Which term describes a zoning approach designed to preserve open space by clustering homes and providing shared common areas?

• A. Zoning overlay
• B. Traditional subdivision
• C. Planned Unit Development (PUD)
• D. Greenfield development

Answer: (C)

Planned Unit Development is the term that fits this concept. In a PUD, developers can relax standard lot sizes, setbacks, and other requirements to cluster homes more tightly while preserving larger areas as common open space. This arrangement creates shared amenities—parks, trails, recreation facilities—often managed by a homeowners association, which helps protect natural areas and reduces urban sprawl by concentrating development.

The other options don’t center on this clustering-with-shared-space idea. A zoning overlay is an additional regulatory layer, not specifically about clustering or shared spaces. Greenfield development describes building on undeveloped land, usually outside urban areas, without the particular focus on open space preservation through clustering. A traditional subdivision typically features standard lots laid out with individual parcels, offering less emphasis on preserving open space or providing shared areas.