Alexandria planners have revealed a draft plan that would eliminate single-family zoning citywide.
After laying out a plan for community engagement and teasing the reveal of the “Zoning for Housing/Housing for All” plan in August, Alexandria planners this week published the draft version of the promised plan.
An article by Teo Armus for the Washington Post reports on the details of draft “Zoning for Housing” plan for Alexandria, Virginia. “The proposed change in Alexandria would make it easier to construct buildings with up to four units in neighborhoods long reserved for one house with a yard on each lot,” according to Armus.
“City planners have also recommended rolling back rules that require off-street parking at residential buildings near Metro stations or rapid bus transit,” adds Armus. “Such a rule would apply to single-family-only neighborhoods as well as areas that are largely filled with townhouses, such as the city’s historic Old Town.”
As detailed by a city website, Zoning for Housing is part of a larger initiative, which includes an equity component called “Housing for All.” The website also includes a complete list of the components of the draft Zoning for Housing proposal.
As noted by Planetizen in May 2022, zoning reform is picking up momentum in Northern Virginia, as local governments in the region grapple with rising housing costs. Nearby Arlington County, for example, eliminated single-family zoning by allowing missing middle housing in March 2023.
FULL STORY: Alexandria proposal would eliminate single-family-only zoning
San Francisco Plans for 82,000 New Housing Units
California housing regulators have granted preliminary approval for the city of San Francisco’s housing element as mandated by the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation process.
New Zealand Approves Sweeping Land Use Reforms
The five largest cities in New Zealand will be zoned to allow townhouses. The latest bill continues a recent string of zoning reforms.
Austin’s ‘Affordability Unlocked’ Initiative Faces Lawsuit
A group of 18 plaintiffs is suing to overturn the city of Austin’s “Affordability Unlocked” planning initiative.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass
The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.
Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools
The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
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.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport