Cities and states around the country are looking to a forgotten housing model as a way to ease the housing crisis.
Waco officials are exploring ways to make permitting "cottage courts" easier as part of an effort to bring down the cost of housing, reports Sam Shaw in The Waco Bridge.
The model, with small homes arranged around a shared courtyard, was popular in many parts of the country in the early 20th century, but was later outlawed or made more difficult to build by post-war zoning codes. "Galen Price, the city’s director of housing and community development, foresees the smaller homes appealing to those who want a small footprint, such as couples downsizing after their children leave the family home."
According to Price, the city is considering actions including raising the allowable number of units per lot, providing financial assistance for cottage court development, creating a community land trust and reducing parking requirements.
Read the full story: A century-old cottage court in Waco could become blueprint for affordable housing
Atlanta's Buckhead Plans to Secede Over Upzoning
One Atlanta neighborhood is campaigning to secede from the city as the battle over zoning reform heats up.
Less than 6% of California cities are building enough housing for very low-income households
Only five jurisdictions are on track to meet their housing goals for all income brackets.
Judge says Rhode Island town can't seize private lot to block affordable housing
The town of Johnston moved to seize a lot for municipal buildings after its owners submitted a plan for a 254-unit housing development.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
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