Density

The Walkable Urbanism of Big Box Stores
For residents of many U.S. small towns and exurbs, the local Walmart offers a surprising benefit missing elsewhere in their communities: walkability.

Vancouver Poised to Increase Residential Zoning
The city council will vote on a proposal to eliminate single-family only zoning in favor of rules that would allow up to six units per residential lot.

Austin Could Reduce Minimum Lot Sizes
In an effort to increase housing production and bring down housing costs, the city council approved a resolution calling for reduced lot sizes and higher density in single-family neighborhoods.

Boise Approves First Zoning Code Update in 60 Years
A comprehensive update of the city’s zoning code aimed at making housing more affordable and promoting sustainable growth received unanimous support from the city council.

No Relief in Sight for Tampa Bay Renters
The region’s rents are rising sharply, while experts expect multi-family construction to slow down.

Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit
After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.

Landmark Land Use Bill Fails in Colorado Legislature
Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s effort to allow for more housing construction by preempting local control of zoning failed to achieve the required level of political support in the state legislature.

Upzoning Gutted From Colorado’s Statewide Housing Reform Effort
Colorado’s “More Homes Now” bill has been drastically reduced in scope and ambition, showing the contemporary zoning reform movement still has obstacles to overcome.

Zoning Reforms Slow to Benefit Renters
Households seeking lower-cost rental housing units are not seeing housing supply go up as quickly as higher-income families after upzoning.

The Dividing Line Between Good and Bad Density
Not all density is good, according to the participants at recent event hosted by the Congress for the New Urbanism’s District of Columbia chapter, and examples of new developments cross the line all over the world.

Montana Passes Sweeping Legislative Package to Rescind ‘California-Style-Zoning’
The Montana State Legislature recently approved a package of zoning reform bills modeled closely on bills approved in West Coast states, including the state of California, in recent years.

Upzoning Modestly Increases Housing Supply and Affordability, Study Says
A new study by researchers at the Urban Institute finds new evidence that upzoning produces housing supply and reduces costs, while downzoning does the opposite.

Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan Still Searching for Zoning Alignment
The vision set forth in one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking comprehensive plans in recent memory has yet to align with the practical realities of zoning in Minneapolis.

Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition
It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.

Proposed Update to Boise Zoning Code Would Boost Density, Discourage Sprawl
A years-long process has culminated in a proposal that would encourage the creation of affordable housing, promote transit-oriented development, and position the city for less car-oriented growth.

A Rapidly Urbanizing Texas County Gets in Touch With its Agricultural Roots
Developers in Fort Bend County are drawing inspiration from ‘agrihoods’ to build car-light communities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas.

Code Reforms to Ease the Housing Crisis
Ten recommendations for zoning code changes that could make housing more affordable.

Vancouver Council Denies Proposal to Limit Broadway Plan Growth
A proposed ‘pace of change’ policy would have restricted the number of development proposals the city would accept in an effort to limit displacement of existing residents in affordable, low-rise rental units.

Maps: How Much of Your City is Parking?
The percentage of land dedicated to parking in the central districts of major U.S. cities ranges from 4 percent to as much as 42 percent.

Parking Reform Gains Momentum
More cities and states around the country are recognizing the value of eliminating parking requirements.
Pagination
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.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
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)