Upzoning
The Role of Language in the Battle Over Zoning Reform
Missing middle housing? Ending single-family zoning? How language impacts public opinion in the movement to increase housing density.
When Zoning Reform Isn’t Enough: How To Boost Missing Middle Housing
For upzoning efforts to result in a significant rise in new housing units, cities and states must do more than just change zoning codes to ensure missing middle housing is easy and affordable to build.
The Misperceptions Restricting the Housing Supply
How local attitudes toward zoning reform hinder efforts to boost housing production.
New Building Heights Approved for Austin
A zoning change has increase height limits from 308 feet to 420 feet for new buildings near the city’s MLS stadium.
What Is a YIMBY?
YIMBY, an acronym standing for "Yes In My Backyard," describes advocates who support housing development as a response to the outcomes of restrictive zoning and planning policies.
Eugene Approves ‘Missing Middle Housing’
The city council voted to approve an ordinance that will permit more middle housing types in single-family neighborhoods.
Voters Reject Atlanta-Area Cityhood Proposals
After local activists whipped up concerns about forced density to promote cityhood for three wealthy Atlanta suburbs, residents voted to remain in unincorporated Cobb County.
San Diego To Consider Upzoning in College Area
Local residents worry that city proposals to increase density will harm neighborhood character, while the city is touting ‘smart growth’ as the goal.
New York’s New Head of City Planning Gives First Interview
Dan Garodnick, the new leader of the city’s planning department, outlines how the city plans to adjust zoning regulations to acknowledge changes in how and where people live and work.
California Cities Could Face a Zoning Reckoning
As the state toughens rules related to its housing allocation process, cities statewide may finally be forced to overhaul their zoning codes to ensure an adequate supply of housing at all affordability levels.
Tacoma Density Plan Moves to Phase Two
The Home in Tacoma plan would amend the city's zoning code to include more 'missing middle' housing types and encourage infill development.
Opinion: Second Avenue Subway Should Come With Zoning Changes
Increasing density in the neighborhoods surrounding the new subway stops would bring more affordable, transit-adjacent housing to East Harlem and boost ridership.
Gainesville Weighs Zoning Reform Proposal
The northern Florida city could follow others in removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings in neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes. Some local residents oppose the plan.
Wisconsin Coalition Releases Housing Affordability Toolkit
The guide outlines zoning reforms that can encourage affordable housing construction and increase density and walkability.
Another Silicon Valley Town Tries To Sidestep State Density Law
Palo Alto could designate more than one hundred properties as historic in an attempt to prevent lot splitting permitted under a new state law designed to lightly increase residential density.
'Homes for All of Us' Initiative Eases San Diego Building Restrictions
The ordinance, which allows lot splitting and eases permitting for accessory dwelling units, is an effort to boost housing affordability.
San Francisco Fourplex Proposal Could Skirt State Law
A proposal before the Board of Supervisors could undermine the state's density law by upzoning the city to allow duplexes, a step housing advocates call a disingenuous effort to prevent higher density.
Opinion: Spokane Needs 'Missing Middle Housing'
With demand for housing in Eastern Washington rising steeply, the region could benefit from zoning reform that encourages small and mid-sized multifamily developments.
How Zoning Reform Could Ease Montana's Housing Crunch
A new report recommends increased production of 'missing middle housing' in Montana, which, like other Western states, is experiencing rapid growth and an increasingly tight housing market.
Boise Looks to Upzoning To Ease Housing Pressures
The rapidly growing city is evaluating ways to increase housing production, reduce car dependency, and make Boise more walkable.
City of Greenville
City of Greenville
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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.
