David Alpert provides a thorough analysis of the first third of Washington D.C.'s proposed new zoning code, and finds a return to kind of development patterns that formed the neighborhoods residents treasure today.
According to Alpert, the Washington D.C. Office of Planning has been working to rewrite the city's archaic 1958 zoning code for four years. Now a portion of the proposed code is making its way through the public process.
The new code aims to, "correct some of the most egregious problems from the 1958 code, where it imposed social engineering ideas in vogue at the time that ended up eliminating local corner stores, pushed people out of urban neighborhoods, and forced new buildings to take a suburban form incompatible with the walkable communities that previously existed."
Alpert finds that in looking forward, the new code largely looks to traditional development patterns for major revisions such as reducing parking requirements, allowing accessory units, reducing restrictions on retail in residential areas, and easing restrictions on alley dwellings. One progressive change that Alpert highlights is a new "Green Area Ratio" for large buildings.
FULL STORY: Rewritten DC zoning code corrects past mistakes
Alley Dwellings Looking More Attractive
Examining the growing demand for alley homes in Washington, D.C.—where alleys were once considered "evil."
A First Look at Washington, D.C.'s New Zoning Code
The D.C. Zoning Commission last week approved a new zoning code for the nation's capital. The new code will go into effect in September.
Bike Parking Minimums Updated in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. recently revised bike parking requirements for new or rehabilitated residential buildings, building on precedents first set in 2007.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie