Urban or Built-up Land is comprised of areas of intensive use with much of the land covered by structures. Included in this category are cities, transportation, power, and communications facilities, and areas such as those occupied by mills, shopping centers, industrial and commercial complexes, and institutions that may, in some instances, be isolated from urban areas. No attempt has been made in the California Gap Analysis Project to distinguish between the various forms of built-up land, because the focus is on native biodiversity.
As development progresses, land having less intensive or nonconforming use may be located in the midst of urban or built-up areas and will generally be included in this category. Agricultural land, forest, wetland, or water areas on the fringe of urban or built-up areas will not be included except where they are surrounded and dominated by urban development. The urban or Built-up category takes precedence over others when the criteria for more than one category are met. For example, residential areas that have sufficient tree cover to meet the criteria for a forest community type will be placed in this category.
DISTRIBUTION:
This type occurs throughout California in all regions.
Source: Modified by the California Gap Analysis Project from Anderson et al., 1976.