SB 840 allows developers to build multifamily housing by-right on lots zoned for commercial use without applying to a zoning change.
A new Texas state law has indirectly stimulated the production of at least 7,235 new housing units, according to a report from a bipartisan coalition.
In an op-ed, the Dallas Morning News Editorial Board notes that despite opposition from some NIMBY groups and local governments, the law has proven successful in getting more apartments built, directly facilitating over 1,250 units.
The law, SB 840, allows developers to build multifamily housing on commercially zoned land without having to request a zoning variance. "The coalition that authored the report — Texas Appleseed, the American Enterprise Institute and Texans for Reasonable Solutions — identified multifamily applications that would not have been allowed before SB 840 and other projects whose rezoning was made easier by the law."
While some cities are trying to limit the impact of the law, others are embracing it. Dallas aligned its local rules with the state law and tracks the use of SB 840 in permit applications, which makes it easier to understand the law's effects.
Read the full story: Texas’ anti-NIMBY housing law is getting results
Missoula Approves Zoning Reform Emphasizing More Diverse Housing, Walkability
The city’s new zoning code, map, and development standards will guide more expansive housing options and improved walkability.
Small Connecticut Town Approves Controversial 96-Unit Apartment Complex
Just 1.4 percent of housing in the affluent enclave of Woodbridge qualifies as affordable.
Delaware Governor Could Force Cities to Upzone
Gov. Meyer says the state will work with cities to encourage land use reforms that make room for more affordable housing types, but could take stricter measures if jurisdictions don’t comply.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Brightline Florida files for bankruptcy
The transit company is over $5 billion in debt.
St. Louis Metro to test if single-car trains can reduce operating costs, maintain rider satisfaction
The pilot program will run from October to spring 2027, and begin with one single-car train operating on Metrolink’s Red and Blue lines.
Pennsylvania is building data centers in abandoned mines
Housing data centers in mines provides an alternative to destroying local forests and may spare residents from data centers’ noise and air pollution.
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.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello