Land Use
Planetizen Week in Review: July 1, 2016
It will only take us two-and-a-half minutes to catch you up on the big planning news from the last week of June.
Chattanooga Approves New Form-Based Code for Downtown
Chattanooga is the latest city to apply the form-based code methodology to a specific area of the city, including downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
Memphis Launches First Comprehensive Planning Effort Since 1981
Though it's been 35 years since its last comprehensive plan, the city of Memphis hopes to start updating its comprehensive plan every five to ten years.
Op-Ed Blames Planned Development Districts for Development in Palm Springs
A local writer argues that development is putting the unique character of Palm Springs in peril by taking advantage of the city's Planned Development Districts.
Manhattan Developers Go 0-2 in Recent Preservation Battles
Local advocates have won a string of political victories against developers in New York City.
Pennsylvania Legislators Propose New Commercial Development in State Parks
A pair of legislative proposals in the Pennsylvania State Legislature would open the door to private development in the state park system.
Another Anti-Development Measure to Face Voters in Southern California
This time, the scene of the anti-development ire is Santa Monica, where local advocates have qualified for the November ballot on initiative requiring a vote for any project building beyond the zoning code.
Are Garden Cities Sustainable?
The Garden City concept has a long and honorable pedigree within urban planning. Analysis of Sterling Ranch, a master-planned community outside of Denver, Colorado highlights some important issues around social and environmental sustainability.
Disneyland Wants a $200 Million Tax Break for a New Hotel
Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait says there is no legitimate reason to give Disney the tax break.
Who Does Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New Funding Plan Leave Out?
If the Metro Board passes the proposed $40 billion expenditure plan, millions of Los Angeles residents will still not have access to good public transit for decades.
Rezoning Proposed for Seattle's University District
Intended to make the most of a planned light rail station, the city of Seattle has proposed a zoning overhaul for the University District.
Denver Planning Department Hiring to Keep Up With Permit Backlog
As Denver's development industry achieves post-recession levels of activity, the city's Department of Community Planning and Development needs staff for pre-recession levels of capacity.
The Well Has Run Dry: Redevelopment in Vallejo, CA Without Tax Increment Financing
A case study of Vallejo shows how the city is continuing revitalization efforts without the powerful tools provided by its former redevelopment agency.
Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations
Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.
Are freeway overpasses curtailing public discourse?
Freeway overpasses instead of town squares are now often selected as the preferred public space to promote a non-commercial point of view, but such messaging does little to enhance public discourse, writes planner and urbanist Howard Blackson.
Pennsylvania Legislation to Address Billboard Impacts
Residents in towns around Pennsylvania are calling for regulations to better understand and mitigate the impacts of large digital and static billboards.
El Paso Stays the Course
El Paso is moving forward with a number of transit projects, toward ambitious goals in mobility, quality of life, and air quality.
Portland Approves New Comprehensive Plan
The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve a new Comprehensive Plan.
St. Louis Puts Renewed Effort Into Vacant Properties
St. Louis Public Radio explains the various efforts of the St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority.
Plans Released for $6.5 Billion Development in Philadelphia
Planners have completed a two-year study of the area around the 30th Street Station in the University City neighborhood in Philadelphia.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
