Zoning Reform
Zoning Reform Skepticism
Ending single-family zoning, as more cities around the United States have begun to do, is too extreme a response to contemporary planning challenges, according to a recent opinion piece published by the East Bay Times.
History (Un)made: Berkeley City Council Votes to Eliminate Single-Family Zoning
The city that invented single-family zoning in 1916, for discriminatory purposes, will completely remove that exclusionary legacy from its zoning code.
Higher Lot Coverage to Boost Density
A proposal in Snohomish County, Washington could raise the lot coverage limits in medium density residential zones to allow for more usable square footage.
Boston to Require Fair Housing Review for New Developments
The Boston Zoning Code is one of the first in the nation to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.
Context for Sacramento's Decision to End Single-Family Zoning
In January, the Sacramento City Council took first steps toward ending single-family zoning citywide. The decision has provoked controversy that is influencing the next steps in the process.
The Connecticut Zoning Atlas Illustrates a Proclivity for Single-Family Zoning
A new online interactive mapping tool illustrates just how much developable land is devoted to one for of residential housing in the state of Connecticut.
Proposed Law Would Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units in New York State
Advocates have been calling for the New York State Legislature to legalize accessory dwelling units for years. A new law would take the first step.
Berkeley to Remove Parking Requirements for Residential Properties
Berkeley is the second city in Northern California to approve landmark zoning reforms so far in 2021.
Upping Tacoma's Missing Middle Housing Game
Tacoma is looking to expand on the accessory dwelling unit reforms of the Home in Tacoma project by planning for new residential density along the city's transit routes.
Kicking Commercial-to-Residential Conversions Into High Gear
A plan included in New York Gov. Andre Cuomo's draft 2022 budget will make it easier to do adaptive reuse for new housing in New York City.
Citywide Zoning Reforms Approved for Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council took steps toward an updated General Plan that includes a variety of innovative planning proposals, including the elimination of single-family zoning by allowing up to four dwelling units on all residential parcels.
How Atlanta Plans to Overhaul Zoning for Housing Affordability
The "Atlanta City Design: Housing" initiative is one of the most ambitious planning reform efforts of any large U.S. city, but it's just getting started.
Seniors and Urbanists Unite!
The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and CNU (Congress for New Urbanism) have produced a new set of urban planning guides. Their latest is, "A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods."
Small Cities Relax Accessory Dwelling Units Regulations Too
A city of about 40,000 residents across the Puget Sound from Seattle has relaxed zoning regulations to entice more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units.
'Housing Choice' Approved in Massachusetts
The Housing Choice initiative, one of the country's most sweeping planning and development reforms to date, was included in a large economic development package approved by the Massachusetts Legislature earlier this week.
A Comprehensive Overhaul of Planning Considered in New York City
The New York City Council this week released a report that suggest the city do away with its "piecemeal" approach to planning in favor of a new comprehensive planning framework.
Citywide Zoning Reform Approved in Everett
Few cities are accomplishing such a swift and sweeping overhaul of its land use regulations as Everett, Washington, which just wrapped up its second major planning initiative in as many years on its way to launching a third.
Statewide Zoning Changes Adopted in Oregon to Limit Parking, Add Missing Middle
The state of Oregon made planning history in 2019 by adopting House Bill 2001, paving the way for the state to preempt local exclusionary zoning laws. Now, over a year later, the state land use board has decided how to implement that goal.
Sweeping Zoning Reforms Adopted in Olympia
The Olympia, Washington City Council adopted a new Housing Options Code Amendments ordinance, effectively eliminating single-family zoning in the city.
Local Zoning Controversy Raises Bigger Questions About Race and Discrimination
A zoning application in the city of Woodbridge, Connecticut has interests on both sides of the issue lawyering up, and the reverberations from the controversy reach all the way to the state capital.
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 Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
