The county hopes proposals to legalize accessory rental units and encourage transit-oriented development will mitigate the region’s housing crisis.
Two proposed zoning changes could help alleviate the affordable housing crisis in Miami-Dade County. As Alyssa Ramos and Natu Tweh report for WLRN, “County commissioners approved a preliminary vote on one proposal that would permit homeowners to rent out efficiency apartments on their own properties.” This proposal, which would only apply to unincorporated areas, would essentially legalize an already common practice, boost the housing supply, and create a potential income stream for homeowners.
Reporter Doug Hanks tempered the enthusiasm, saying, “Miami already has very similar rules in place that obviously has not made a dent in that city's affordable housing problem, so we should probably manage expectations on what kind of solution this is, but it would be a major, major change in county zoning.”
According to the article, “Miami-Dade County commissioners also passed a rapid transit zoning law that would allow mid-rise housing to be built near public transit routes.” The county is giving the city of Miami two years to develop their own rules to encourage transit-oriented development and more housing construction.
FULL STORY: What to expect from Miami-Dade's proposed changes to zoning laws
Can Zoning Reform Save Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing?
With home sale prices growing faster than anywhere in the country, the Steel City could enact major reforms to boost density and lower housing costs.
San Antonio Remains Affordable as City Grows
The city’s active efforts to keep housing costs down through housing reforms and coordinated efforts among city agencies and developers have kept it one of the most affordable in the nation despite its rapid population growth.
Pittsburgh Mayor Proposes Zoning Changes to Curb Housing Shortage
The mayor’s plan includes legalizing ADUs in single-family neighborhoods, eliminating parking requirements, and adding new affordability requirements to buildings with over 20 units.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service