Celebrating Disney-Style New Urbanism

In Celebration, FL, myriad rules ensure the vision of New Urbanism by governing the appearance of lawns, homes, and even the color of curtains.

1 minute read

July 21, 2004, 8:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


A ride into this central Florida community begins at a quaint water tower, continues along white fencing reminiscent of Kentucky horse country and ends at a pristine lake in the middle of town. The water tower is fake, the fence is made of hollow plastic and the lake is manmade....

In Celebration, messiness is prevented by myriad rules that seem to cover any contingency.The appearance of homes and lawns, alone, are governed by a 70-page pattern book.Among the rules: Curtains that face the street must be white or off-white. The color of a home, unless it’s white, can’t be duplicated within three homes on the same side of the street. At least a quarter of the front and side gardens must have something besides grass."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 in The Detroit News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

3 hours ago - The Urbanist

Modular home being lifted with crane.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing

The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

4 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Two people on Nashville BCycle bike share wearing helmets loking out over railing at downtown skyline.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding

The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.

5 hours ago - WKRN

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.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)