The project aims to bring zoning data from around the country into one database, making it easier for planners and researchers to compare policies and their impacts.
An article in PD&R Edge highlights progress on the National Zoning Atlas, an effort to consolidate nationwide zoning data into one GIS database to let researchers analyze and compare zoning policies and their effects. “The purpose of the atlas is to offer insight into zoning’s effects and democratize land use decisionmaking through comprehensive, digitized, and user-friendly zoning information.”
The creators of the Zoning Atlas say “the decentralization of zoning laws has hindered the identification of problems arising from land use regulations.” The effort is already underway in 21 states, and almost complete in New Hampshire.
“An ongoing challenge that the atlas can help address is the obfuscating effects of complex and competing land use interests to reform.” As the article explains, “Aggregating this information makes the scale of statewide challenges more readily apparent and could bring stakeholders on board to address the collective action problems that intricate zoning systems pose.”
FULL STORY: Creating the National Zoning Atlas
National Zoning Atlas Expands
The online tool can help city and state officials understand where zoning codes need reform and how they compare to other localities.
How a National Zoning Atlas Can Clarify a Legal Patchwork
A massive effort is underway to compile local zoning regulations and other laws that impact how and where housing is built.
San Diego wants to limit upzoning law to just 16% of transit-adjacent parcels
The city's planning director says some areas are unfit for immediate upzoning due to a lack of resources or hazards such as wildfire risk.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association