A new zoning amendment facilitates housing construction on properties owned by faith-based institutions.
The county council in Montgomery County, Maryland approved a zoning reform measure that makes it easier for churches and other places of worship to build housing on property they own, a movement colloquially known as ‘Yes in God’s Backyard.’
According to a press release from the county, “Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 24-01, also known as the Facilitating Affordable Inclusive Transformational Housing (FAITH) ZTA, will remove barriers to the creation of affordable housing and provide reasonable flexibility in the development standards for multi-unit and townhouse living on properties associated with faith and educational institutions.”
Qualifying projects will be required to meet one of five affordability thresholds. According to Pastor Will Ed Green, a supporter of the measure, the ZTA “opens up creative opportunities for those communities to address challenges like aging infrastructure, accessibility challenges, and environmentally unsafe buildings so that these vital services we are already providing our community aren't interrupted.”
FULL STORY: Council Passes Zoning Measure to Allow Affordable Housing Adjacent to Places of Worship
Five simple zoning changes that any city can make to increase housing affordability
Zoning for more affordable housing is not rocket science, says Donald Elliot, author of "An Even Better Way to Zone." Here’s his five-step guide to getting started.
The Matchmakers Bringing Churches and Developers Together
Several groups are serving as mediators for faith-based development, helping congregations access funding, navigate long-term development processes, and avoid developer exploitation.
Virginia Assembly Passes ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Bill
The law would require 60% affordability and ensure that projects have access to water and sewage lines.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association