L.E.A.P.F.R.O.G. development
We define leapfrog development as land use where the
Least
Expensive
Available
Property
Forces
Reckless
Objectionable
Growth
In other words, an extreme form of sprawl.
Leapfrog development is an even more inefficient use of land than sprawl. That's because it skips over available land and gobbles up large tracts. Development leaps to outlying and isolated areas because the cheapest land is at the farthest distance.
Less expensive land is more attractive to builders.
However, the infrastructure costs are greater- more freeways and arterials, more pipe for sewer and water, fewer homes and jobs serviced, etc.
Leapfrog development bypasses concentrated development areas already served by public facilities and services.
The establishment of an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is intended to reduce those service inefficiencies. But a UGB larger than necessary encourages leapfrog development.
Comprehensive planning should encourage orderly development as a means to direct development into areas where adequate public facilities and services already exist or can be provided in the most cost effective manner.
Leapfrog development creates disconnected development that places additional demands on an already overburdened public infrastructure.
There are social costs to consider as well.
For example, we are building mega-schools in rural areas. This encourages leapfrog development because the newest schools are perceived as offering the best education. Walking to school is not an option.
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