Israel has over 10,000 pages of building regulations, construction standards and building guidelines-- often with contradictions between the laws and the regulations.
Following a building collapse in May 2001, a state commission of inquiry was created to investigate and compile the factors leading up to the disaster. The final report that was tabled last week, portrayed a building and planning profession burdened with an overly complex body of laws and regulations and rife with internal contradictions. The legal situation is so complex that it is impossible to closely supervise implementation of regulations or instructions, and many developments simply find ways to "bypass" the law. A special government unit has been created to simplify and coordinate the planning law, but many of the ministries involved in planning have not been cooperating with the new unit.
Thanks to Zvi Leve
FULL STORY: Contradictions, lacunae and redundancies

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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