As shifting demographics and the Great Recession increase the functional demands on the typical suburban single-family home, outdated zoning laws are preventing the economical use of underused space, writes S. Mitra Kalita.
With one in five college graduates living with his or her parents, seniors seeking to age in place, and the number of shared households rising, outdated zoning laws are preventing single-family homes from being able to meet these changing needs, writes Kalita. In response, "homeowners are pressing for changes in zoning laws
to allow rentals while home builders report a rise in demand for houses
with in-law suites or quarters with separate entry."
Efforts to ease restrictions on creating accessory dwellings in existing homes are facing resistance from long standing concerns about traffic, parking
and stress on utilities. However, new home construction seems to offer an easier route to multi-functional homes.
"Last year, Lennar Corp. rolled out a 'Next Gen' model, calling it a 'home within a home,'" notes Kalita. "The
houses feature a completely separate unit-with own entry, kitchen,
bathroom, bedroom and living area-attached to the main house with a
double door similar to adjoining hotel rooms."
FULL STORY: Multiple Families, One Roof
Opinion: Oversized Mansions Are Harming Maryland Neighborhoods
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What Trump Gets Wrong About America’s Suburbs
The Trump administration’s talk about protecting the suburbs is based on misrepresentations of who really lives in suburbs and what these communities need.
Affordable Housing Challenges in Beltway Suburbs
More people are moving to suburban counties, but a lack of affordable housing in places such as Loudon County, Virginia, means the suburbs are not an option for a growing number of people.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
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LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions