Local Control
Texas town's data center ban challenged by state senator
In June, San Marcos became the first city in Texas to prohibit data centers.
California’s Half Moon Bay says coastal regulations hinder housing development
The town is entirely within the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission, which imposes a layer of strict development regulations.
California Gives 15 Cities ‘Final Warning’ to Submit Mandatory Housing Plans
Communities are required to produce housing elements that accommodate sufficient housing for all income levels.
Florida Law Aimed at Increasing Housing Includes Exemption for ‘Large Destination Resorts’
A new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis puts limits on local control of zoning for housing, but could also allow major resorts to bypass zoning regulations and review processes.
LA Delays State TOD Law to 2030 With its Own, Lower-density Plan
SB 79 allows cities to delay its implementation if they come up with alternate plans to boost density while retaining local control near transit.
Arizona Court Rejects Local Control Over Short-Term Rentals
A judge upheld a 2017 law that prohibits local jurisdictions from limiting Airbnbs and other short-term rentals.
Delaware Governor Could Force Cities to Upzone
Gov. Meyer says the state will work with cities to encourage land use reforms that make room for more affordable housing types, but could take stricter measures if jurisdictions don’t comply.
Poll: 2/3 of Virginians Don’t Trust Local Governments to Address Housing Crisis
Three-quarters of residents say the state needs to do more to address housing supply and affordability.
Is Regional Planning the Answer to Connecticut’s Housing Crisis?
City governments are countering a proposed state law with their own strategy for building more housing.
LA Opposes California Bill to add Housing Next to Transit Hubs
In a narrow vote, the city council voted to oppose SB79, a bill that would bypass local zoning laws to allow denser development near transit stops.
Idaho Bills Limit New Bike Lanes, Sidewalks
Cities in the county surrounding Boise will have to prove a “secondary benefit” before adding bike lanes or sidewalks to road projects.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
Texas Bills Aim to Tackle Housing Affordability
One proposed bill would raise the threshold for neighbor opposition to new development.
San Francisco Must Streamline Permitting Process
After failing to meet state targets for housing production, the city must create a shorter permitting process under a 2023 state law.
California Bills Take Aim at Robotaxi Regulation
Local officials want more control over how and where autonomous cars are deployed.
California Bills Would Clarify, Restrict ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The controversial law lets developers skirt local zoning rules in cities without state-approved housing plans.
Arizona State Lawmakers Seek to Override Local Zoning to Spur Housing Development
The proposal would eliminate minimum lot sizes, setback requirements of more than five feet, minimum square footage, and “neighborhood character” requirements.
States Preempt Local Control on Renewable Energy Projects
To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.
State-Level Land Use Reform Gains Strength
More state legislatures are considering stricter land use and zoning regulations as a solution to the housing crisis. Some local jurisdictions are pushing back.
Colorado Lawmakers Renew Zoning Reform Efforts
The state legislature will consider a package of land use laws aimed at increasing the housing supply and reducing housing costs.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
