The powers, and the limitations, of zooming are explained in a series of posts on Greater Greater Washington.
Bryan Barnett-Woods, a transportation planner for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Because "zoning codes also are often seen as a vehicle for all kinds of desired changes in a community," according to Barnett-Woods, they can be easily abused and misused. As Barnett-Woods argues, "shoehorning some types of changes in via zoning laws is a bad idea."
Thus Barnett-Woods produces two lists. One is a list of ends that do not suit the means of zoning. The second is a list of ends that do suit zoning well.
The list of what zoning can't achieve includes goals like forcing businesses to locate in an area, forcing business to leave an area, and limiting the number of people who live somewhere, among others. On the list of goals zoning can help achieve, Barnett-Woods includes regulating the use of land, regulating the form of buildings, and regulating the intensity of uses, among others.
FULL STORY: Zoning can do a lot, but it can’t do it all
Watch: Debunking Myths About Houston's Lack of Zoning
A video published last week by City Beautiful reveals the myths and misconceptions of Houston's land use regulation system.
Needed: Better Data on Local Zoning Regulations
It's hard to connect zoning to planning and development outcomes at a national level because very little data exists at that scale.
Zoning Didn't Stand a Chance Against the Economy in New York's Garment District
Zoning can only be so effective in holding off market forces, according to this column. New York City seems to have finally learned this lesson in the Garment District, but will it inform decisions in other parts of the city?
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions