Single-Family Zoning

Houses on green hillside in Marin County, California

Judge's Ruling Deals Blow to California's Zoning Reform Law

Five California cities have won a lawsuit against the state over SB 9, a law passed in 2021 that effectively abolished single family zoning statewide.

April 29, 2024 - Marin Independent Journal

Single-family homes in a suburb of Dallas, Texas

Texas Law Could Limit Local Control Over Zoning

If upheld, a Texas law would likely prevent cities from enacting zoning reform that would increase density or eliminate single-family-only zoning.

April 17, 2024 - D Magazine

Three-story multifamily modern housing in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas City Council Debates Comprehensive Plan

Some councilmembers worry the ForwardDallas plan will eliminate single-family zoning, but proponents say the proposed changes are necessary to maintain an adequate housing supply in the growing city.

February 14, 2024 - Candy's Dirt

Aerial view of downtown Austin, Texas with state capitol dome at end of long, straight boulevard.

Opinion: Austin Zoning Reform Won’t Have Major Impact

Despite heated controversy, some experts believe the zoning changes made last year won’t make a significant dent in the local housing crisis.

February 4, 2024 - Forbes

Aerial view of suburban Fremont, California.

California Housing Advocates Closely Watching Bay Area Rezoning Deadline

California’s reaction to cities that fail to submit compliant zoning plans could reverberate across the state as other regions near their deadlines.

January 30, 2024 - CALmatters

View of dense multicolored historic brick homes in Richmond, Virginia.

Analysis: Zoning as a Hurdle to Affordability in Virginia

Overly restrictive zoning regulations have stifled the housing supply and driven up rents across the Commonwealth.

January 23, 2024 - Pew Trusts

Bird's eye view of historic single-family home neigthborhood in Stratford, Connecticut.

Connecticut Housing Advocates Call for Zoning Reform

A new report highlights a growing affordability crisis, calling for state-level zoning changes and renter protections.

January 22, 2024 - CT News Junkie

Aerial view of downtown Seattle, Washington.

Washington State Legislature Could Continue Housing Reforms in 2024

2023 saw some victories and some setbacks for housing advocates. Lawmakers plan to continue the fight in 2024.

January 4, 2024 - The Urbanist

Aerial view of Whitefish, Montana with fall colors and mountains in background.

Montana Judge Blocks Zoning Reforms

The decision reverses new laws once dubbed the ‘Montana Miracle.’

January 3, 2024 - Reason

Aerial view of Portland, Maine at dusk.

Portland, Maine Embraces Zoning Reform for Multifamily Housing

The Portland City Council amended the land use code to allow up to four units on all residential lots on the mainland, and up to three on island lots. It also eliminated parking requirements for these uses.

December 27, 2023 - The Portland Townsman

Aerial view of single-family suburban neighborhood in Dallas, Texas.

Zoning Reform Faces Uphill Battle in Dallas

Proposals to boost housing production through ‘gentle density’ increases face strong opposition from residents concerned about losing single-family neighborhoods.

December 24, 2023 - D Magazine

Neighborhood of large houses in suburban Austin, Texas.

Austin Approves Upzoning

Combined with the recent decision to eliminate parking minimums, the move to end single-family zoning could help make housing more affordable.

December 13, 2023 - The Austin Chronicle

View of Tucson, Arizona at sunset with two saguaro cacti in foreground.

Zoning Driving Housing Costs, Water Consumption in Arizona

Regulations that prohibit multifamily housing and smaller lot sizes contribute to a growing gulf between housing supply and demand.

December 12, 2023 - Pew

WMATA train on elevated track passing by brick multistory buildings in Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria Passes Zoning Reform

The city is one of a growing list to eliminate single-family zoning.

December 3, 2023 - DCist

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’

A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

November 29, 2023 - CALmatters

Elderly woman in pink shirt sitting at table on porch across from elderly man in white shirt. A pot of pink flowers sits on the table.

How Zoning Reform can Help Seniors ‘Age in Place’

Without more middle housing options, the United States will be short on ‘aging-ready’ homes.

November 8, 2023 - Stateline

Mississippi River, Downtown Minneapolis

Sun Sets on Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan

After losing a court battle with environmental groups, the city must revert to the land use regulations in its 2030 plan.

November 7, 2023 - Bring Me the News

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground

Austin Could Legalize Tiny Homes, RVs as ADUs

Expanding the types of homes eligible as accessory dwelling units could help more homeowners afford the construction costs.

September 18, 2023 - Austin Monitor

Row of white Spanish Revival-style homes in Torrance, California.

California Cities Continue Fight Against State Preemption

Lafayette City Council Member Susan Candell penned an op-ed in support of a lawsuit to invalidate Senate Bill 9 by four Southern California cities, highlighting a recent supportive court filing by UCLA economic geographer Michael Storper.

September 11, 2023 - The Mercury News

Historic brick rowhouses in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Set to Reveal Zoning Reform Details

The city will hold a series of public meetings this fall to explain its efforts to boost housing production and affordability.

August 27, 2023 - ALX Now

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.

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Director, Strategy and Research

Greater Baltimore Committee

Senior Planner

Eagle County Government

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