The northern Florida city could follow others in removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings in neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes. Some local residents oppose the plan.

Updated August 8, 2022 to more accurately describe the proposed zoning changes.
A proposal backed by the mayor of Gainesville, Florida is being touted as a boost to affordable housing and equitable development, while critics say the city did not engage with the public enough before drafting the plan, according to an opinion piece by Robert Mounts.
The staff proposal would consolidate all single-family residential zoning districts into one residential zone (RZ), amend permitted uses to allow for small-scale multi-family development, reduce setback and lot size restrictions, remove occupancy limits, increase bedroom limits within the University of Florida (UF) Context Area and streamline 'lot split' regulations.
"The staff says these changes would facilitate diversification of housing types to meet increasing housing demand and allow for a more 'equitable' development pattern in Gainesville." Like similar zoning reform proposals in other cities, "RZ zoning will not eliminate single family housing as a permitted use. Rather, it would introduce the opportunity for small scale multi-family development in all residential areas, thereby providing homeowners with development options that they may choose to explore at their option." Mounts continues, "Similarly, the staff asserts that new lot size and setback requirements associated with RZ will not amend existing lot sizes but will provide development and lot-split opportunities for homeowners to explore at their discretion."
Mounts opposes the proposal, calling it "top-down" and "developer-friendly," while Gainesville's mayor has pitched it as a way to improve equity and housing affordability while allowing homeowners to make extra income from their property.
FULL STORY: Mayor Poe making a final push for 'inclusionary zoning'

The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.

How Virginia Counties Use Zoning to Stifle Development
Some state legislators are proposing action at the state level as counties block development using zoning and development requirements even as housing prices rise sharply in the region.

The Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Remake Downtown
Urban cores around the country were transforming into live, work, and play destinations before the pandemic. The pandemic was a setback for this transformation, but it could also be a rare opportunity. It’s up to city leadership to seize it.

L.A. Times Editorial Board Calls for CEQA Reform
The Board argues that the environmental law, while important, has too often been ‘weaponized’ by NIMBY groups to delay or halt housing development.

Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.

Columbus Could Lower Downtown Speed Limits
The city council will vote on a proposal to lower speed limits to 25 miles per hour to improve safety and make downtown more walkable and welcoming to pedestrians.
York County Government
York County, Human Resources
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
City of Piedmont, CA
City of Morganton
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.