The reasons for a ten-month moratorium on gas station development in the city of Rancho Cucamonga portend a major shift in transportation and land use priorities in the near future.
Steve Scauzillo reports from Rancho Cucamonga, a city located on the fringes of the Inland Empire in Southern California, where the City Council recently implemented a ten-month moratorium on new gas station development throughout the city.
The city has 34 gas stations, nearly twice as much as the neighboring city with the second-most gas stations, Fontana with 21. In Rancho Cucamonga, the number of gas stations works out to .69 service stations per square mile.
The newly implemented moratorium follows a study by city planners that produced three main findings, according to Scauzillo:
- There are a lot more in this All-America city than in any nearby city.
- Sales tax revenues from service stations are falling.
- Calls for police and fire services are rising, nearly doubling in four years.
The city credited the decline in gas tax revenue to increasing numbers of residents driving electric vehicles—a reality that has long been predicted as a reason for gas tax reforms.
According to Scauzillo, city planners will use the moratorium to generate more answers to questions like, "Should new gas stations be located near schools or parks where children play?"
Also, notes Scauzillo, most the city's gas stations are in the southwest and central areas of the city, "leading to environmental justice issues since these areas have more dense and older housing stocks."
FULL STORY: Why are there so many gas stations in Rancho Cucamonga?
New Jersey Bill Would Raise Gas Tax, Create EV Registration Fee
The bill’s supporters argue that increased revenue is needed to keep up with the state’s infrastructure and transportation needs.
California Poised to Lose Up to $4 Billion in Gas Tax Revenue
States must find other ways to fund transportation projects as the transportation sector moves toward decarbonization.
Hawaii Could Implement Road Usage Charge
The tax would apply to electric vehicles, which avoid the state’s gas tax and are a growing percentage of cars on the road.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions