Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.
Planners with the city of Albuquerque are considering zoning changes that would legalize the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), known locally as casitas, in large swaths of the city, according to an article by Alaina Mencinger for the Albuquerque Journal. The Albuquerque City Council is expected to decide on the zoning changes this week.
“Currently, two-thirds of the city is zoned as ‘R–1’, which only permits single family construction. Should the zoning code pass, R–1 and R–A — residential agricultural — zones would be opened to casita and duplex construction,” according to Mencinger.
The zoning changes are a component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, championed by Mayor Tim Keller Albuquerque’s City Council will consider adopting a change that would make it easier and more widely accessible to build casitas and duplexes through the city. “Besides the changes to casita and duplex zoning, the plan includes other strategies, such as converting hotels and motels into new housing,” explains Mencinger.
The source article below includes more details on the proposed legalization of ADUs and the ensuing political debate.
FULL STORY: Zoning change could bring more casitas to Albuquerque
Landmark Land Use Bill Fails in Colorado Legislature
Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s effort to allow for more housing construction by preempting local control of zoning failed to achieve the required level of political support in the state legislature.
Four ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ Zoning Reforms
An excerpt from the latest book on zoning argues for four approaches to reform that can immediately improve land use regulation in the United States.
Gainesville Weighs Zoning Reform Proposal
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.
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.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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