Accessory Dwelling Units
How to Improve an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Pasadena is revising its zoning regulations to accommodate more accessory dwelling units. This open letter to the city's Planning Commission includes sound suggestions, applicable everywhere.
North Vancouver Skips Past 'Secondary Suites,' Allows a Third 'Coach House' on Every Lot
While some cities debate secondary units and parking controversies, the city of North Vancouver is allowing three units on every single-family lot in the city—parking requirements not included.
A Portland-Brand Building Boom: Accessory Dwelling Units
It's possible that construction permits for accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, could surpass permits for regular homes.
Report: California Should Treat Housing Crisis like Climate Change
The California Apartment Association released a report on what it will take to solve the state's chronic housing shortage. Cities that are loath to permit new residential developments, both affordable and market rate, will not be pleased.
Additional Study Necessary for Seattle to Pass Accessory Dwelling Units Legislation
A recent ruling by the City Hearing Examiner is a setback—but not necessarily a permanent one—for the city's efforts to loosen regulations on accessory dwelling units.
California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey
The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.
New California Law Empowers Local Governments to Plan for Climate Adaptation
State Senator Bob Wieckowski is working to help communities get the necessary tools to increase capacity for climate resilience.
Vancouver May Fast-Track Modular Laneway Homes
The city of Vancouver has emerged as a leader in "laneway" housing: secondary units built onto existing lots, often facing an alleyway. To boost supply, the city may expedite permitting for modular units.
D.C.'s Comprehensive Zoning Update Takes Effect
After nine years of controversy, the District's first zoning revamp since 1958 is officially on the books.
State Law Paves the Way for More Granny Flats in California
The state of California stepped into to make it easier for local governments to approve permissive regulations of accessory dwelling units.
L.A. City Council Chooses Legal Limbo for Accessory Dwelling Units
Faced with the task of conforming its "granny flats" ordinance with state law, the Los Angeles City Council yielded.
In 2016, Legal Battle Lines Are Drawn in the Back Yard
The legal, and social, challenges to building more second units in Los Angeles.
Twisting the Truth: The NIMBY Opposition to Second Units in L.A.
An op-ed by Daniel Freedman explains how a legal spat over an 850-square-foot "granny flat" affected hundreds of units around Los Angeles. The city's attempt to rectify the problems with its second unit ordinance has encountered more resistance.
San Francisco Approves Accessory Dwelling Units
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved legislation that will allow the construction of accessory dwelling units, potentially adding thousands of units to the city's housing supply.
Digging Into D.C.'s Zoning Code Changes for Accessory Dwelling Units
Washington, D.C. approved a long-awaited new zoning code in January. Greater Greater Washington digs into one of the new code's more substantive changes: more permissive regulations for accessory dwelling units.
Granny Flats a Symptom of L.A.'s 'Broken' Planning Process
Building permits for Accessory Dwelling Units have been stopped by court order in Los Angeles.
Maine Communities Increasingly Allow Granny Flats
Many Maine communities have amended their zoning ordinances to allow accessory dwelling units, recognizing the benefits of this housing option.
Court Ruling Deals Blows to Granny Flat Permits in Los Angeles
Granny flats, also known as mother-in-law units or accessory dwelling units, are a hot button item in most cities. A county court recently took the city of Los Angeles' finger off the button, so to speak.
Home Builders Creating Space for Nontraditional Households
At a building industry trade show held last week, the new trend was for houses constructed with extra space for renters or extended family. In other words, depreciation comes standard.
A First Look at Washington, D.C.'s New Zoning Code
The D.C. Zoning Commission last week approved a new zoning code for the nation's capital. The new code will go into effect in September.
Pagination
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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.