If we want to improve our cities, we should start by throwing away the traditional municipal zoning code.
"If Americans built homes the way they build cities and suburbs, it would be illegal for your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen to be under the same roof," writes Ventura County Star senior reporter John Krist, after attending a talk by author and planner Peter Katz.
"As labels go, 'form-based codes' is pretty terrible. The concept it embodies, however, is one many communities ought to consider embracing, particularly those --like most in Ventura County -- facing political or physical constraints on their ability to accommodate population growth and economic development. Managers in Ventura and Santa Paula already are taking a hard look at it, as they focus on imaginative redevelopment of their aging urban fabric."
Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism
FULL STORY: Creating a livable place
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers
The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.
Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January
Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners