A local TV host will be one of the first to take advantage of Vancouver's new 'laneway housing' pilot project (allowing 'granny units' in backyards of traditional city neighborhoods). The project is facing some controversy.
"A laneway house, as defined by the city, is a small house or cottage built on the space provided for a garage. Allowed on lots 33 feet wide or wider, it can be rented, or provide alternate or additional housing for the property owner, family members or a caregiver.
It is not a stratified property, and cannot be bought or sold, as can infill housing, which is generally larger and subject to different regulations.
Last December, city council unanimously voted to allow an initial 100 laneway houses to be built in single-family neighbourhoods citywide--in either the space permitted for parking, or by converting existing garages.
While laneway housing is just one of the recommended "actions" in the city's EcoDensity Charter, also unanimously approved last year, "significant public support" for the policy convinced council to move ahead with it, and give it a trial run. "There's a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation out there about EcoDensity and the process--and it's made peopled distrustful," says Coun. Raymond Louie. "So it's important to break out each of the components and do a better job of explaining the benefits and negatives."
FULL STORY: Life on the lane
Little House on the Laneway
Vancouver's liberalized laneway housing zoning is seen as a cost-effective and easy way to densify, make housing more affordable and reduce the city's carbon footprint. But not everyone is on board.
Vancouver May Fast-Track Modular Laneway Homes
The city of Vancouver has emerged as a leader in "laneway" housing: secondary units built onto existing lots, often facing an alleyway. To boost supply, the city may expedite permitting for modular units.
Vancouver Hands Residents the Keys to Granny Flats
Leading other expensive cities in North America, Vancouver, British Columbia is quickly adding accessory dwelling units as a result of permissive regulations approved in 2009.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Florida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk
High housing costs are pushing more seniors, many of them on a fixed income, into homelessness.
Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.
Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont