Proposed zoning changes would allow residents to build "as-of-right" in Staten Island's "natural" districts.
Staten Island's "special natural districts" (i.e., Special Hillsides Preservation District, Special Natural Area District, and Special South Richmond Development District) are complex zoning regulations, which cause nothing short of headaches for residents and land owners.
"Current zoning regulations in these specially designated areas result in long-time delays of city-agency approvals for projects ranging from installation of in-ground swimming pools to enlarging a house or constructing a new one," reports Virginia Sherry.
The Department of City Planning is the lead agency working to simplify the outdated zoning regulations, who envision a "homeowner-friendly regulatory environment with robust as-of-right rules for single-family and two-family homes in all the special districts," writes Sherry. At present, all proposed projects within the "natural" districts are required to be reviewed and approved by City Planning before going to the Buildings Department. The proposed changes would expedite the process allowing the homeowner to bypass securing City Planning approval for most "small site" projects.
The Department of City Planning is in the preliminary stages of amending the zoning rules: "representatives are giving presentations outlining the proposed zoning changes to the three Community Boards."
FULL STORY: Zoning changes in the works for Staten Island's 'natural' districts
To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land
How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.
Minneapolis 2040 Plan Could Proceed Under New Law
A state law awaiting the governor’s signature could exempt comprehensive plans from environmental review, freeing the plan from recent lawsuits.
Land Use Reform Picks Up Momentum in Connecticut Again
Multiple statewide land use reform proposals are up for debate in the Nutmeg State. Which, if any, will become law?
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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 Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research