Across America, arcane zoning regulations and building codes prevent some of the most promising sustainable techniques and technologies from being built. A project based in Oregon aims to make land use regulations friendlier for greener building.
Michael Coren writes about the ReCode project, an initiative run by around 50 volunteers that, "works to legalize sustainable practices for our built environment
through mobilizing the grassroots to work directly with regulators to
transform codes and regulations."
Born out of Tryon Life Community Farm's frustrations in "trying to demonstrate innovative environmentally conscious design in Portland," ReCode has used a rigorous process to legalize green design one regulation at a time. "Their successes
so far (since 2007) include legalizing graywater reuse, site-built
composting toilets, and broadening the number of manufactured composting
toilets permitted for use in Oregon," notes Coren.
As he points out, such efforts aren't limited to the Pacific Northwest. "Cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York are clearing away old codes to make way for new urban farms and renewable energy."
FULL STORY: Your Green Dream House Might Be Illegal
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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