A zoning proposal in DuPage County would ban construction of 'meeting places,' including religious institutions, in unincorporated residential areas. The County says it's a question of infrastructure. Muslim leaders wonder if it's Islamophobia.
Three separate mosque projects, planned to serve DuPage County's growing Muslim population, have been delayed by land use authorities, who say the project sites lack adequate water, sewage, parking and traffic infrastructure. Now, the County Board is considering a new ordinance that would effectively ban new construction of mosques and other houses of worship in residential areas while also making it easier for congregations to build in commercial and industrial areas, which officials say have greater capacity for growth.
Muslim leaders across the state say they face increasing resistance to new mosques, especially in light of national controversies like the Park51 project in New York City. However, DuPage County church leaders say that they too have recently experienced difficulties getting approval for new building projects. County leaders deny charges of discrimination.
Youseff writes:
'Proponents say the rules would be even-handed, but others suspect the restrictions target Muslims at a time when they're building more mosques there. And for many, that question has become a major undercurrent of the zoning debate: is it really about land use or is it about discrimination?'
FULL STORY: DuPage Zoning Proposal: Land Use? Or Islamophobia?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont