Zoning Code Reform

Treasure Valley

Boise Backing Off Proposed Citywide Zoning Changes

Boise was considering allowing up to four units by-right on any residential parcel in the city, but has since rolled back the scale of the proposed zoning changes.

July 14, 2022 - Boise Dev

Venice, Los Angeles

'Accessory Commercial Units' for a 15-Minute City

A Portland, Oregon urban planner is pitching the idea of ACUs, or accessory commercial units, as a means of repairing the effects of excluding retails uses from residential neighborhoods.

July 29, 2020 - Fast Company

Coronavirus

Zoning Code Reform for the Realities of COVID-19

Local governments have more tools than money to relieve some of the economic experience experienced by residents and businesses as the economic effects of the novel coronavirus linger just as long as the public health crisis it causes.

June 17, 2020 - Code Studio

Iowa

New Zoning Code Evolves as Affordability Concerns Linger

The city of Des Moines is working on a new zoning code intended to ease the process of developing homes. The proposed regulations have triggered warnings from affordable housing advocates as well as local and nation home builders.

August 2, 2019 - Des Moines Register

Massachusetts

Zoning Code Rewrite Paused in Newton, Massachusetts

The mayor of Newton says the city's planning department is stretched too thin, with several ordinances and large development proposals in the works.

April 4, 2019 - The Boston Globe

Michigan

Form-Based Code Ended Single-Family Zoning a Decade Ago in Grand Rapids

The story of the Grand Rapids zoning code update of a decade ago offers perspective on the possibilities of code reform.

January 1, 2019 - Next City

Birmingham, Michigan

'The Users' Guide to Zoning Reform' Published by the Congress for New Urbanism

The Congress for New Urbanism's Users' "Guide to Code Reform" leads planners through the code reform process, providing tools for governments lacking the capacity to develop a full form-based code.

October 2, 2018 - Public Square: A CNU Journal

Texas

Breaking: Austin Moving on from CodeNEXT

The city of Austin's ambitious process of rewriting its Land Development Code has lost political support.

August 1, 2018 - Austin Statesman

New Mexico

Albuquerque Overhauls its Zoning Code for the First Time Since the 1970s

Albuquerque has approved the new Integrated Development Ordinance.

November 27, 2017 - Albuquerque Journal

National Harbor

Prince George County Zoning Rewrite Is Greener, Less Car-Dependent

Now open for public comment, a proposed rewrite to the county's zoning code embraces green buildings, lower parking minimums, and increased public engagement by developers.

November 2, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Maine

Maine Town of Brunswick Completes Zoning Code Rewrite

A town of about 20,000 people, located on the coast of Maine, and home to Bowdoin College has completed a new zoning code.

August 16, 2017 - The Coastal Journal

Austin Neighborhood Objects to Proposed Transect Zone

The CodeNext project of updating the city of Austin's zoning code and land use policies has faced a controversial and protracted period of public scrutiny. The Allandale neighborhood provides a case study.

July 19, 2017 - Austin American-Statesman

Washington D.C.

Mapping Washington, D.C.'s New Zoning Code

After years of planning, Washington, D.C. this year adopted a new zoning code. With new maps from the District Office of Zoning, you can see for yourself what the city's new land use regulation regime looks like.

October 26, 2016 - Greater Greater Washington

Supermarket

California’s Messy Code Hinders Housing and Climate Goals

It’s time to rewrite California’s building and planning codes for the 21st century, says architect Mark Hogan.

June 8, 2016 - BOOM: A Journal of California

'Zoning Ordinance Diagnostic' Underway in Atlanta

The city of Atlanta is undertaking a wide-ranging review of its current zoning code in the hopes of implementing form-based codes for more of the city.

February 8, 2016 - Creative Loafing Atlanta

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.

January 21, 2016 - WAMU

Pedestrian Accessibility the Key to Buffalo's New Green Code

An op-ed column for The Buffalo News explains the thinking behind Buffalo's new Green Code—especially its benefits for walking, bicycling, and public transit.

February 24, 2015 - The Buffalo News

Philadelphia Mayor Nutter Touts Planning Legacy

Mayor Michael Nutter believes that his administration leaves "a template for how future development unfolds in Philadelphia" as one of its legacies.

October 15, 2014 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Zoning Code Changes as 'Customer Service' in Somerville

Planners in Somerville, a dense suburb adjacent to Boston, are touting the city's new zoning code as a customer service document. An editorial says the changes could flip zoning in the state of Massachusetts upside-down.

June 17, 2014 - The Boston Globe

Pending Massachusetts Zoning Code Bill Would 'Promote Sustainable Communities'

A Boston Globe editorial calls for the Massachusetts State Legislature to approve Bill H.4065 (An Act promoting the planning and development of sustainable communities).

June 3, 2014 - Boston Globe

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