Increasing development in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains is adding significantly to the area's fire risk. Some are calling for more scrutiny in the approval of further development in the fire-prone area.
"Having a picture window on the wilderness may be a dream come true, but according to a two-year study by the Sierra Nevada Alliance, the spate of new homes on the peaks, ridges and wildland areas threatens a disastrous fire. And taxpayers are picking up the bill for extra fire-protection measures."
"'There is a tremendous amount of population growth going on in these extreme fire danger areas,' said Autumn Bernstein, the alliance's land use coordinator and the author of the 45-page study, entitled 'Dangerous Development: Wildfire and Rural Sprawl in the Sierra Nevada.'"
"In response to the report, some county officials said they consider fire danger before approving new developments. New state laws also require homeowners to do more to protect their homes."
"The number of people living in the Sierra's extreme or very high fire-threat areas increased 16 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to the report. What's worse is that 94 percent of new home development planned in the Sierra Nevada is also within these danger zones."
FULL STORY: Rural sprawl in the Sierra raises the risk of wildfires
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
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.
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.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
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.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions