Arrested Developments : Combating Zombie Subdivisions and Other Excess Entitlements

In the Intermountain West region of the United States, the real estate boom and bust of the 2000s left many residential development projects incomplete. From vacant lots to partially built subdivisions that require road maintenance and other infrastructure without contributing to the local tax base, these excess development entitlements are distorting development patterns and real estate markets and diminishing fiscal health in their communities. Drawing on case studies, lessons from experts, survey results, and data analyses, this report identifies the challenges towns and cities face and recommends treatment and prevention measures--including a model process to help communities start to address problems in their jurisdictions.