The proposed zoning and land use changes would offer bigger incentives for developers of ‘moderately priced’ housing and relax some restrictions that builders say drive up the cost of construction.
Zoning reform is back in the spotlight in Portland as the city council prepares to consider a package of zoning changes designed to spur more housing development, reports Jayati Ramakrishnan in The Oregonian.
“The biggest proposed change would offer deeper property tax exemptions to developers for building moderately priced apartments in areas just outside the central city, including Slabtown or the inner Eastside.” Other proposals would reduce current bike parking requirements, allow residential units on ground floors, and relax other rules that developers say slow down the process.
The most controversial amendments were those proposed at the last minute by Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, which call for a postponement of two major environmental requirements until 2029: green roofs and bird-safe glass.
Read the full story: Portland City Council looks to boost affordable housing under ‘inclusionary zoning’ mandate, spars over environmental policies
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
San Diego wants to limit upzoning law to just 16% of transit-adjacent parcels
The city's planning director says some areas are unfit for immediate upzoning due to a lack of resources or hazards such as wildfire risk.
Study: Urban Institute analysis underestimates zoning reform impacts
A new analysis reveals a more significant growth in housing supply after zoning changes than an Urban Institute study shows.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction
Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.
The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city
Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs
The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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