It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.
Fort Collins, Colorado is working toward a new land use code, months after repealing a new code approved in November due to a public petition opposing the changes. Molly Bohannon has been following the developing story throughout the twists and turns of the start-and-stop process.
The city of Fort Collins updated its land use code after 15 months of work on November 1, 2022, adopting the first change to the regulations governing development in the city since 1997. By January 2023, the city had rescinded that approval in response to a citizen-led petition. The council voted 5-2 to approve the land use code in November. The council voted 7-0 to repeal the code in January.
According to an article by Bohannon published in December, the former land use codes was intended “to increase housing capacity, improve affordability, have a more diverse housing stock in the city, and make the code easier to understand and housing development reviews more predictable.” The former land use code allowed the construction of accessory dwelling units in all residential zones, for example.
The opponents leading the petition drive, Preserve Fort Collins, cited a lack of public engagement and concern over the city’s charactering opposing the code update, according to the same article. “Public opposition to the changes stemmed largely from the concern that they would diminish the city’s quality by allowing more dense housing types in historically single-family neighborhoods and that the changes were formed without adequate public engagement,” writes Bohannon in the same article.
Fast forward to the present day, and Bohannon reports that city staff are getting ready to start to work on revisions to the code update, starting with a new round of community engagement. “Staff estimated the cost of this round of engagement to be about $150,000 and said they hope to be able to come back to council in August, but they don't want to rush it,” reports Bohannon in the source article linked below.
FULL STORY: Here are your chances to weigh in on the future of Fort Collins' land use code
Reno Revisits Zoning Reform
After roundly rejecting a proposal to legalize granny flats in 2018, the city council is revising it and other zoning reform proposals that could increase the city’s affordable housing supply.
Upzoning Modestly Increases Housing Supply and Affordability, Study Says
A new study by researchers at the Urban Institute finds new evidence that upzoning produces housing supply and reduces costs, while downzoning does the opposite.
Controversial Comprehensive Plan Update Moves Forward in Charlottesville
Residents have had a chance to oppose the new residential density proposed by the "Charlottesville Plans Together" comprehensive planning process.
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