Bans
![Photos of modest gravesites surrounded by a lush, green forest.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_434560699.jpeg.webp?itok=vwxHwAH9)
Judge Overturns Township’s Ban on Cemeteries
Brooks Township in Michigan ran afoul of the state constitution when it instituted a blanket cemetery ban with the intent to block a green cemetery.
![Social Distancing](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1735925135.jpg.webp?itok=r_nFIvf3)
Supreme Court of Texas Upholds Governor's Ban on Local Mask Mandates
As the coronavirus surges in hard-hit Texas, threatening to overwhelm hospitals, the state supreme court affirmed the right of the governor to preempt local governments from enacting proven health measures to keep residents safe from infection.
![East Bay Area](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1454514092.jpg.webp?itok=lWJS0XLr)
Another Berkeley 'First': Banning Natural Gas Lines in New Buildings
On Tuesday night, the City Council of Berkeley, Calif., unanimously voted to ban natural gas infrastructure from new buildings starting next year, the first city in the U.S. to pass such an ordinance. Fifty cities in the state could be next.
![Insulation](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_723870886.jpg.webp?itok=19c9nc5f)
New York City Polystyrene Ban Took Effect New Year's Day
Thanks to two recent New York State court rulings, disposable food and beverage containers will no longer be made from polystyrene in the nation's largest city. The ban was originally proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in February 2013.
Balloons and Straws: Where's the Connection?
Think "The Graduate," but now the emphasis in the future of plastics may be on restrictions. California may become the first state to restrict access to plastic straws, and balloons could be next due to the harm they cause the marine environment.
Seattle Beats San Francisco to Plastic Straw and Utensil Ban
Seattle's ban took effect Sunday, while San Franciso's proposed legislation, if successful, would begin July 1, 2019. Other cities have plastic straw restrictions, but Seattle's is the first outright ban. Compostable alternatives are permitted.
![Port of Oakland](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_106879223.jpg.webp?itok=IBs8MOim)
Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
![Venice Beach](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_432460123.jpg.webp?itok=ixxzxCDG)
Proposed Law Would Ban Unaccompanied Adults from City Playgrounds in L.A.
There is plenty of debate surrounding a proposed law that would prohibit adults from entering city-owned playgrounds unless in the company of children.
![Port of Oakland](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_106879223.jpg.webp?itok=IBs8MOim)
Environmental Justice Wins With Coal Ban in Oakland
The City Council in Oakland, California took its first, substantive steps toward banning the handling and storage of coal in the city.
Residents Protest for the Right to Bear Sleds on Capitol Hill Snow Day
The sledding ban on Capitol Hill was too much for Washington, D.C. residents to bear. They brought wintertime fun to Congress on yesterday's snow day.
Sunday Not-So-Fun-Day: More Cities Banning Sledding in Public
Cities simply can't afford the lawsuits that follow sledding injuries. Time will tell how strictly such laws are enforced.
Bloomberg Pursues One Last Ban
Did anyone think the final month of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's third, and final, term was going to wind down quietly? After taking on cigarettes, sodas, and trans fats, Bloomberg is going after plastic-foam food containers.
Drive-Thrus Banned at Birthplace
The city of Baldwin Park, California -- purported home of the world's first drive-thru -- is temporarily banning any new construction of drive-thrus to try to combat obesity.
Seattle Could Ban New Houseboats
The city has hundreds of houseboats on its waterways, but new shoreline regulations could prohibit any new houseboats.
Fertilizers Banned in Polluted Florida County
Certain fertilizers will be banned from use during summer months and rainy times of the year in Pinellas County, Florida after a recent ruling by the County Commission.
First Fast Food, Now South L.A. Looks to Ban Convenience Stores
Community activists are calling for a ban on new convenience stores in South Los Angeles, a lower income part of town that saw a ban on new fast food restaurants last year.
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Planning for Universal Design
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners