Cluster Development

There are two overarching goals of cluster development: 1) to preserve agriculture land, open space, wetlands, water bodies, viewsheds, forests, meadows and other natural features that the community values, and 2) to reduce costs to developers and public entities of providing infrastructure to new developments. If a cluster development is sited appropriately, it can benefit a community by keeping housing costs low, maintaining scenic views, providing access to open or recreation space, and creating housing options.

Cluster development can be promoted in a municipality's subdivision ordinance or in a stand-alone cluster development ordinance. Cluster development ordinances typically include design standards for subdivision development. Cluster development ordinances, can also provide incentives to developers, such as allowing them to increase the number of lots and/or buildings that may be constructed on a site, in exchange for utilizing a cluster development.