Zoning Reform
Planning Directors Commit to Change on Racial Inequities
Planning directors around the country have acknowledged the historic role of the planning profession in furthering the causes of racial discrimination and have publicly committed to change that history.
Seattle City Council Changes Single-Family Zoning Name, But Not Substance
The name change to "neighborhood residential zoning" is meant to more accurately reflect the city's diverse neighborhoods, but the new legislation does not change permitted uses.
A 'Pro-Homes Playbook' for Planning and Land Use Commissioners
Desegregate Connecticut, the organization working for planning and zoning reforms in the Constitution State, recently published a series of "playbooks" intended to spur action at the local level.
Missing Middle Housing, Form-Based Code Added to the Zoning Menu in Iowa City
The Iowa City Planning Commission approved a rezoning amendment that will allow new missing middle density and implement a form-based code for the city's South District. The city could expand the concepts as it expands the city in the future.
Eliminating Single-Family Zoning Alone Won't Solve California's Housing Crisis
While zoning reforms can help reduce barriers to building more housing, high construction costs and local opposition mean that the state won't see an immediate boom in density.
Bend First to Comply With Oregon's Statewide Upzoning Law
Oregon made history in 2019 by being the first state to adopt statewide legislation to end single-family zoning. Now, Bend is the first city of more than 25,000 people to comply with that historic legislation.
The End of Single-Family Zoning in California
Despite a few high-profile failures, the California State Legislature has approved a steady drumbeat of pro-development reforms that loosen zoning restrictions. The state raised the stakes on its zoning reforms this week.
Will SB 9 and SB 10 Make Any Difference?
In dramatic fashion, the movement to undo single-unit zoning is going statewide in California with the passage of SB 9 in California. It's an emotional, moral victory for housing advocates—and a ton of work for the state's planners.
San José Could Eliminate Parking Minimums
The city of San José has the highest minimum parking requirements in the state. Now, it is weighing a proposal that would do away with them altogether and let developers decide how much parking to build.
The Limits of Citywide Upzoning
A study shows zoning reform isn't a silver bullet for the housing crisis. In some low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods, it could 'cause more harm than good.'
White House Announces Plans for 100,000 Affordable Homes
The Biden administration has proposed a suite of policy and funding programs designed to create and protect 100,000 affordable housing units. If successful, the program will still fall well short of the need.
Watch: The Laws and Policies Driving Up the Cost of Housing
A Vox explainer video tackles the rising cost of housing in the United States.
California Assembly Advances Statewide Upzoning Bill
California's Senate Bill 9 would allow up to four housing units on lots traditionally zoned for single-family homes, paving the way for more 'gentle density.'
Statewide Zoning Reform Proposed in Minnesota
The proposed Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act would trade development fees for zoning relief.
The Long Road to Portland's Historic Residential Infill Project
How the journey of one zoning reform campaign can inform future efforts.
Former San Diego Mayor Leaves Pro-Development Politics Behind for Recall Race
While Mayor of San Diego, Republican Kevin Faulconer made a name for himself as a prominently YIMBY politician. He's abandoned those views now that he's running for Gov. Gavin Newsom's spot in the state's recall race.
How Virginia Communities Are Encouraging 'Missing Middle Housing'
Local leaders hope that streamlining permit processes and eliminating restrictive zoning regulations will set the groundwork for increased production of small and mid-sized multi-family housing.
This Washington City Quietly Eliminated Single-Family Zoning
Walla Walla's 2018 zoning reforms included adaptive reuse, reduced parking requirements, and more relaxed rules for accessory dwelling units.
Greater Boston Considers Relaxing ADU Rules as Housing Shortage Deepens
Cities in the region want to increase flexibility for homeowners who want to build 'granny flats' on their property.
Denver Reduces Parking Requirements for Affordable Housing
The zoning change will significantly reduce the cost of building affordable housing developments.
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
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
