Permits
80-unit affordable building is the first to open under LA's fast-track development program
The project was fast-tracked under an executive order issued by Mayor Karen Bass in late 2022.
This Mexican city went paperless — and permitting times dropped by 84%
Guadalajara created an online permitting system that dramatically cut permitting times and bribe solicitations. Now, the entire state of Jalisco is using it.
Los Angeles Issues First Occupancy Permit in Pacific Palisades Since Wildfires
Permits in the Palisades are being issued at nearly three times the typical rate as before the wildfires.
California Bill Would Streamline Permitting for Farmers’, Night Markets
The state currently has no unified process for night markets and other recurring events, making it difficult and costly for organizers.
New Chapter in the San Francisco Scooter Wars: Removal
The city attorney vows to bring order to the streets (and sidewalks) of San Francisco by requiring electric scooter share companies to apply for permits. First step: all e-scooters must be removed by June 4, or risk a $100 fine per day per scooter.
Atlanta Needs a New Tree Ordinance
Having learned from a pair of recent controversies, the city of Atlanta is ready to study and draft a new tree ordinance.
Working Toward Open Data for Building and Construction Permits
The potential of a standard, easily accessible data set tracking building and land use permits could completely change the way the public interacts with changes in their community.
Unaffordable, Growing Cities Lag on New Housing Permits
Stephen Smith follows up on an earlier report of New York City housing permits with a report on the entire metropolitan area. Included for comparison are the numbers of housing permit filings for metropolitan areas around the country.
Venice Beach Plan Would Avoid Coastal Commission Controls
When residents and business owners in the coastal neighborhood of Venice in Los Angeles want to develop, they require approvals from the state's Coastal Commission and the city. A proposed coastal program could remove the state from the equation.
Obama Outlines Infrastructure Strategy
Today, President Obama is expected to flesh out the details of his plan to repair the nation’s ailing infrastructure. John Schwartz details the initiatives, which aim to circumvent Congress and capitalize on private investment.
Code Violations Land 'Phonehenge' Builder in Jail
A Superior Court Judge has ordered the jailing of the builder of an elaborate and eccentric set of unpermitted buildings in the exurbs north of Los Angeles.
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
