Zoning Reform
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.
Boston Zoning Commission to Consider ‘Squares and Streets’ Plan
The proposal would reduce barriers to the development of denser housing.
Portland Council to Consider Zoning Amendments
The proposed zoning and land use changes would offer bigger incentives for developers of ‘moderately priced’ housing and relax some restrictions that builders say drive up the cost of construction.
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.
Zoning Reform Is Working in Minneapolis
The city has grown its housing stock and limited rent cost increase to just 1 percent.
Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities
Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.
The Symbiotic Relationship of Housing and Transit
Building more housing near transit can improve housing affordability and boost ridership on struggling systems.
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.
Montana Judge Blocks Zoning Reforms
The decision reverses new laws once dubbed the ‘Montana Miracle.’
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.
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.
The State of Housing in California
Homelessness continues to rise, and recent legislation aimed at boosting housing production may be limited in its effect.
Texas Judge Reverses Three Austin Zoning Reforms
The ruling impacts ordinances passed in 2022 aimed at increasing housing density and supporting mixed-use development.
Will Salt Lake City’s Zoning Reforms Create More Affordable Housing?
The city’s new rules allow for more flexibility in housing development, but other market forces could limit production.
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.
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.
Newton Passes Upzoning to Comply With MBTA Communities Act
The Massachusetts city will permit multifamily housing in some of its ‘village centers’ to comply with state law.
Alexandria Passes Zoning Reform
The city is one of a growing list to eliminate single-family zoning.
The Rise of Zoning Reform
As the housing affordability crisis spread from mainly coastal cities to the rest of the nation, cities and states are taking a serious look at outdated zoning codes that hamper efforts to build more housing.
Durham Eliminates Parking Requirements
Another domino has fallen in the parking reform movement.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
