Effects of Land-Use Regulation on the Built Environment and Crime

Research suggests that public health would be improved if the built environment changed in many urban neighborhoods. While there has been empirical research examining the link between built environment and crime and other health outcomes in neighborhoods, less research has focused on the role that specific land-use policies have in shaping neighborhood environments. This study seeks to examine what effect land-use law has on shaping the built environment and affecting crime outcomes. We examined the relationships between land-use law, the built environment, and crime on 200 blocks in Los Angeles that were selectively matched by neighborhoods so that there would be demographic comparability across blocks. We systematically recorded block face observations, zoning laws, and the reported crimes in the target Los Angeles neighborhoods. From these data we estimated the effect of land use laws on built environment and crime outcomes. We hope to provide policymakers with actionable evidence on ways to reduce crime and improve the built environment by crafting land-use laws and regulation.