The city of Providence has announced the first draft of a comprehensive zoning code update—its first since 1994.
Alisha Pina details the proposed zoning code update, which has been in the works for six months and will still require substantial input and revision before it’s complete.
“The goals of the overhaul are numerous, including making the ordinance easy to understand and in line with other ordinances that dictate development and uses of property. For example, the city’s regulation for backyard hens — no more than six on any lot, or one per 800 square feet — is now included in the proposed new ordinance.”
“Planners also want to incorporate the ambitions established in Providence Tomorrow neighborhood plans and the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which were completed between 2005 and 2012. Regulations prohibiting the subdivision of the large lots on Blackstone Boulevard, for example, are included.”
“Incentives for developers who build mixed-used properties near transit hubs — such as Broad Street and North Main Street — include reducing the number of parking spots needed for the property and higher building heights.”
FULL STORY: Providence city planners unveil first comprehensive zoning update in 20 years
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
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.