The associations of code reform zoning and activity-oriented zoning with neighborhood social connectedness in the U.S., including mediation by walkability and park coverage.

OBJECTIVE

Zoning codes influence the built environments of communities in the United States (U.S.), which in turn have potential to promote social connections. This study assessed associations between code reform zoning (CRZ) and activity-oriented zoning (AOZ) exposure and perceived neighborhood social connectedness and whether these associations were mediated by walkability and park coverage.

METHODS

Data from the Current Population Survey September 2019 Volunteering and Civic Life Supplement were linked to U.S. county-level data on (1) population-level exposure to CRZ and an index of 10 AOZ measures as of 2010, (2) EPA's 2021 National Walkability Index, and (3) proportion of area devoted to parks from the 2018 National Neighborhood Data Archive (n = 21,616). Multivariable logistic regression models with robust standard errors examined associations between CRZ and AOZ exposure and three perceived neighborhood social connectedness measures and mediation analyses examined mediation by walkability and park coverage.

RESULTS

CRZ (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.36) and each additional AOZ measure (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) were associated with having conversations or spending time with neighbors. CRZ (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10-1.35) was also associated with neighbors doing favors for each other, as was AOZ (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). None of these associations were mediated by walkability or park coverage. CRZ (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.46) and AOZ (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) were associated with neighbors getting together to do something positive; both associations were mediated by walkability but not park coverage.

CONCLUSION

Zoning is a policy lever that can promote neighborhood social connectedness.