Architect says onerous building code requirement frustrates Toronto's efforts to intensify.
Toronto planners have been attempting for over a decade to intensify land use along the city's numerous arterial corridors. Looking to European cities such as London, Paris and Berlin for inspiration, the "Main Streets" program encourages the construction of 5 to 6 storey buildings containing retail on the ground floor with apartments and offices located on the floors above. However, the program has not been entirely successful to date and one of the city's top architects believes he knows why. According to Eb Zeidler, the requirement in the Ontario Building Code to include two stairways in each mid-rise structure creates awkward layouts, particularly for units that face onto the south side of east-west streets and are therefore deprived of sunlight. Zeidler advocates removing the requirement from the code in order to permit single-stair layouts as are commonly found in Europe, a configuration he claims is just as safe. However, others feel that the real problem is that on-site parking requirements are still too strict and therefore make many small-scale projects uneconomical.
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: Stairway to a better Toronto

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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie