Urban Development

Debating the End of Single-Family Zoning in Toronto
A retired city planner takes a position against "lot splitting," or allowing more than one unit on properties zones for single-family residential as it's known in Toronto.

Plans Revealed for 'Epic Universe': the Country's First New Theme Park Since 2001
The Universal Epic Universe, proposed for Orlando, Florida, has aspirations as a transit-oriented theme park.

Zoning Codes, Explained
Looking for a way to describe zoning codes, and their role in city planning, to a newcomer to the field? Maybe start here.

Dems Debated in the Perfect Place to Talk About Cities, But Didn't Talk About Cities
An opportunity missed in Detroit.

Lawsuits: Not Just for Development Opponents Anymore
Details of the "Sue the Suburbs" movement wielding a new legal tool to counteract the traditionally obstructionist methods of land use regulation in California.

In Canada, Suburban Transit-Oriented Development on the Rise
Transit expansions are providing incentives to companies to locate outside of city centers, upending traditional housing, work, and commute patterns.

Conflicting Interests and a Broken Planning System
A scathing critique of city planning, and the special interests that hold the system in thrall, in New York City.

A Call for Action as Construction Slows in California
An editorial by the Los Angeles Times calls for the state to remove barriers to housing shortage after a report finds declining numbers of residential permits around the state.

Rent Control Challenged as an Illegal Taking of Property
A potential precedent setting case against rent control is underway in New York. A Next City article takes an in-depth look at the legal argument made by landlords against the state of New York's new rent control law.

Inclusionary Zoning Changes Near Final Approval in San Diego
The San Diego City Council is poised to give final approval to significant changes to the city's inclusionary zoning requirements,

A Frank Discussion About Struggling Suburbs
Many suburban areas outside thriving urban cores are struggling to deliver vital services and maintain property values as job and population growth stagnates. It's time to confront the realities of those communities, according to this article.

Coastal States Are Building in Flood Zones Faster Than Anywhere Else
Here's a trillion dollar real estate market on the coasts of the United States—and it's building itself into rising levels of risk.

Trends in Community Park Landscape Design and Planning
Urban park planning and design needs to deliver a lot of community benefit from a small amount of space. The lessons that emerge

A New Model for Growth in San Diego
When first announced in 2014, the Morena Corridor Specific Plan provoked protests. The plan has changed, but it now finally has initial approval from the San Diego City Council.

One Vote Left for Proposed Citywide Ban of New Drive-Throughs in Minneapolis
The city of Minneapolis could achieve another first of land use regulation next week if the City Council votes to prohibit the construction of all drive-through facilities in the entire city.

Two for One: A Dog Park and a Beer Bar
Stepping up the urban amenity game in Minneapolis.

Lake Michigan Wreaking Havoc on Chicago This Summer
Lake Michigan has reached historic levels this summer. Properties on the Far North Side are most at risk. Swimmers have already been called back from the shore.

New Zoning Code Evolves as Affordability Concerns Linger
The city of Des Moines is working on a new zoning code intended to ease the process of developing homes. The proposed regulations have triggered warnings from affordable housing advocates as well as local and nation home builders.

2.5 New Jobs for Every New Home in Boston
The Boston region has achieved a jobs-housing imbalance only bested by the San Francisco Bay Area since the Great Recession.

$1 Billion Project Would Add Six High-Rise Building to the Phoenix Skyline
Zoning changes for a potentially transformative, transit-oriented, mixed-use project called "The Central Park" were approved by the Phoenix City Council in July.
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
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)