Somehow the city of Detroit managed to start enforcing an Airbnb ban in single-family neighborhoods without anyone realize the council had approved the regulation.
Detroit had a sudden onset of controversy this week when the city began notifying Airbnb hosts that the city had outlawed Airbnb for R1 and R2 zoning.
"The new zoning ordinance apparently went through the Planning Commission and City Council in 2017, and went into effect this week," reported Robin Runyon on February 8.
By February 9, the city was walking back the Airbnb ban, "saying that the new ordinance is under legal review and they won’t be enforcing it at this time." Runyon has updated the article to reflect the evolution of the story.
In a separate article published on February 9, after the controversy had erupted, Katrease Stafford reported that the city announced it wouldn't immediately enforce the ban. "Instead, the city has asked its law department to review the new zoning ordinance amendment, which impacts properties zoned R1 and R2," according to Stafford.
As for the main cause of the confusion and controversy, the "ban sparked confusion among some homeowners who said they rent out rooms in their home through Airbnb." David Bell, director of the Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED), put out a statement on February 9 explaining that he didn't believe that the ordinance was intended to prevent homeowners from renting out rooms.
For more coverage of the controversy and the response from the city, see also an article by Tom Perkins.
FULL STORY: Detroit just banned Airbnb without anyone knowing it [updated]
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Barcelona Buys Building to Prevent Tenant Evictions
One apartment building — and its tenants who faced eviction — became a potent symbol of the city’s growing housing crisis.
Spain Moves to Regulate Short-Term Rentals
Calls for regulation at the national level have prompted lawmakers to consider limiting tourist rentals amidst a growing housing crisis.
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
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.
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