Zoning Codes
Is Cleveland Ready for a New Zoning Code?
The city of Cleveland has begun to build a political consensus around the need to update its 1929 zoning code.
Mayor Emanuel Pitches Expanded Density Bonuses in Downtown Chicago
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed an expansion of the city's Downtown Zoning District this week. The changes would allow taller buildings in a larger swath of the city.
'Zoning Ordinance Diagnostic' Underway in Atlanta
The city of Atlanta is undertaking a wide-ranging review of its current zoning code in the hopes of implementing form-based codes for more of the city.
A National Consensus on Zoning? Not So Fast
The issue of zoning might be a place for wonks of both the conservatives and the liberal variety to find middle ground, but zoning in the real world is more contentious than consensus.
Portland Updating Regulations for Infill in Single-Family Residential Neighborhoods
Portland is tackling a critical but often controversial issue: how to regulate infill development in residential neighborhoods when growth is pushing landowners and developers to build bigger and denser.
Definition of Family Still Up for Debate in Hartford Zoning Case
When zoning codes separate uses, they require definitions about what constitutes each of those uses. The question in Hartford, Connecticut: Does a group of cohabiting adults fit the definition necessary to reside in a "single-family house"?
On the Effect of Houston's Loose Land Use Regulations
A conversation with an architect yields insight into how Houston's pride in the lack of traditional land use regulation mechanisms has created the city as it exists today.
New Orleans Residents Seeking Less Density From the Zoning Code
A zoning controversy in a neighborhood in New Orleans has locals questioning how well the city's new Comprehensive Zoning Plan reflects the city's Master Plan.
On Houston's Unique Land Use Regulations (Just Don't Call Them Zoning)
Houston's famous lack of zoning codes might be more semantic than legal.
Philadelphia's Open Data Reveals Land Use Trends
A trove of data from the Office of Property Assessment has been released to the public. It's like Christmas day for zoning wonks in the City of Brotherly Love.
Details of Baltimore's Zoning Code Rewrite
A zoning code makeover is awaiting City Council approval in Baltimore. The proposed changes would help the city evolve from its industrial legacy.
Proposed Boulder Food Park Faces Zoning Challenges
The proposed Boulder Food Park repurposes a decrepit site into usable space for food truck patrons. Since the site is adjacent to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, a zoning exemption may be required.
Report: Downzoning Fails Demographics on Chicago's Northside
Lakeview, on the North Side of Chicago lost one percent of its total households between 2000 and 2011, while its population grew 11 percent. That means more families, but according to a new report, the neighborhood might need new zoning to keep up.
New York Zoning Amendments to Speed Sandy Recovery Efforts
The city of New York is still working to support property owners in their recovery from Hurricane Sandy—as well as their preparation for the next extreme weather event. The zoning code is one area in need of improvement.
Book Review: Zoned in the USA
"Zoned in the USA: The Origins and Implications of American Land-Use Regulation," by Sonja Hirt, describes the exceptional characteristics, compared to European land use regulations, that make U.S. zoning laws so conducive to sprawl.
Height Limits as a Catalyst for Development
Charles Marohn proposes height limits as a catalyst for development. Yes, you read that correctly.
10 Misconceptions about Form-Based Codes
Several common assumptions about new urban codes fail to stand up to scrutiny.
A Primer on the Zoning Code Avant Garde
Anthony Flint discusses how "Silicon Valley-level innovative thinking" is making zoning more exciting than, well, anyone ever thought zoning codes could be.
Buffalo Rebooting its Code
Buffalo is nearing the finish line in an efforts to draft a new form-based code.
Buffalo Releases Draft Green Code to Ease Permit Process
Buffalo recently released the draft of its new Green Code, which includes a Land Use Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Brownfield Opportunity Areas, and Urban Renewal Plans. Mark Sommer reports.
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
