Land Use

YourCoast App Will Make California's Public Beaches More Accessible
The app, developed by tech mogul Sean Parker (of Napster and Facebook fame), brings technology and environmental regulation together to give people the information they need to get to public beaches.

West Hollywood Pilots Pop-Up Walkability Improvements
Six-month pilot projects along the Sunset Strip include a parklet and painted sidewalk extensions by a street artist.

Sweeping Building Moratorium Issued in Response to Potential Opportunity Zone Investments
From opportunity zone to 'opportunity-free zone.'

Skyline Redefining Redevelopment Moving Forward in Denver
The Denver City Council approved a development agreement and rezoning for a 58-acre parcel along the South Platte River that is currently home to the Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park.

Updating the Land Development Code to Protect Trees in Louisville
The Louisville Metro Council has tasked the Louisville Metro Department of Planning and Design with updating the code to preserve and add trees to the city.

The 'Goldilocks' Problem of Housing Supply
All over the country, housing markets are faced with too much supply, too little supply, and just the right of supply.

Food Trucks, Already an Industry Force, Set for More Growth
A new report details the state of the mobile food vending industry and makes predictions for the short-term future.

A Transit-Oriented Parking Reform Proposal in San Diego
Under a new plan proposed by the mayor of San Diego, new developments in transit-rich parts of the city would no longer require parking.

Oregon to Consider Statewide Ban of Single-Family Zoning
Legislation in Oregon would follow the lead of Minneapolis in overturning single-family zoning—for all cities in the state with more than 10,000 residents.

EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Propose Revision of Wetlands Definition
Fulfilling a promise he made as a candidate, the Trump administration proposed a redefinition of what is classified as a wetland, with the result being the loss of federal protection of millions of acres of waterways and wetlands.

Gas Stations, Other Car-Centric Uses Banned From Transit-Oriented Areas in Sacramento
The city of Sacramento has implemented one of the most aggressively transit-oriented land use regulation schemes in the country.

How Many People Live in Cities? The Answer Isn't Obvious
The measures of urbanization vary widely, and the differences pose a challenge in developing policies and plans for cities.

Recent Parking Reform: Start of a Wave of Change?
The range of cities that have recently removed parking mandates could help motivate others that are eyeing new parking policies.

California Fire Chief: Consider Ending Development in Fire Prone Areas
When will California listen to the experts and stop building in fire prone areas? Not today.

The Sweet Smell of Density? Subconscious Influences on Perceptions of Urban Form
Michael Hooper of Harvard University writes about a recent article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research

Thumbs Down to Planning Rules of Thumb
In planning, a number of common principles of practice are widely accepted. However, an alternative set of guidelines can better serve as information and decision-making tools.

A More Complete Picture of the 'Smart City' Plans in Toronto
The game changing redevelopment proposed by Sidewalk Labs for the Toronto waterfront district of Quayside took new shape recently after the company presented an updated draft of its plan.

Wildfire Risks Make Southern California Development a Gamble
The Tejon Ranch development would bring thousands of homes to a highly fire-prone area in L.A. County.

Putting a Bow on Top of the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
The City Council overcame a last minute legal challenge to approve the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan late last week.

Suburbs Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units
Renton, a suburb of Seattle dealing with skyrocketing housing prices like many of the communities in the region, is allowing new density in residential neighborhoods in the form of backyard cottages.
Pagination
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions