Accessory dwelling unit regulations vary but results are consistently underwhelming in the D.C. region.
"Even though accessory apartments have become legal in parts of DC, Maryland, and Virginia over the past few decades, we have yet to see a renaissance of this housing type in our region," writes Tracey Hadden Loh.
The answer to the question of why accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are so hard to deliver at scale with the stated goals of zoning codes varies by jurisdiction, according to Loh. The article includes a list of current ADU regulations in the city of Alexandria, the District of Columbia, Fairfax County, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Arlington County, finding substantial differences in the "state of play" for each.
However, one councilmember in Montgomery County, Maryland has proposed legislation that would make eight changes to the county's zoning code to streamline ADU permitting to help produce results more in line with intensions.
Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer's bill would: "Remove the prohibition on detached accessory apartments in small lot single family zones (R-200, R-90, and R-60)," and " Remove the prohibition on detached accessory apartments on lots smaller than one acre," among the six other changes.
Riemer's zoning text amendment is getting a public hearing today in Rockville, Maryland.
FULL STORY: Accessory apartments in Montgomery County: Still looking for the secret sauce
Toward a System of Adaptive Reuse Feasibility
A relative lack of conversions from office to residential—the adaptive reuse model driving the housing market in many urban areas—makes the Washington, D.C. region a perfect place to study the factors that make or break an adaptive reuse proposal.
Want to Make a Better City? Build a Better Bus System
It's simple, according to this Washington Post column: better buses make a better city.
Zoning Reform Gains Momentum in Northern Virginia
Arlington County and Alexandria are moving forward with actions that could potentially launch a new era of planning and development in their respective communities.
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service