Suggested Citation:
Spears, Steven, Marlon G. Boarnet, Susan L. Handy, Caroline J. Rodier (2014) Impacts of Land-Use Mix on Passenger Vehicle Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Air Resources Board

Land-use mix or mixed-use development can be defined as the practice of accommodating more than one type of function within a building, a set of buildings, or a specific area. These functions include residential, office, retail, and personal services, as well as parks and open space. Localities can encourage a better balance of land uses through zoning that allows housing, retail establishments, and employment centers to exist in close proximity. Balance can also be increased through policies that encourage infill development and that allow vertical mixing of uses within the same building. Because mixed-use neighborhoods offer a variety of employment, shopping, and recreational opportunities within short distances of residences, they facilitate the use of non-automobile travel modes and can shorten car trips, which in turn may reduce passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

Key words: land mix, policies, transportation methods