Planners and environmentalists have wasted no time telling Massachusetts smart growth-friendly Governor: overhaul the state's antiquated zoning law!
"Critics say the current law virtually guarantees sprawl, handcuffs local government, and is ridden with builder-friendly loopholes. A group of reformers has filed a bill to rewrite it, after a similar bill failed in the last legislative session, and advocates say executive-branch muscle behind the bill may be its only chance for passage... The state zoning law includes a grandfather clause that allows developers to lock in projects under current zoning for eight years. Town planners say they are reluctant to propose changes in local development rules because builders will rush to submit their projects under the current rules."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Romney urged to overhaul zoning law
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
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
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.