Tim Williams argues that Sydney's ubiquitous and beloved terraced housing provides an exemplary model for developing environmentally efficient and livable communities. So why is their construction being stymied?
A mainstay of Sydney's housing mix until World War II, terraced housing "is characterised by small lots, attached housing, and street frontage," describes Williams.
"Because it was designed before the advent of the car, it was pedestrian
focused and close to transport. It is less land hungry than later
housing models, but provides a form of higher density living far more
desirable than badly designed apartments."
So why is it so difficult to build this housing form so prized by home-buyers and praised by New South Wales Planning Minister Brad Hazzard? According to Williams, "The answer turned out to be simple: Current council restrictions make
terraces all but unviable. If a developer wishes to build terraces, they
will typically require a rezoning and a sub-division application, which
often take years to process. Some councils even require terraces to
have underground or off-street parking, making them either prohibitively
expensive or simply not terraces at all. The result of this baffling
approach is that developers end up building either McMansions in
sprawling suburbs or high-rise apartments. The former isn't sustainable
and the latter isn't popular."
Williams calls on the state government to "hold a design competition to update the terrace in line with modern family needs" and to "encourage small lot, terrace or semi-detached housing within a 600-metre radius of every train station," in order to support a return to this time-tested precedent and more effectively meet Sydney's housing needs.
FULL STORY: Acceptable density: reinventing the Sydney Terrace for the 21st Century

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

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.

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards
The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability
Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions