(law) A type of zoning ordinance regulating average density rather than the size of each lot, generally requiring some amount of shared open space.
2003, Robert H. Freilich, “Smart Growth in Western Metro Areas”, in Natural Resources Journal, volume 43, number 3, →JSTOR:
When development is appropriate, Smart Growth tools such as cluster zoning and mitigation fees should be used to minimize the impact of the development on agriculturally or environmentally sensitive land.
