Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Mixed-Use • Resilience Planning • Stormwater Management

Infill Development

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Infill Development is a planning approach that focuses on developing vacant or underused land within existing urban areas, rather than expanding into undeveloped areas. It's like filling in the empty spaces in a city's puzzle. Urban planners and developers use this method to make better use of existing infrastructure (like roads and utilities), create more housing options, and promote sustainable city growth. This approach is also sometimes called urban infill, infill construction, or land recycling. It's different from greenfield development, which involves building on previously undeveloped land outside the city.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Infill Development projects that added 200 residential units to downtown area

Led community engagement sessions for Urban Infill proposals in historic districts

Created feasibility studies for Infill projects targeting underutilized commercial lots

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Planner City Planner Development Manager Land Use Planner Planning Consultant Infill Development Specialist Urban Designer

Where to Find Urban Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle community opposition to an infill development project?

Expected Answer: A senior planner should discuss strategies for community engagement, addressing concerns about density and parking, presenting clear benefits to the neighborhood, and experience with successful compromise solutions.

Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating the feasibility of an infill development site?

Expected Answer: Should mention assessing existing infrastructure capacity, zoning regulations, market demand, environmental constraints, and potential community impacts, while demonstrating experience with successful project completion.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are some common challenges in infill development projects and how do you address them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss practical solutions to common issues like parking requirements, neighbor concerns, existing infrastructure limitations, and working within current zoning regulations.

Q: How do you balance density goals with neighborhood character in infill projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain approaches to maintaining neighborhood compatibility while achieving development objectives, including design guidelines and community input processes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the benefits of infill development compared to greenfield development?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic advantages like using existing infrastructure, reducing sprawl, and supporting walkable communities.

Q: What types of sites are typically suitable for infill development?

Expected Answer: Should identify vacant lots, underused parking lots, abandoned buildings, and other opportunities within existing urban areas as potential infill sites.