Accessory Dwelling Units

Netherlands Homes

5 Ways to Add Density (High Rises Not Included)

In some cities the idea of adding a high rise is always dead on arrival, even if the city desperately needs to add density. For those communities facing similar challenges, a post on Blooming Rock offers five ways to think outside the high-rise box.

February 8, 2015 - Blooming Rock

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Affordable Accessory Dwelling Units

Prospect Newtown, in Longmont, CO, has seamlessly integrated affordable housing by creating a host of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The ADUs are perfectly blended within the town overall—and actually help contribute to the development’s success.

December 6, 2014 - Build a Better Burb

Washington D.C.'s Zoning Code Update Finally Progressing

Washington D.C.'s long deliberated and closely watched zoning code update is moving forward, and supporters of progressive land use regulations have reason to be encouraged.

October 14, 2014 - Greater Greater Washington

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Study: Portland's Accessory Dwelling Units Reduce Car Impacts

Since Portland began subsidizing accessory dwelling units (ADU) by waiving development fees, construction of ADUs have increased to a pace of more than 100 a year. A new study finds additional benefits in the low impact of ADUs on neighborhoods.

July 17, 2014 - Bike Portland

Six Years Later—More Revisions for Washington D.C.'s Zoning Code Update

None of the original team that began working on Washington D.C.'s zoning code update are still working on the project. Much has changed in the six years that have expired.

June 28, 2014 - Greater Greater Washington

Builders Respond to Desire for Multigenerational Homes

The new American household is much like the old multigenerational household that existed before World War II, recent population trends show. And builders are responding by offering "bonus" and "flex" rooms, while circumventing outdated zoning.

November 30, 2012 - The New York Times

Changing Suburban Demographics Collide With Outdated Zoning Laws

As shifting demographics and the Great Recession increase the functional demands on the typical suburban single-family home, outdated zoning laws are preventing the economical use of underused space, writes S. Mitra Kalita.

July 24, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

Mother-In-Law Apartments Are Good for the Economy

Accessory dwelling units, or in-law apartments, are gaining approval in greater numbers of communities.

November 10, 2011 - The New York Times

Seattle's Backyard Cottages Encouraged

Don't call them granny flats or inlaw units! These are separate units that can only be built on lots of 4,000 sq. ft. minimum. Only 50 have been built or permitted since the trial began in 2006. The goal is to bring affordabllity to SFH neighborhoods

May 28, 2010 - USA Today

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.