A set of proposed updates to the city’s development code would expand TOD zones and encourage more backyard dwellings.
In an effort to boost housing production, San Diego officials have proposed an update to the city’s zoning rules that would expand transit-oriented development zones to a one-mile radius of a transit station and loosen regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). David Garrick reports for the Del Mar Times.
Formally named the 2022 Land Development Code update, “The proposed rule changes would make an additional 5,224 acres close enough to transit to be eligible for developer density bonuses. The changes also would increase by 4,612 the acreage eligible for the accessory dwelling unit bonus program.”
As Garrick explains, “The piece of the proposal that encourages developers to build more lower-priced rental housing in prosperous neighborhoods would rely on the state’s definition of “high-opportunity” areas, which focuses primarily on the presence of educational institutions and high-paying jobs.”
The roughly 80 proposed changes also include “prohibiting new storage facilities on prime industrial land, loosening rules for pool demolitions at historic homes and specifying that converted parking lots must be used for outdoor dining, not retail.” After gaining unanimous approval from the city’s Planning Commission in December, the proposal must pass through the Land Use and Housing Committee and the full city council next month.
The city is relatively unique in that it updates its development code en masse once a year, in contrast with other municipalities that make zoning and development changes piecemeal.
See the source article for more details about proposed changes and the pushback from critics who want to preserve the current zoning code.
FULL STORY: San Diego could OK many more high-rise homes and backyard apartments under new city housing proposal
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.