Open space development has numerous environmental and community benefits, including:

1.

Reduces the impervious cover in a development. Impervious cover contributes to degradation of water resources by increasing the volume of surface runoff, and preventing infiltration of rainfall into the soil surface.

2.

Reduces pollutant loads to streams and other water resources.

3.

Reduces potential pressure to encroach on resource buffer areas.

4.

Reduces soil erosion potential by reducing the amount of clearing and grading on the site.

5.

Preserves green space.

6.

Preserves open space for recreation.

7.

Reduces the capital cost of development.

8.

Reduces the cost of stormwater management by concentrating runoff in one area and reducing runoff volumes.

9.

Provides a wider range of feasible sites to locate stormwater BMPs.

10.

Reduces the cost of future public services needed by the development.

11.

Can increase future property values.

12.

Creates urban wildlife habitat "islands."

13.

Creates a sense of community and pedestrian movement.

14.

Can support other community planning goals, such as farmland preservation, affordable housing, and architectural diversity.