The city of Milwaukee will require new commercial developments to include a 15-foot "street frontage zone" to encourage walking.
"As more and more apartment buildings take hold across Milwaukee, the Department of City Development (DCD) is updating the zoning code to clarify how the first floor should be designed," reports Jeramey Jannene.
"A new policy will require that street-activating uses, be it [sic] an apartment lobby, fitness center, community room or commercial space, be at least 15 feet deep," adds Jannene.
The changes to the city's frontage requirements will impact most developments on commercial corridors, depending on the zoning designation of the development.
"The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee unanimously approved the change as part of an omnibus update to the city’s zoning code," according to Jannene. The article cites a 2015 article by Laura Bliss in making the case for the walkability effects of first-floor design requirements.
FULL STORY: City Adjusts Zoning for First Floor Design
Zoning Code Update Makes the Nightly News in Cleveland
The potential of form-based codes to re-legalize the historic fabric of Cleveland is explained for the nightly news audience.
How the ‘Social Field of View’ Impacts Street Life
The vibrancy of a neighborhood may be defined by what people can see in their immediate vicinity.
Ambulances vs. Pedestrians
Are the needs of emergency response vehicles inconsistent with nondrivers’ needs for slower, safer streets? Maybe not.
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