infilling

Infilling, in urban planning, is development that fills empty or underused land within existing urban areas rather than expanding outward into undeveloped land. It aims to make efficient use of existing infrastructure and services, promote higher density near transit and job centers, and revitalize neighborhoods.

Infilling commonly targets vacant lots, parcels with underutilized buildings, or former industrial sites within cities. Projects range from small-scale residential conversions to larger mixed-use developments. Brownfield redevelopment, where contaminated or previously developed sites are cleaned and repurposed, is a frequent infill activity. Successful infill balances density, housing needs, and the character of surrounding areas while leveraging existing utilities, roads, schools, and public transit.

Planning and implementation involve several steps and considerations. Early stages include site assessment and market analysis, followed by zoning and permitting, environmental review, and stakeholder engagement. Design reviews address compatibility with adjacent built form, scale, and streetscape. Infrastructure capacity, access to transit, parking, and local services are evaluated. Financing often relies on a mix of public incentives, tax exemptions, developer funding, and value-capture mechanisms. Regulation and policy tools, such as inclusive zoning, density bonuses, and expedited approvals, frequently shape outcomes.

Advantages of infill development include reduced urban sprawl, preservation of open space, more efficient use of infrastructure, and potential for affordable housing and enhanced urban vitality. Challenges can include higher construction costs due to site conditions, complex approvals, community opposition, and risks of gentrification. Successful infilling depends on careful site selection, collaboration among public and private actors, and policies that align incentives with community goals.

In other contexts, infilling can refer to the deposition of material to fill cavities or voids in geological, architectural, or materials science settings.