Move over Minneapolis. An Indiana college town joins the avant-garde of planning innovation by nearing the finish line with a new Unified Development Ordinance that would allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in single-family neighborhoods.
"The battle of the '-plexes' carried on Tuesday as Bloomington residents debated the appropriateness of du-, tri- and quadplexes in traditionally single-family neighborhoods," according to an article by Kurt Christian in an article that is behind a paywall.
The Bloomington, Indiana City Council is considering a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to overhaul it's planning vision and enforcement tools, with assistance from Clarion Associates. The Bloomington Plan Commission has already voted unanimous support for the UDO.
For coverage of the UDO process that isn't hidden behind a paywall, see an article by Alex Eady from Mary 2019, when controversy was already dogging the UDO process.
The city of Bloomington's efforts to allow new density in single-family residential neighborhoods places the college town among the avant-garde of cities (Minneapolis was the first example) and states (like Oregon) allowing for multiple units to be built on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family zoning.
Bloomington's website for the UDO update includes a lot of information about the status of the process, recent amendments, and remaining steps for full adoption and implementation.
FULL STORY: Debate over prevalence of multiplex development rages on
Missing Middle Density Will Take More Than Zoning Changes
Looking for change in the housing supply? "Don't stop at the zoning code and think you're done. There's so much work left to do."
Zoning Reforms Underwhelm in Minneapolis as Development Market Holds Course
As one of the first city's to comprehensively allow for residential density, Minneapolis was probably hoping for more than what it's achieved so far.
Connecting Sprawl to Inequality and Climate Change
The consequences of more than a century of planning and zoning are gaining more attention in the media as the country struggles through a pandemic. Will these lessons win new political support for more density in residential neighborhoods?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont