Watch: Why and How to Abolish Zoning

Author M. Nolan Gray and Planetizen Editorial Director James Brasuell recently discussed zoning abolition and other concepts discussed in Gray's book, "Arbitrary Lines," published recently by Island Press.

1 minute read

July 26, 2022, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The discussion recorded for the video above, between M. Nolan Gray and James Brasuell, digs into the key concepts and critiques presented in the newly published book,  Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It. 

As noted by Brasuell early in the discussion, Arbitrary Lines takes a significant step beyond the work of previous books that have introduced criticism of U.S. zoning codes by proposing the end of zoning. Gray explains four key critiques of zoning and its outcomes—criticisms that are under-appreciated and misunderstood even by many in the planning profession. The discussion also gets into the details of how Gray believes land use regulation can continue after the end of zoning. 

For more background on the book, see also an excerpt published by Planetizen as well as a book review written by Planetizen blogger Michael Lewyn.

Thursday, July 21, 2022 in Island Press via YouTube

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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