Land Use

Tech Solutions to Planning’s Participation Problems
Santa Monica is testing out a 'Tinder-like' application for approving or disapproving of developments.

Gainesville Turns Abandoned Industrial Hub Into Innovative Park
Gainesville turns contaminated land into a contemporary public greenspace to serve as the city's “Central Park."
A $350 Million Bond to Repair San Francisco's Seawall
As seas rise, San Francisco is looking to shore up its costal protection against earthquakes and extreme weather events.

Modernizing Planning Codes in Montgomery County
Subdivision Staging Policy stirs passion and, some hope, progress in the Washington, D.C. suburbs of Montgomery County.

What Old Zoning Maps Tell Us About Planning
Steven T. Moga guest blogs about a new article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Halloween Costumes for Urban Planners — 5th Edition
Looking for fun halloween costume ideas? Look no further than Planetizen for the latest halloween costumes.
Planned Obsolescence for Denver Parking
Denver developers are building parking that can be converted into housing, anticipating radical changes that autonomous vehicles could bring to city life.

Are the Skies Like Wilderness, and Do Drones Belong?
Love 'em or hate 'em, drones are coming. But is the issue of aesthetics getting enough treatment in the drone wars?

'Seattle 2035' Plan Finalized and Adopted
"Seattle’s multi-year process to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan has come to its conclusion finding unanimous consent and approval from the City Council," reports Stephen Fesler.

A Call for Housing in Bay Area Suburb
Bay area town Brisbane looks to provide commercial development to cater to San Francisco residents, but resists building housing.

Building Houses in Wildfire Country
Developments boom in high risk fire areas, even as fires continue to increase in duration, severity and damage.

Right to the City
You may not have a moral right to live in an expensive city—but does the government have a moral right to exclude you?
'Homeowner-Friendly' Zoning Changes Proposed in Staten Island
Proposed zoning changes would allow residents to build "as-of-right" in Staten Island's "natural" districts.
Durham's Transformation Built on Redevelopment Near Future Light Rail, Freeway
Two adjacent properties in downtown Durham totaling 18 acres were recently purchased by developers planning for intensive mixed use projects near the former tobacco warehouse district and future light rail station.

Tiny House Movement Pushing the Boundaries of Traditional Zoning
Tiny Houses on trailers are available and buyers are ready to live small, but most zoning regulations don’t allow recreational vehicles as a permanent residence. Can zoning catch up to the tiny living trend?

For Cities, Big-Box Stores Are Becoming Even More of a Terrible Deal
Big-box retailers' new tactic to slash their taxes is the latest example of why cities are better off saying no to the boxes and cultivating Main Streets instead.
Support for Walmart Grows Nationally
Opposition to Walmart is now holding at just 50 percent, when people are asked how they would feel if a Walmart was proposed "in your community." Support for Walmart is up 16 percentage points since 2006.
Better Zoning Codes for Better Quality of Life
As Los Angeles continues the five-year process of re-writing its zoning code for clarity, one Zoning Advisory Committee member considers who should really care.

Nontraditional 'Family' Questions Hartford Zoning Code
After a group of unrelated adults bought and moved into a large house in Hartford, Connecticut, they were found to be in violation of local regulations. They are asking for a broader definition of 'family.'

Allowing Higher Density to Fix Slums
Despite its economic dynamism, Mumbai is known for a lack of adequate housing. Citywide increases to maximum Floor Space Indices (i.e., Floor Area Ratios) will increase living space per resident, provided the right redevelopment takes place.
Pagination
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