Zoning

Montgomery County Approves ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Zoning
A new zoning amendment facilitates housing construction on properties owned by faith-based institutions.

California Bills Would Clarify, Restrict ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The controversial law lets developers skirt local zoning rules in cities without state-approved housing plans.

Burlington Approves Middle Housing Zoning Reform
The Vermont city will allow larger residential buildings and adjust other requirements to spur more ‘missing middle housing’ development.

How Persuasive Are Arguments Against Statewide Zoning Reform?
A leading scholar of state and local government argues that local governments’ need to regulate business should take priority over the state and national interests in lowering housing costs. Are his assumptions persuasive?

Boston Moves Zoning Reform Forward
The ‘Squares + Streets’ plan creates form-based zoning templates for neighborhoods that promote mixed use and denser housing near transit.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

Cleveland Planning Commission Approves New Form-Based Code
If passed by the city council, the new form-based code will be piloted in four neighborhoods.

Milwaukee Considers Zoning Reform
The city is looking for ways to boost housing production, anticipating a growing population.

The History of Racial Zoning and Housing Discrimination in the US
More than a century of discriminatory housing policy divided cities and contributed to the racial wealth gap and other social and economic inequities.

Charlottesville Adopts New Zoning Code
The revised ordinance calls for higher density and more affordable housing.

How Infrastructure Communicates Values
The presence and quality of sidewalks, curb cuts, and other basic elements of infrastructure can speak to much more than just economic decisions.

Proposal Would Link Highway Funding to Zoning
Experts argue that zoning, housing, and transportation policy are intimately linked.

What Is Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay?
A controversial policy is helping create more affordable housing units in the Massachusetts city, but fears of overwhelming density are likely unfounded.

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.

A Survey of Texas Zoning Reform
Zoning changes at the local and state levels are making it easier and faster to build housing.

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.

How a National Zoning Atlas Can Clarify a Legal Patchwork
A massive effort is underway to compile local zoning regulations and other laws that impact how and where housing is built.

Church Housing Movement Takes Hold in Virginia
A Richmond-based congregation plans to build over 200 units on its property, and a proposed state law could lead to more projects like it.

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.

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.
Pagination
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)