After roundly rejecting a proposal to legalize granny flats in 2018, the city council is revising it and other zoning reform proposals that could increase the city’s affordable housing supply.
With the city short an estimated 21,000 affordable housing units, Reno leaders are reconsidering permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs), adopting ‘by-right’ approvals for some housing developments, and upzoning some districts as part of a package of recommendations aimed at increasing the housing supply.
As Ben Margiott reports for Fox Reno, “After a lengthy special meeting, the city council directed staff to move forward with drafting a granny flat ordinance and asked them to come back later this year with more specifics on other policies.” While some council members are skeptical of the proposals, others hope they can help meet growing housing needs.
According to consultant Shane Phillips, who prepared the recommendations, upzoning some residential neighborhoods “could involve allowing up to 30 units per acre on land previously zoned for up to 14 or 21 units per acre. Denser land which currently permits up to 30 units per acre, could be rezoned to allow up to 45 or 60 units.”
FULL STORY: Reno council debates allowing denser housing, revisits controversial effort to legalize granny flats
ADU Demand Grows Across the West Coast
In communities from California to Washington, permit applications for accessory dwelling units outpace the ability of permitting and construction to keep pace.
Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide
Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.
Bill Legalizing ADUs Passes Texas Senate
If passed by the full state legislature, the bill would eliminate local restrictions on ‘mother-in-law’ 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.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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