A proposed zoning change would allow up to four units on almost 3,000 additional parcels.
The St. Petersburg City Council is moving forward with a proposal to permit denser housing development, reports Veronica Brezina in St. Pete Catalyst.
According to Brezina, “The language in the first reading of the city-initiated Neighborhood Traditional Mixed Residential (NTM-1) zoning application calls for an increase in the building density, allowing up to four units on nearly 3,000 parcels across the city.”
City councilmembers pushed back on neighborhood associations who oppose the move out of concern for “neighborhood character,” adding that “the proposed zoning change does list specific requirements related to the parking, setbacks, alleyways, facades and roads.”
Supporters of the measure argue that more housing is crucial in a county where one-third of families spend over 40 percent of their income on housing and professionals such as firefighters and teachers are increasingly pushed out. Anthony Close of urban development blog St. Pete Rising, pointed out in a public meeting that NTM-1 zoning would only apply to under 3 percent of the city’s lots.
The city council will take up the issue again on March 23.
FULL STORY: City favors adding housing density in neighborhoods
Experts Say Zoning Reform Isn’t Likely to Solve Housing Crisis
A survey by Fannie Mae found widespread skepticism among housing experts that zoning reforms will be enacted widely enough to make a major impact on U.S. housing supply.
Sacramento Council Approves Upzoning Proposal
If given final approval, the plan would increase the allowable floor area ratio to permit denser housing development in single-family neighborhoods and near transit.
A Look at Milwaukee’s Zoning Reform Proposal
The ‘Growing MKE’ plan calls for allowing ADUs, reducing barriers to new construction, and expanding the types of housing available in the city’s residential areas.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.
Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions