With the city of Los Angeles amidst its first comprehensive overhaul of its Zoning Code since 1946, the Planning Department's outreach efforts include a new post explaining the regulated land uses of yesteryear.
A new explainer on the Re:Code LA site takes an amusing look at a Zoning Code supplement known as the Use List: "Have you ever wondered where you’re allowed to raise chinchillas in Los Angeles? How about where you can manufacture Babbitt metal? Open a numismatic (coin collecting ... we had to look it up too) store? The answer to those everyday questions and more can be found in the Use List—the companion document to the Zoning Code that identifies which land use activities are permitted in each of the various zones in the City."
Because the Use List was adopted in 1946, it now includes an archive of the city's past economies, including references to phonographic record production, asbestos manufacturing (yikes), and typewriter repair. Some of the more curious uses that once had a place in the City of Angels: "Earthworm Raising," "Alligator Farms," and "Baby Gyms."
FULL STORY: One Use Two Use Old Use New Use

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

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)