The city of Des Moines is working on a new zoning code intended to ease the process of developing homes. The proposed regulations have triggered warnings from affordable housing advocates as well as local and nation home builders.
"Changes to Des Moines' zoning code intended to make it easier for developers to build in Iowa's capital city would instead halt construction of new single-family homes, local developers are warning," reports Kim Norvell.
"They also warn that proposed requirements, including minimum house sizes, single-car garages, full basements and restrictions on vinyl siding, would push the price of construction higher — making new homes out of reach for anyone making less than $100,000 a year," adds Norvell.
The concerns echo similar concerns voiced by affordable housing advocates in June. At the time, the new zoning code was proposed as a way to cut red tape for developers. Des Moines officials are standing by that argument in favor of the changes now.
"Developers that meet certain code requirements would be allowed to start construction right away, instead of going through the current approval process, which can take more than 90 days," according to Norvell.
Since the city released an initial draft of the proposed zoning changes, a steering committee has been working to address concerns from the affordable housing and construction industry lobbies. The steering committee "has since proposed a few changes — including removing the basement requirement. The committee has also proposed changes to the minimum square footage requirement, but that information has not been released to the public," reports Norvell.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.