Elections have consequences, and a new, younger City Council in Raleigh is ready to implement progressive planning and land use reforms.
"Raleigh leaders took the first step toward changing the rules that developers have to follow to address housing affordability," reports Anna Johnson.
The rules—still in the early stages on the way to approval as several new City Council members push for reform of land use and development regulations in the city—focus on several key ideas to ease development and reduce costs for all kinds of development, not just housing.
Downtown Parking Requirements
"If a developer wants to build a commercial project in downtown Raleigh, the city has required a parking space for every 500 square feet. City leaders have taken the first step to remove that requirement," reports Johnson.
Missing Middle Housing
Following in the footsteps of Minneapolis, the Raleigh City Council decided to explore the idea of adding "cottage courts" in areas zoned R-2 and R-4. Councilmember David Cox was the lone vote against the study, writing a blog post after the vote that lamented the city's move "toward ending single family zoning." Cox also expressed negative feelings about the new makeup of the City Council after the election in October.
Building Heights
"The council also voted to remove the height cap for buildings seven stories and above," reports Johnson. "The city’s code had limits for height and stories for buildings, and removing the height cap will result in better buildings being built throughout Raleigh..."
FULL STORY: Raleigh leaders promised to change the rules for housing affordability. It’s starting.
Planners Working on Parking Reform Legislation in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina is the latest in a series of cities pursuing a significant departure from the 20th century planning status quo.
Context for Sacramento's Decision to End Single-Family Zoning
In January, the Sacramento City Council took first steps toward ending single-family zoning citywide. The decision has provoked controversy that is influencing the next steps in the process.
Citywide Zoning Reforms Approved for Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council took steps toward an updated General Plan that includes a variety of innovative planning proposals, including the elimination of single-family zoning by allowing up to four dwelling units on all residential parcels.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
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?
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.
EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.
Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks
HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.
Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?
USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.
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