San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is following up on an idea first pitched during a State of the City address, but with a few teaks.
San Diego planners recently outlined a policy proposal championed by Mayor Kevin Faulconer to eliminate height limits on new development near transit, reports Andrew Keatts.
The plan has evolved since Faulconer first announced it at the State of the City address earlier this year, explained by Keatts. "For instance, there would be no changes in single-family home neighborhoods. The policy would be limited to properties that already allow developers to build multi-family housing that are also within a half-mile of rail stations or bus stops where two lines with decent frequency operate."
The proposal also includes an optional height bonus program that will offer additional height to developers in exchange for community benefits, like affordable housing and public realm improvements.
Keatts lists a lot more specifics for the proposal, called the "Complete Communities," which includes specific actions on transportation, parks and recreation, and infrastructure. 2019 was momentous for planning in San Diego, after the city implemented eliminated parking minimums and debated inclusionary zoning fiercely before Mayor Faulconer vetoed a City Council ordinance in September.
FULL STORY: Mayor Rolls Out Long-Awaited Height Limit Elimination (Sorta) Plan
Sweeping Zoning Reforms Adopted in Olympia
The Olympia, Washington City Council adopted a new Housing Options Code Amendments ordinance, effectively eliminating single-family zoning in the city.
Major Parking Reform Effort Moving Forward in San Diego
Civic San Diego and San Diego planning commissioners approved new parking standards that would eliminate minimums and set maximums of one space per multifamily unit. Those reforms and more must still be approved by the City Council.
San Diego Could Scrap Parking Requirements in 'Transit Priority Areas'
The mayor of San Diego has introduced a major parking reform initiative.
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.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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