The city revised its zoning code to add new restrictions for private detention centers, but the ordinance won't apply to federally operated facilities.
San Antonio's city council approved a series of changes to the city's zoning and development codes that regulate private detention facilities in the wake of concerns about federal immigration enforcement activities, reports Diego Medel in San Antonio Report.
According to Medel, "The ordinance updates multiple sections of city code — including building, fire and Unified Development Code provisions — to require notification and additional review for any private entity seeking to build, convert or operate a detention facility within city limits." It also regulates how close facilities can be to schools, homes, and other community spaces, and requires city council approval for any new facilities. "With the ordinance approved, the city will implement the new notification and review requirements for privately operated detention facilities."
City councilors admit that the new rules won't actually apply to federal property or facilities leased or operated by the federal government, including a proposed immigration detention facility on San Antonio's East Side, but will guide the future development of private detention facilities.
FULL STORY: San Antonio City Council passes zoning, code changes for private detention facilities
Land use as protest: How American cities are fighting federal immigration detention centers
Across the country, city officials are using zoning codes and land use law to limit where ICE detention facilities can be built.
Commentary: New Jersey Township Could Use Zoning Law to Block ICE Facility
The Roxbury council passed a resolution opposing a new immigration detention facility, but the town could go further by enacting an ordinance barring detention as a land use.
Architecture Firm to Stop Designing ICE Prisons After Staff Outrage
Employees of one of the nation’s largest “justice facility” firms called on their company to end contracts for detention facilities.
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