Combined with the recent decision to eliminate parking minimums, the move to end single-family zoning could help make housing more affordable.
Months after ending minimum parking requirements, the city of Austin voted to eliminate single-family zoning and allow up to three homes on each residential lot, reports Austin Sanders in The Austin Chronicle. “Property owners will also be able to install tiny homes on their property and owners of older homes will be able to utilize new bonuses designed to incentivize the preservation of existing homes that meet certain criteria.”
The new rule, called Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment (HOME), doesn’t apply in the city’s Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts (NCCD). Recognizing the new housing arrangements prompted in part by the high cost of housing, it also eliminates rules about unrelated housemates, legalizing increasingly popular co-living arrangements. Sanders notes that “Property owners will also be limited by private deed restrictions and homeowners associations that limit the number of homes built on a single lot.”
FULL STORY: After Long Day of Testimony, Council Votes to End Single-Family Zoning
Portland, Maine Embraces Zoning Reform for Multifamily Housing
The Portland City Council amended the land use code to allow up to four units on all residential lots on the mainland, and up to three on island lots. It also eliminated parking requirements for these uses.
Vancouver Poised to Increase Residential Zoning
The city council will vote on a proposal to eliminate single-family only zoning in favor of rules that would allow up to six units per residential lot.
Zoning Reform Proposed in Austin
Proposed changes would create more room for mid-density housing and shift away from single-family homes on large lots.
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