The News & Observer

Developers often see naming streets as their way of making a mark, naming streets after daughters, alma maters, or the family dog. But they often find themselves tangled up in regulations and the limits of their own creativity.

With gas and food prices climbing to unprecedented levels, many families are turning to pawnshops to cover their bills. Unfortunately, pickups are down and people aren't buying, putting smaller operations at risk of closure.

With residents pushing for new rules to prevent tear-downs, a measure to temporarily restrict construction of new homes goes before the city council.

An ambitious study to charge motorists by the mile, which hopes to address decreasing gas tax revenue for both states and the federal government, will begin in North Carolina's Research Triangle.

The former Vice President's application to install solar panels on his home was denied by the zoning board of this wealthy Nashville enclave.

Under advice from parking guru Donald Shoup, North Carolina's capital is rethinking its parking requirements.

Designed by architect William McDonough, a pair of towers recently approved for downtown Chapel Hill will be the first mixed-use development to meet LEED Gold standards in North Carolina.

State and local officials are offering $100 million dollars in tax breaks to the Internet company should it locate a new facility in Lenoir, North Carolina. Yet some wonder if the generosity will pay off for the town.

The city council is considering letting developers decide for themselves how many parking spaces to build, though many worry the change could harm downtown.

In downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, a new group of citizens are giving their city's image a boost by providing a variety of services, from picking up litter to redirecting lost visitors.

North Carolina passes a law banning electric or barbed-wire fences around public housing complexes.

Commuters in North Carolina's greater Triangle area do not have any choice but to drive amidst skyrocketing gas prices. Local urban planning experts blame consumer attitudes and the region's suburban character.

Contradicting smart growth advocates, a study concludes that road construction does not lead to more sprawl.

A study commissioned by NCDOT finds that HOV lanes for the research Triangle region are far more expensive than anticipated.

A 2-part story looks at efforts to preserve North Carolina's coast which are undermined by actions of the state legislature.

A contest inspired by 'SimCity' gives middle-schoolers a taste of the complexities of city planning -- and the fun of making a perfect place

On an online forum, New Urbanism enthusiasts discussed if urban sprawl aided the Washington-area sniper. Is the allegation just suburbia-bashing?

Raleigh is reviewing the first batch of reports for conditional-use rezonings in which the developer must report on meetings with neighbors.

Durham officials approve a $43.2 million subsidy for one of the nation's largest historic renovation projects, aimed at revitalizing downtown Durham.

A California-based company proposes to build 2,200 homes near Chapel Hill.