The online tool can help city and state officials understand where zoning codes need reform and how they compare to other localities.
The National Zoning Atlas, a project that seeks to help citizens and policymakers understand the zoning landscape in their areas, is expanding its reach rapidly, reports Elizabeth Daigneau in Route Fifty.
“Last week, the project announced the launch of the Arizona Zoning Atlas. Roughly 36 states have been mapped, some in their entirety and others just in certain metro areas or jurisdictions.” Data is almost complete for New Mexico and Nevada, with metro areas in the works in Colorado, New York, and North Carolina.
The project lets viewers compare zoning codes and access data about lot sizes, parking requirements, and other regulations. Vermont, the state with the largest average lot size at 1.8 acres, used the atlas maps to highlight the need for reduced lot sizes. “State officials used the Vermont Zoning Atlas to show residents how most Vermont towns disappear from the map when a user selects for areas where single-family homes are allowed on lots less than one-quarter acre.”
FULL STORY: See how your state uses zoning codes to control land use
How a National Zoning Atlas Can Clarify a Legal Patchwork
A massive effort is underway to compile local zoning regulations and other laws that impact how and where housing is built.
National Zoning Atlas Makes Headway
The project aims to bring zoning data from around the country into one database, making it easier for planners and researchers to compare policies and their impacts.
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions