Local governments have more tools than money to relieve some of the economic experience experienced by residents and businesses as the economic effects of the novel coronavirus linger just as long as the public health crisis it causes.
The zoning and planning consulting firm Code Studio has published a blog post that digs into one of the big questions facing planners and city officials throughout the coronavirus pandemic: "[W]hat can cities do through zoning (the land use controls on private property) to help businesses and the economy get back up and running as quickly and safely as possible?"
The prescription presented here has a common theme: local government should lift some of the stifling zoning restrictions common in U.S. cities today. The list of recommended actions follows, with more details provided in the source article:
- Allow temporary use of parking lots for outdoor dining/drinking.
- Allow pop-up retail/outdoor display.
- Relax temporary sign restrictions.
- Eliminate parking requirements – require spaces for bikes instead.
The list above might complicate public opinion about the purview of zoning codes in the United States, but perhaps in a year where patterns and behaviors have taken on a measure of simplicity in response to an unprecedented public health threat, zoning codes should be expected to adopt a new, long-sought measure of simplicity as well.
Related on Planetizen: How Zoning Reform Can Help Businesses Transition to Outdoor Operations (May 15, 2020)
FULL STORY: ZONING IN A POST-COVID WORLD: PART I
How Zoning Reform Can Help Businesses Transition to Outdoor Operations
A trend toward allowing restaurants and retailers to expand operations to the public realm outside their brick and mortar confines is quickly gaining steam.
Winter Is Coming—Capitalize on It
Outdoor dining programs have provided relief for local restaurants and retailers, while offering an oasis of social life for residents. The winter months will challenge that momentum, but creative, flexible approaches can save the day again.
Seattle Extends Outdoor Dining for a Year, Eases Rules on Heaters for the Winter
Outdoor dining is going to hang out for a bit.
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.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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