The city of Ottawa, Canada has produced another goofy animated video. This one explains its efforts to encourage more Missing Middle multi-unit urban housing.
Like many North American cities, Ottawa has long faced rental affordability and vacancy issues. And, like in most cities, zoning is part of the problem, preventing mid-density housing from being built in the places it's needed the most. To help encourage more supply and improve housing affordability, Canada’s capital city is undertaking a zoning review aimed at encouraging more "missing middle" housing forms such as low-rise apartments in its inner-urban R4 Residential zones. The city has produced a short animated video to help explain the study. Because let's face it, zoning is boring, and who doesn't like cartoons?
Developed in-house by the same staffers behind the city’s viral Minimum Parking Review cartoon in 2015, it quickly explains in a fun and engaging way how more low-rise apartments can can help affordability and why old zoning rules might be getting in the way of helping people find a place to live.
FULL STORY: Ottawa's R4 Zoning Review: The Missing Middle
What Made It Possible for Oregon to End Single-Family Zoning?
Factors beyond political chance played into Oregon's recent decision to legalize missing middle housing. One key point: the state was already halfway there.
New Jersey Duplexes Elicit Mixed Reactions
Modern, two-unit residences are proliferating in northern New Jersey communities, signaling for some a boon to the housing supply and to others a loss of historic architecture.
ADUs for Sale? San Diego Could Legalize Backyard Condos
As one of 25 proposed amendments, San Diego may soon allow accessory dwelling units to be bought and sold as individual homes.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)