Houston introduces the 'area plan' ordinance that allows certain neighborhoods to craft their own development guidelines.
"These plans, subject to city approval, could vary from the city's general requirements for lot sizes, building setbacks, density, open space, parking and other characteristics.The measure also would require developers who build commercial projects in single-family neighborhoods to add features, such as landscaping, that would reduce nuisances like noise and traffic.These ideas are surfacing in Houston, the nation's only major city without zoning, at a time when cities around the country are re-examining their zoning codes. Some urban leaders say traditional zoning discourages developments that mix homes, shops and entertainment sites -- a strategy seen as vital to curbing urban sprawl."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: New concept promoted for city planning
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.
Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.
Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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.
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