While many places have eliminated their breed-specific bans, some counties hold on to outdated stereotypes that create additional challenges in an already tight housing market.
Dan Reed argues that breed-specific housing restrictions that ban dogs such as pit bulls ultimately constitute a housing issue. Despite public perception that "pit bulls"–which "can refer to several different breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier"–are "inherently dangerous," writes Reed, history shows "pit bull bans didn’t make communities safer." By now, "most jurisdictions in the [D.C.] region no longer have pit bull laws. Virginia bans breed-specific laws entirely." Yet Prince George's County continues to uphold its ban.
Reed reasserts that breed restrictions create unnecessary difficulties for renters like himself and his partner, who found themselves facing a list of 38 restricted breeds when renting an apartment in Montgomery County. Meanwhile, "'Pet-friendly' apartment complexes may still have restrictions and tend to be more expensive or charge extra in pet rent, putting them out of reach for many pet owners," and "insurance companies can deny or restrict your coverage if you have a pit bull." Reed advocates for the breeds, saying "misconceptions about pit bulls have real consequences for innocent dogs and their families."
FULL STORY: Pit bull bans are a housing issue
How New California Housing Laws Will Impact Renters
Laws going into effect this year will affect regulations around security deposits, credit checks, and even e-scooters.
Tacoma Coalition Calls for ‘Tenants’ Bill of Rights’
The group wants to put more power in the hands of tenants, but the city has its own, competing proposal for addressing the housing crisis.
Tampa Rejects Rent Control, Citing Legal Concerns
The city council failed to move on a proposal that would have implemented rent stabilization, opting instead to explore other avenues for preventing evictions and improving the cost of housing.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie