As the regionality of urban planning issues becomes more clear, metropolitan planning organizations are uniquely suited to shape the policy response. But, according to this piece from <em>Citiwire</em>, they lack the power to do it.
Aug 2, 2009 Citiwire
Responding to a recent controversial review of planning processes, the Department for Communities & Local Government is allowing many types of building alterations to happen without review.
Aug 1, 2009 bd
A small strip of land in Los Angeles is being used to grow vegetables for the cafe next door. But officials say the plot violates zoning rules.
Jul 31, 2009 Los Angeles Times
With the new California budget slashing state park funding, as many as 100 parks and beaches could close. Park officials are seeking funding to keep parks open, including corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Jul 31, 2009 Los Angeles Times
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cultivates the image of a climate change warrior. But the state budget he signed this week portrays very different priorities.
Jul 30, 2009 California Planning & Development Report
Planning technology expert Charles A. Donley reviews a new piece of software that combines the worlds of Computer-Aided Design and Geographic Information Systems to help site planners visualize and analyze their plans. Exclusive
Jul 30, 2009 By Charles A. Donley, AICP
A quick post to note that on Tuesday of last week, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved bylaws to put into place Vancouver's new "suites within suites" housing option, across the City. Blog Post
Jul 29, 2009 By Brent Toderian
Medical marijuana dispensaries are in high supply in Los Angeles. But without zoning regulations to determine where they should and should not go, the dispensaries are causing some concerns from locals.
Jul 29, 2009 KCET
The concept of ripeness in several realms is elusive. I have never figured out how to properly thump a melon at a grocery store, although I have made a thorough study of it. You might want to click here, or here, or here for some guidance, none of which seems to work when it's just me in a stare down with a cold, stone faced and silent honeydew.
Just yesterday one of my younger children from what we call the "second litter" asked me at dinner how I could tell if a coconut was ripe. I paused, realized that I had no answer, and did what every good parent should do and asked instead why they weren't eating their salad. Yes, attack and divert.
You think melons and coconuts are tough - try ripeness in land use litigation.
Blog Post
Jul 28, 2009 By Dwight Merriam
The Philadelphia neighborhood of Francisville is about to get an urban makeover, but two competing visions have very different ideas of what that means.
Jul 28, 2009 The Philadelphia Inquirer
