Permitting

Vancouver's Popular Laneway Housing Program Gets a Redesign

Vancouver's efforts to facilitate accessory dwellings has proven to be popular - perhaps too popular for some residents. As officials prepare to expand the program citywide, they're tweaking it to address concerns with privacy and parking.

May 15, 2013 - The Vancouver Sun

Merger of L.A.'s Planning Department Looking Increasingly Likely

Long rumored plans to merge L.A.'s Department of City Planning with Building and Safety to cut costs and streamline permitting are coming into focus, as the outgoing mayor tries to push through the reforms before he leaves office.

April 4, 2013 - Los Angeles Downtown News

Despite Recent Progress, L.A. Leaders Clamor for More Permitting Reform

Efforts to reform L.A.'s permitting process are proceeding slower than many had hoped, reports Ryan Vaillancourt, and city leaders are looking to make more drastic changes. Could the city's planning department be consolidated as part of the effort?

March 6, 2013 - Los Angeles Downtown News

Demand for Permits Keeps Mobile Retail Off the Runway

The rise of mobile food trucks has been heralded in many cities. Now as retail stores take to the streets, they're encountering obstacles with zoning and permitting that have befuddled their culinary brethren.

September 29, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

County Land Management System Ditches Paper for Web

In one North Carolina county, the land development process -- from permitting to building plan submission to inspection -- is now organized under one electronic, online system.

January 28, 2010 - Government Technology

City Imposes Controversial Fees For Street Marches

Hundreds marched in San Antonio, Texas, in defiance of new street procession fees that the organizations believe will stifle free speech.

August 12, 2009 - San Antonio Express-News

Dry Counties Facing Zoning Issues As Liquor Sales Approved

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Lubbock, Texas is in the process of revamping old zoning to meet a new voter-approved iniative to allow off-premise alcohol sales.

June 4, 2009 - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Handicapped Spots on Residential Streets?

A struggle in Newburyport, Mass., poses an interesting question- should residential neighborhoods have handicapped street parking for residents who need it?

June 20, 2008 - The Daily News of Newburyport

Solar Home Overshadowed by New Construction: Is There a 'Right to Light'?

Planners in Saskatchewan, Canada encouraged the Schewes to build solar panels on their roof and go off the grid. Then they okayed a home next door that overshadowed the Schewes. Do homeowners have a 'right to light'?

June 14, 2008 - Canwest News Service

'Takings' Case Challenges Govt. Rights Over Federal Lands

A case over land rights in the West going back decades has been awarded to the estate of a deceased property rights activist, who contended that the Forest Service deprived his ranch of water.

June 12, 2008 - Yahoo News

Want to Renovate Your San Francisco Home? Good Luck.

San Francisco city planners take a hard line on renovating the city's stock of historic homes. Homeowners, architects, and even preservationists are saying the department has gone too far.

May 27, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

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