How Temporary Uses Can Revitalize Neighborhoods

Temporary, interim, or intermittent uses are part of a growing trend, evident both in Europe and the U.S., that creatively responds to new planning needs.

1 minute read

December 28, 2007, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Once considered purely a regulatory hassle, temporary use ordinances mainly addressed short-term firework stands, flea markets, and real estate sales offices, among others. Today, many cities are taking a fresh look at the benefits offered by creative temporary uses.

Temporary uses can draw positive attention to underused or vacant sites. They add immediate neighborhood amenities. They incubate innovative business ideas. They also buy time while longer planning and community input processes play out."

[Editor's note: This article is available to non-members for approximately 7 days. After this period, the article is available to APA members, or for a fee.]

Thanks to American Planning Association

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 in Planning Magazine

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