local control

California housing regulators have granted preliminary approval for the city of San Francisco’s housing element as mandated by the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation process.

January 24, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Some state legislators are proposing action at the state level as counties block development using zoning and development requirements even as housing prices rise sharply in the region.

January 23, 2023 - The Virginia Mercury

After a proposal for a mixed-use development failed to gain support from a local city councilmember, the developer turned the site into a truck storage depot, prompting concerns over air quality and health impacts.

January 20, 2023 - The New York Times

The political will for zoning reforms has never been stronger. The traditional opponents of development, however, are still finding ways to push back.

January 11, 2023 - Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

A state court has ruled in favor of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ efforts to block a development project despite the state’s efforts to intervene.

November 6, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

Nine of the 52 cities impacted by the state of Oregon’s parking requirements changes, approved earlier this year, plan to sue to stop the reforms.

October 4, 2022 - The Oregonian

The Prince George's County Council is facing a dramatic overhaul in the November election, so current councilmembers are trying to solidify their zoning legacy, while making it harder for future councilmembers to do the same.

October 3, 2022 - The Washington Post

It’s no longer business as usual in California when it comes to planning and developing housing.

September 22, 2022 - The New York Times

The agency argues that the city cannot introduce lane reductions on a state road, putting a long-planned bike lane project in jeopardy and superseding local decisionmaking.

September 13, 2022 - Governing

A solar energy facility planned for Fairfield County, Ohio is in critical condition after local governments express their displeasure.

September 2, 2022 - Ohio Capital Journal

The California Legislature this week approved a historic package of bills, including a bill that allows affordable housing on commercially zoned properties and another that removes parking requirements near transit.

September 1, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

A new state law allows counties to deny wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions, and at least ten counties have already moved to implement bans.

August 26, 2022 - Cleveland Scene

Traditionally the purview of local governments, single-family zoning has come under fire as ‘exclusionary.’ Now, the federal government wants to encourage cities to loosen restrictions.

April 18, 2022 - Route Fifty

A proposed bill would prohibit towns and cities from enforcing bans against short-term rental properties.

April 11, 2022 - The Keene Sentinel

Four Southern California cities are calling SB9 unconstitutional in the fight to retain local control over zoning codes and housing density.

April 4, 2022 - Times of San Diego

A little-known provision in California's state constitution enables exclusionary policies under the guise of local control.

March 17, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

The battle over the efficiencies and infrastructure required in building codes continues.

March 15, 2022 - Huffpost

Cities are attempting to wrest back local control over land use and zoning via some ingenious—and sometimes disingenuous—strategies.

March 1, 2022 - Diana Ionescu

The state preemption pendulum swings again—this time in favor of state preemption of energy efficiency standards in Virginia.

February 9, 2022 - The Virginia Mercury

An update for Woodside's plans to avoid a state-mandated rezoning by claiming that the entire town serves as mountain lion habitat.

February 8, 2022 - Los Angeles Times