Land Use

Supreme Court Case Could Transform Sign Regulations
If the Supreme Court upholds a lower court decision, cities could lose a long-standing right to regulate 'off-premises' billboards.

Looking to Vacant Retail Spaces for Needed Housing Supply
The Phoenix City Council has taken the first steps toward zoning reforms that can balance out the oversupply of retail spaces at one end of the market and the lack of housing units at the other.

Mixed-Use Co-Op Demonstrates a New Ownership Model
Owned by its tenants and local community members, Traverse City's Commongrounds Cooperative will feature a craft distillery, a food hall, and a childcare facility, among other amenities.

Suburban Revival: How the 21st Century will Redefine Life Outside the City
America’s suburbs are increasingly diversifying, expanding, and evolving as COVID-19 and new economic realities shape behavior. New stories are unfolding in these suburban places as they change and grow. Is it time for a suburban revival?

Study: Climate Change Overwhelmingly Responsible for 'Fire Weather'
New research points to global warming as the biggest factor in fueling longer, more destructive wildfire seasons.

Council Votes to Allow Development on the York Region's Greenbelt
The York Regional Council took a significant step toward allowing development on a large chunk of the area's greenbelt—a move opponents say will set a dangerous precedent.

What Is Infill Development?
Billed as an alternative to urban sprawl, infill development encourages the development of underused or vacant land in existing urban areas to increase density and place new development near existing resources and infrastructure.

Plan for Emissions-Free Zone Takes Shape in Seattle
The city of Seattle is working on a plan to create a zero-emissions zone to mitigate urban pollution and reduce carbon emissions in dense, congested parts of the city.

New Protections for 'Vehicular Residential Facilities' Approved in Oakland
The Oakland City Council this week adopted the Construction Innovation Ordinance.

New High-Frequency Bus Service Dubbed 'Go Lines' in Duluth
The city of Duluth's reimagined bus transit system will go into effect in Summer 2022 along green and blue "Go Lines."

Updating New York City's Urban Design Principles
Anita Laremont, newly appointed director of the New York Department of City Planning and chair of the City Planning Commission, elaborates on the city's priorities for the public realm and the role for good urban design to enhance quality of life.
Sustainability Leadership and ESG Commitments
Lendlease’s new head of sustainability in the Americas, Sara Neff, describes the advantages of the Australian company’s global integrated business model and leadership in sustainable buildings.

Bringing the Case for Exclusionary Zoning Reform to Tennessee
The past, present, and future of zoning in Tennessee.

Budget Negotiations Force Retreat of Biden's Housing Ambitions
The Build Back Better agenda is in retreat—including much of the substance on a plan to spend $330 billion to tackle the nation's housing affordability crisis.

Boston City Council Approves Maximum Parking Ratios
An innovative set of zoning reforms have two more approvals left to become law.

San Diego Approves Permanent Outdoor Dining
The city's new regulations pave the way for making the pandemic experiment a permanent fixture.

The Four Design Teams Shortlisted for Quayside Redevelopment
After Alphabet-owned Sidewalk Labs dropped the project, Toronto is evaluating other proposals for redeveloping their waterfront.

Atlanta City Council Adopts Amended Version of the City's New Comprehensive Development Plan
What started out as an ambitious example of planning and zoning reforms has been trimmed back to respond to opposition from neighborhood groups—and the threat of secession from one neighborhood in particular.

Condo for Cars Planned in Toronto
Car condos are coming to North America's largest cities—first New York and now Toronto.

What Is Micromobility?
Micromobility is an umbrella term encompassing a variety of small, generally low-speed vehicles and conveyances that can be electric or human-powered and privately owned or part of shared fleets.
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
Tyler Technologies
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