Zoning Reform

Cars are blurred as they pass the bright lights of the Michigan Theater at dusk in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor Votes to Eliminate Parking Minimums

Ann Arbor, Michigan approved changes to the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) earlier this week that eliminate off-street parking requirements for a variety of development types throughout the city.

August 17, 2022 - The Handbuilt City

Virginia

Richmond Weighing How to End Parking Requirements

A series of town hall meetings will allow the public a chance to give feedback about zoning changes in Richmond, Virginia that would include the end of parking requirements.

August 17, 2022 - WTVR

Sunset view of downtown Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville Set To Approve Contentious Zoning Reforms

The city commission voted in favor of a controversial zoning reform package that critics from multiple sides say won’t create more affordable housing for those who need it most.

August 9, 2022 - WUFT

Aerial view of waterfront houses in Seattle, Washington

Seattle Works To Revise Comprehensive Plan

The city has developed five concepts for updating its comprehensive plan to increase density and reverse the legacy of exclusionary zoning.

August 7, 2022 - Crosscut

Zoning Code Rendering

Minneapolis 2040 Implementation Allowed to Proceed … For Now

The same judge that blocked implementation of the landmark Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan in June 2022 has allowed a temporary reprieve for planning work in the city to proceed.

July 28, 2022 - Star Tribune

Parking Sign

Updated: The Perils of Central Planning for Parking

The California State Legislature is once again considering statewide parking reforms. Planetizen dusted off a Donald Shoup op-ed published last year to once again explain the stakes. While the name of the bill has changed, the terms still apply.

July 27, 2022 - Donald Shoup

Sprawl

Connecting Land Use and Transportation Planning to Save the Climate

The United States will have to make major changes to long-standing land use and transportation paradigms to prevent the worst outcomes of climate change. How to make those changes was the subject of a recent podcast.

July 27, 2022 - The Sustainable City Podcast

Downtown Portland

Oregon Makes Historic Parking Reforms. What’s Next?

The state made sweeping reforms that eliminate parking requirements in some jurisdictions, which supporters hope will lead to faster, less expensive construction and the revitalization of vacant properties and underused lots.

July 26, 2022 - Sightline

New York City Zoning Map

Watch: Why and How to Abolish Zoning

Author M. Nolan Gray and Planetizen Editorial Director James Brasuell recently discussed zoning abolition and other concepts discussed in Gray's book, "Arbitrary Lines," published recently by Island Press.

July 26, 2022 - Island Press via YouTube

Parking

L.A. Times Editorial Board Supports Legislation To Eliminate Parking Requirements

The paper of record in Southern California is on the record in support of parking reforms.

July 20, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

Cover graphic for Arbitrary Lines book

Book Review: Arbitrary Lines

In addition to attacking zoning laws' limitations on housing, Gray argues that zoning fails to limit nuisances.

July 18, 2022 - Michael Lewyn

Treasure Valley

Boise Backing Off Proposed Citywide Zoning Changes

Boise was considering allowing up to four units by-right on any residential parcel in the city, but has since rolled back the scale of the proposed zoning changes.

July 14, 2022 - Boise Dev

Side-by-side brick duplexes pictured on a sunny day.

What Is a Non-Conforming Use?

A non-conforming use is an existing building that would not be built under current land use regulations. While esoteric, the term is nonetheless critical to understanding the changes in development regulations over time.

July 13, 2022 - James Brasuell

New York City Zoning Map

The Case for a ‘Zoning Czar’

Federal oversight of zoning reforms could coordinate efforts across agencies and shoulder some of the political backlash to local zoning changes.

July 8, 2022 - Bloomberg CityLab

Historic single-family homes in San Antonio, Texas.

Opinion: Accessory Dwelling Units Will Benefit San Antonio

As the city considers loosening regulations on accessory dwelling units, one writer argues that the reforms would boost affordable housing and provide more options for changing household needs.

July 6, 2022 - San Antonio Report

YIMBY

What Is a YIMBY?

YIMBY, an acronym standing for "Yes In My Backyard," describes advocates who support housing development as a response to the outcomes of restrictive zoning and planning policies.

June 29, 2022 - James Brasuell

Car Traffic

San Francisco Just Ended Single-Family Zoning

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to Tuesday to eliminate single-family zoning, but pro-development advocates say additional changes are needed to unleash a wave of construction.

June 29, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

Washington

Spokane to Test Citywide Residential Density Incentives

The Spokane City Council in July will consider the "Building Opportunity and Choices for All" pilot program, which would allow new residential densities throughout the city.

June 27, 2022 - Spokane City

Indian Trail, North Carolina

Four ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ Zoning Reforms

An excerpt from the latest book on zoning argues for four approaches to reform that can immediately improve land use regulation in the United States.

June 26, 2022 - M. Nolan Gray

Cruise Ships

California Coastal Commission Nixes Parking Reforms Intended to Spur ADUs in San Diego

Environmental causes run into conflict with zoning reforms intended for environmental benefit once again, as the California Coastal Commission requires San Diego to reinstate parking requirements for ADUs.

June 23, 2022 - OB Rag

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