A planned public library in Sarasota County, Florida, has a garden-topped future ahead of it, as county officials plan to use the library's green roof as a test-run to determine if green roofs are a solution to Florida's stormwater runoff problems.
The new public library in Sarasota County, Florida, will be have one of few garden rooftops in Florida, and the county officials who have approved the plan are hopeful that the roof is successful enough to set an example for the rest of the state.
" 'Every water body in the state has had algae problems,' said Eric Livingston, bureau chief for watershed management with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 'We know we have a problem, and we're looking at things that can reduce the pollutants going into the waterways.' "
"The county is using the Bay Street library as a test lab."
"Officials will gather precise measurements for storm-water runoff and water reuse, including condensation from the air conditioner. Those measurements could be used locally and even statewide to change permitting requirements for residential developments and commercial construction."
FULL STORY: Roof gardens a cure for water runoff?
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.