Land Use

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.

Residential Parking Permits for One of Cincinnati's Hottest Neighborhoods
Residents are looking for more reliable parking as Over-the-Rhine continues to boom.

That's Mixed-Use: Housing on Top of a Bus Yard
San Francisco could try a new trick to help kill two birds with one stone.

Judge Upholds Seattle's Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, Clears the Way for Upzoning
Since a city judge determined the legality of the long controversial Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, Seattle has been able to move forward with the plan to allow new density around the city.

How Residential Architecture Got So Cookie Cutter
While it's fun to tease about the architectural shortcomings of most newly constructed urban residential buildings in the United States, the causes of its ubiquitous sameness reveals the depths of the country's housing crisis.

Updated: Last Minute Opposition to Minneapolis 2040 From Environmental Groups
A coalition of opposition groups claims that density is bad for the environment, and that the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan should be stopped.

Walkable City Rules: A Detailed Guide to Walkability
Jeff Speck's new book not only makes the case for narrow, walkable streets, but also provides more detailed guidance for specialists.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie