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THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
PLANNING ISSUE
The varying landscapes across
the county each present
planning challenges as the
county continues to develop
and grow. Urban, suburban
and rural areas all will need to
find ways to preserve what
matters while adapting to new
trends and needs.
Montgomery County’s landscapes run the gamut from
rural to urban:
Existing Land Use
Land Use Changes:
1970 - 2010
Regionally Significant Land Uses
Types of Landscapes
Land Use Trends
Types of Landscapes
Montgomery County contains a variety of landscapes across
its 300,000-plus acres. With urban centers, suburban areas
both old and new, as well as rural settings, there’s
something for everyone in this county.
Rural areas in the county are still primarily undeveloped,
with both farmland and wooded habitats, and some low
density development. Smaller villages, like Lederach or
Perkiomenville, and preserved open spaces, like Green Lane
Park, can also be found, primarily in the county’s western
half. Rural areas in the county are identifiable based on
several qualities: traditional farmland or aesthetically
pleasing viewsheds, a location in areas away from existing
development and infrastructure, and lands with
environmental sensitivity or natural amenities that have not
yet been preserved.
Much of the county has a suburban landscape, with a range
of characteristics. Single family homes on larger lots and
destinations that require access to a car make up much of
the county’s suburban surroundings. So do major
employment and retail centers like King of Prussia and the
Route 422 Corridor. Some of the county’s suburbs have
undeveloped land for future growth while other areas look
to redevelopment or remediation to adapt to the changing
needs of the marketplace.
Urban areas in the county are typified by a high degree of
access, usually along a major roadway or within close
proximity to public transit (or both). Existing housing stock
is frequently older and denser; rowhomes and apartment
buildings exist alongside newer infill development that is
becoming more commonplace. The infrastructure already
exists within these places to handle denser development.
Some of the county’s development centers can be found in
these urban areas too, from well-established places like
Pottstown or the county seat of Norristown, to newer
centers like Conshohocken, which has blossomed into a
major employment center due to its easy highway and
transit access.
Restored farm buildings in Limerick Township
Downtown Lansdale
New residential development in East Norriton Township
