Relationship Between Revenue-based Urban Density Policy and Neighbourhood Satisfaction: Case of Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Cities are facing with rising needs and financial constraints worldwide. In such a situation, zoning regulations (land-based financing policies) are often considered as a potential policy tools to increase density to finance a diverse range of public infrastructures by local governments. Based on a questionnaire survey conducted with 384 participants from the neighbourhood residents and in-person site visit in Tabriz, Iran, this article investigates the relationship between revenue-based density selling policy implementation and neighbourhood satisfaction and urban resilience. The findings demonstrated that there is significant alignment among residential dissatisfaction about implementation of ‘density selling’ policy. All examined qualitative indicators represented lower level of the residents’ satisfaction with the new situation. Urban densification policies through the selling floor area ratio (FAR) permission have brought negative consequences in the physical and social dimensions. The findings also revealed the high level of residents’ awareness and their concerns about natural hazards. The findings can be valuable to give decision makers and city managers a better understanding of the consequences of using revenue-based urban development.