code enforcement
Controversial Blight Ordinance in Gilbert, Arizona, Zeroes in on Backyards
Local officials in Gilbert, Arizona, say a new town ordinance that will fine homeowners for unsightly debris in their backyards is about fighting blight; critics say it’s a violation of their Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Audit: Police Should Take On Atlanta Zoning Enforcement
A city audit recommends shifting zoning enforcement from the planning department to the police department.
Unpermitted RV Park Faces Code Enforcement Pressure in Oakland
A controversy over the unpermitted use of RVs for shelter on an otherwise empty lot in West Oakland reveals a confluence of Bay Area housing crises.
Code Enforcement as Coronavirus Response Policy
The Center for Community progress offers advice on effective code enforcement during a time of extreme economic duress.
Minneapolis Considers Drastic Action to Clear Snow-Blocked Sidewalks
Minneapolis is stepping up enforcement of snow removal scofflaws and considering taking on the job of clearing sidewalks in the name of walkability.
Court Restores 'Doors and Windows' Code Enforcement Ordinance in Philadelphia
One of Philadelphia's most potent code enforcement tools is back in effect after the state Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling by a lower court.
Landlords Owe NYC $1.5 Billion for Building Code Violations
Violations of the building code go unenforced in New York City.
Anchorage Officials Take on Code Scofflaws After Decade of Inaction
Anchorage officials have started to take a more assertive effort toward the clean up of nuisance buildings and properties that have become magnets for crime and other problems. This is the first clean-up of this scope since 2007.
Syracuse Tries a New Approach to Code Enforcement
A new code compliance program in Syracuse makes community engagement a priority.
Using Big Data to Identify Problem Properties
In New York state, municipalities can apply to use a new tool that gathers property data and sifts for red flags. The intent is to identify potential blight before it sets in.
Pasadena Urged to Purge Poison Pills from ADU Reform Ordinance
Pasadena is adopting accessory dwelling unit (ADU) reform in response to state legislation designed to spur affordable housing options by easing restrictions on ADUs. But is it really entrenchment dressed as reform?
Pasadena's Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Called Out as a 'Poison Pill'
Pasadena's accessory dwelling unit is designed more to prevent than accommodate accessory dwelling units. Planner and Pasadena resident Jonathan P. Bell implores the city's Planning Commission to reform it.
Death Toll at 36 in Friday Night's Fire at Oakland Warehouse
Lax code enforcement is one of the concerns being raised by the devastating fire that occurred during a rave-style party, Artists had taken up residence in the building, which was not permitted for either general assembly events or residences.
The Data Science Behind New Orleans' Blight Reduction Efforts
The BlightSTAT system has helped New Orleans track and improve blighted conditions around the city.
Pittsburgh Launches New Permit and Code Tracking Website
The city of Pittsburgh launched a Buildingeye website to provide new access to the development and approval process in the city.
Who's Right in the Informal Housing Debate?
When Los Angeles County Planner Jonathan P. Bell wrote about informal housing in the region, several commenters responded. So Bell decided to answer questions and critics.
Pittsburgh's Proposed Budget to Shuffle Bureau of Building Inspection
Pittsburgh will attempt to spur economic development and streamline the city's permitting and code enforcement process by reorganizing the Bureau of Building Inspection.
Baltimore's Code Enforcement Has Teeth with 'Vacants to Value' Initiative
Baltimore is increasing lawsuits against negligent property owners with outstanding code violations. As part of the city's "Vacants to Value" initiative, forfeited properties are transferred to receivership and auctioned to new owners.
A Growing Body of Knowledge Examines Unauthorized Housing in Los Angeles
An academic look at unauthorized housing in the Los Angeles area: Interview of Jacob Wegmann by Los Angeles County Planner Jonathan Bell
In Atlanta, Using Social Media for Code Compliance
Suffering from widespread blight from foreclosures and absentee owners, a new "unofficial" Facebook page lets Atlanta residents play code compliance officer.
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
