California officials are considering new legislation to compell wealthy communities to allow construction of granny flats.
"The original law, which went into effect July 1, requires local agencies to routinely approve applications for second dwellings without public hearings if the new structures meet local guidelines. But because some local governments enacted guidelines so stringent they essentially banned second dwellings, backers say a new bill is needed to impose reasonable standards statewide. For instance, the new bill would set a minimum size of 600 square feet for second dwellings, open occupancy to non-family members and allow the units to be rented."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: City-State Clash Looms Over 'Granny Flats' Bill

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.

Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.

In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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