Higher demand for public transport.
- [ ] Lower business density.
> **Explanation:** Strip development can cause increased traffic congestion on major roads, as it attracts a significant amount of vehicular traffic.
### Which type of business is least likely to prefer strip development?
- [ ] Gas stations.
- [ ] Fast-food chains.
- [x] Factories.
- [ ] Auto dealerships.
> **Explanation:** Factories, being industrial rather than commercial entities, do not typically rely on high visibility from major roads like retailers or service providers.
### How can strip development impact urban aesthetics?
- [ ] It typically enhances the visual appeal of an area.
- [x] It can lead to visual clutter due to excessive signage.
- [ ] It strictly maintains aesthetic harmony with residential areas.
- [ ] It often includes extensive green spaces and parks.
> **Explanation:** Strip development can create visual clutter because of the intensive use of signage by various businesses aiming to attract motorists.
### In urban planning, what is a common alternative to strip development?
- [ ] Single-use zoning.
- [x] Mixed-use development.
- [ ] Industrial parks.
- [ ] Suburban residential zones.
> **Explanation:** Mixed-use development is a common alternative, combining residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces in a single area to create a more integrated urban environment.
### Who primarily benefits from strip development?
- [ ] Residents looking for outdoor activities.
- [x] Businesses seeking high customer visibility.
- [ ] Commuters preferring less traffic.
- [ ] Environmental planners aiming to preserve green spaces.
> **Explanation:** Businesses benefit from the high visibility and access to a consistent flow of potential customers driving by.
### What urban issue is closely related to strip development?
- [ ] Public transportation efficiency.
- [ ] Urban renewal projects.
- [x] Urban sprawl.
- [ ] Resident satisfaction surveys.
> **Explanation:** Urban sprawl is often related to strip development, as the latter can contribute to the spread of commercial activities over larger areas, leading to less dense, more car-dependent urban environments.
### Signage in strip development is used primarily to:
- [x] Attract the attention of passing motorists.
- [ ] Comply with local building codes.
- [ ] Provide detailed business information.
- [ ] Enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.
> **Explanation:** Signage in strip development is extensively used to attract the attention of passing motorists and drive sales.
### What is a critical consideration for urban planners when dealing with strip development?
- [ ] Enforcing high-density residential zones.
- [ ] Ensuring diverse job creation.
- [x] Managing traffic flow and congestion.
- [ ] Promoting high-rise commercial buildings.
> **Explanation:** Urban planners must carefully manage traffic flow and congestion caused by the high accessibility and visibility features of strip development areas.
Thank you for exploring the complexities and details of strip development with us. Continue striving for deeper understanding and practical knowledge in urban planning!
