Zoning

Aerial view of large construction site and vacant, graded lot next to public housing buildings in Watts, Los Angeles, California.

New California Law Supports Adaptive Reuse

AB 2243 paves the way for easier conversion of industrially and commercially zones properties for residential development.

October 17, 2024 - The National Law Review

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

Zoning for Good

A new book highlights the power of zoning to change communities for the better.

October 15, 2024 - Governing

Aerial view of Sunnyvale Bay Trail on top of former landfill. Scenic view of San Francisco Bay with levees, salt marshes and sloughs.

Insights and Innovations from the California Land Recycling Conference

The 2024 CLRC showcased innovative strategies for transforming brownfields into sustainable, equitable community assets, emphasizing environmental, social, and economic empowerment through land reuse.

October 14, 2024 - Center for Creative Land Recycling

Aerial view of dense South Side Flats neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA with Orthodox church spires in foreground.

Pittsburgh Mayor Proposes Zoning Changes to Curb Housing Shortage

The mayor’s plan includes legalizing ADUs in single-family neighborhoods, eliminating parking requirements, and adding new affordability requirements to buildings with over 20 units.

October 3, 2024 - Next Pittsburgh

Aerial view of Arlington County, Virginia from an airplane.

Court Blocks Arlington County Zoning Reform

The county’s zoning reform plan would have promoted ‘missing middle housing’ types of up to six units on lots previously zoned for single-family housing.

October 1, 2024 - Reason

View of downtown Dallas, Texas skyline with skyscrapers against twilight sky.

Dallas Approves Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan Upgrade

The approval came with a raft of amendments, including one that calls for a reevaluation of the plan after five years.

September 30, 2024 - Candy's Dirt

Aerial view of lower Manhattan, New York City.

‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reform Gains Planning Commission Approval

The proposal to overhaul New York City’s zoning code, popular with voters, to make housing development easier faces opposition in the City Council.

September 29, 2024 - AM NY

Green "Dispensary Now Open" banner on tan/orange building.

Economic Impacts of Zoning for Cannabis Businesses

Discover the economic impacts of zoning for cannabis businesses, including how these regulations affect local economies, influence real estate values, and shape community development.

September 19, 2024 - Devin Partida

An overhead image of a large wooden building as it's being constructed.

California Bill Clarifies ‘Builder’s Remedy’

New laws eliminate the murky, ‘free-for all’ approach to the policy, letting developers continue to build new housing projects under stricter guidelines.

September 17, 2024 - JD Supra

Street with blurred traffic and office buioldings in background in Tucson, Arizona at dusk.

When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie

In many cases, it’s impossible to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without sacrificing some speed.

September 16, 2024 - Anna Zivarts

Aerial view of Youngstown, Ohio.

Only Two US Metro Areas Are Affordable for Homebuyers

Northeast Ohio is the last remaining bastion of housing affordability, according to an analysis from the National Association of Realtors.

September 12, 2024 - Stateline

Multistory apartment building under construction with yellow crane.

Experts Say Zoning Reform Isn’t Likely to Solve Housing Crisis

A survey by Fannie Mae found widespread skepticism among housing experts that zoning reforms will be enacted widely enough to make a major impact on U.S. housing supply.

September 11, 2024 - Housing Wire

View of Missoula, Montana on a sunny day.

Montana Supreme Court Upholds Zoning Reform Bills

The decision invalidates a preliminary injunction that blocked two key housing bills.

September 8, 2024 - Daily Montanan

Aerial view of Trinity United Church aerial view at 103 Lafayette Road at Main Street in Seabrook historic town center, New Hampshire NH, USA.

Small Towns Lead in Parking Reform

Small towns and communities around the country are eliminating parking requirements at a faster rate than big cities.

September 5, 2024 - Sightline

Close-up of engraved stone Seattle City Hall sign in front of wide steps leading to modern glass building.

Seattle Could End Restrictions on Co-Living

Current regulations prohibit ‘congregate housing’ in many parts of the city.

September 3, 2024 - Capitol Hill Seattle Blog

Photos of modest gravesites surrounded by a lush, green forest.

Judge Overturns Township’s Ban on Cemeteries

Brooks Township in Michigan ran afoul of the state constitution when it instituted a blanket cemetery ban with the intent to block a green cemetery.

August 27, 2024 - Wood News 8

View across lake of small town of Burien in Washington state.

Burien Church Sues City Over Housing

A church in the small town of Burien that offers shelter to some 100 unhoused people came in conflict with city officials over permitting.

August 25, 2024 - KIRO7

Neighborhood of large houses in suburban Austin, Texas.

Austin Lot Size Changes Could Make Homes More Affordable

Land acquisition makes up 15 to 20 percent of the cost of an average home in the Austin area.

August 23, 2024 - The Real Deal

Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Could Eliminate Parking Minimums Near Transit

A Washington state proposal to reduce parking minimums failed in the state legislature earlier this year.

August 18, 2024 - The Urbanist

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

National Zoning Atlas Expands

The online tool can help city and state officials understand where zoning codes need reform and how they compare to other localities.

August 15, 2024 - Route Fifty

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.