INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: Smart Growth: From Theoretical Approaches to Practical Concepts Abstract An introduction to a necessity: What did Urban Sprawl do to the cities? Compact city Public Transit-oriented development (TOD) Major public transit-oriented development policies The benefits of implementing public transit-oriented development Disadvantages of public transit-oriented development implementation Obstacles to the implementation of public transport-oriented development Types of public transit-oriented development The definition of smart growth Smart Growth or smart planning for urban growth Smart Growth vs Urban Sprawl Smart Growth: an opportunity for communities Smart Growth from the perspective of transit Smart Growth for improving the quality of life Smart Growth: a solution for housing Nature conservation by Smart Growth Smart Growth: an effective step towards urban sustainability Goals and objectives of Smart Growth In Search of the principles of Smart Growth The first Principle: Mixed use The second principle: compact building design The third principle: Creating a range of housing opportunities and choices The fourth principle: creating walkable neighborhoods The fifth principle: Fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place The sixth principle: Preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas Seventh principle: Strengthening and directing development towards existing communities The eighth principle: Providing a variety of transportation choices The ninth Principle: making development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective The tenth principle: encouraging community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions Additional principle, the need of collaboration of different players The impact of Smart Growth on urban life Urban Economy Urban community Urban environment A brief look at the benefits of Smart Growth Conclusion References Notes CHAPTER 2: Smart Growth vs Urban Sprawl Abstract Introduction What is urban sprawl? The coinage of the term sprawl in urban literature A brief overview of urban sprawl definitions Causes of Urban Sprawl Aspects of urban sprawl Urban sprawl and economy Urban sprawl and land use patterns Urban sprawl and density Urban sprawl and morphological patterns The consequences of urban sprawl The consequences of urban sprawl based on impact location Types of consequences of urban sprawl Urban sprawl versus smart growth Conclusion References Notes CHAPTER 3: A review of global experiences in evaluating urban development plans and policies based on smart growth Abstract Introduction North America The Idaho experiences The California experience The Maryland experience The experience of Ontario''s Greater Golden Horseshoe Smart Growth Plan Portland Experience San Diego Regional Comprehensive Plan China Beijing 2035 Shanghai 2050 India New Delhi Mumbai Smart Growth Iran Bojnourd City Kerman Discussion and conclusion References Notes CHAPTER 4: a review of critiques of smart growth Abstract Introduction Important criticisms of smart growth Lack of attention to the residents'' preferences and, as a result, the failure in realization of smart growth policies socially and economically Lack of concrete effects of increasing various public transport options on people''s dependence on cars The lowness of smart growth processes Preventing the growth of urban suburbs Making a strict layer of compliance with rules and regulations land allotment and limitation of environmental dynamics Restricting residential options and raising the cost of housing Increasing legal regulations and creating social constraints Traffic densification and mixed urban uses Increasing urban density and social problems Discussion and conclusion References CHAPTER 5: A comprehensive checklist of generalizable and achievable goals, strategies and policies for smart growth (With an emphasis on pedestrian-oriented transportation) Abstract Introduction Reducing reliance on personal transportation providing a variety of transportation options Optimal land use in line with targeted development in existing urban areas Improvement and modification of level of service standards in the areas with public transport. Proper connection of the local streets network to higher transportation levels Proper connection of different types of transportation networks Creating an area for centers of activity around transportation systems Making pleasant and attractive walkways Satisfying parking needs Granting incentives to reduce traffic during busy hours Coordinating different transportation services to take advantage of the full benefits of neighborhoods and developments supporting public transport Making land use compatible with transportation The use of a wide range of quality housing options for all income groups Creating walkable communities Appropriate mix of uses and density Zoning based on form Retrofit existing streets and sidewalks to create walkable neighbourhoods Improving the comfort, convenience and safety of sidewalks Establishing basic services near residential areas, workplaces and public transport routes Designing pedestrian oriented commercial areas Providing safety for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles Increasing pedestrians'' field of view Reducing the length of pedestrian crossings on the streets Easy access for the disabled and underprivileged people to sidewalks, streets, parks and other public services. Setting appropriate design standards for improving the quality of sidewalks Traffic calming in residential neighbourhoods Protecting and beautifying existing and new sidewalks The presence of attractive edges on the street The presence of voluntary and social activities on the streets Increasing the readability of urban routes Visual and physical permeability Proper utilization of existing urban signs Understanding the economic opportunities that encourage activity on footpaths Creating an equilibrium between development and environmental protection Proper utilization of various uses Preventing urban sprawl: Moving towards planning and designing a compact city References Notes CONCLUSION.