Zoning Codes

An Amazon sign adorns a brick building that implies an urban location.

Industrial Zoning a Foothold for Amazon Distribution Centers in San Francisco

Locals aren't happy about Amazon's numerous new distribution facilities in San Francisco, but all of the new facilities are all perfectly legal under the city's zoning code—much more legal than housing, for example.

February 21, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

A map showing proposed zones for future development in the city of Rochester, New York.

Rochester, New York Drafts a Zoning Map to Match its New Comprehensive Plan

The Rochester 2034 Zoning Alignment Project is implementing the award-winning Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan.

February 15, 2022 - WXXI News

Colorado

What Is Discretionary Approval?

Discretionary approval requires an appointed or elected body of officials to decide whether or not to proceed with a development. Discretionary approval is usually reserved for development proposals that don't conform to zoning or building codes, but other regulatory triggers can also create the need for a discretionary approval process.

February 8, 2022 - James Brasuell

Boise Idaho

Boise Poised To Revise Zoning Code

The city of Boise is soliciting public input on its plan to revise its zoning code to permit a wider variety of housing options.

February 2, 2022 - City of Boise

A sunny day in San Francisco, with a view of the city skyline with the Easy Bay Hills in the background.

Development Streamlining Proposal Dies in San Francisco

The doomed effort was Mayor London Breed's third attempt to streamline development in the city.

January 31, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

An image of stadium seats at Petco Park in San Diego, with new buildings under construction nearby in the background.

What Is a Development Approval Process?

A development approval process decides whether or not to allow a proposed development project to proceed with construction. There is plenty of room for interpretation, both legal and political, about what a development approval process can or should entail.

January 27, 2022 - James Brasuell

South San Jose houses

More Evidence Upzoning Alone Won't Boost Housing

Experts caution that to encourage significant new housing production, other zoning reforms that reduce costs and streamline permitting should accompany increased density requirements.

January 27, 2022 - Governing

Peachtree Street Atlanta

Audit: Police Should Take On Atlanta Zoning Enforcement

A city audit recommends shifting zoning enforcement from the planning department to the police department.

January 25, 2022 - Saporta Report

Marijuana

Zoning for Marijuana: Retail Not Included

Local municipalities in New Jersey retain local control in response to a state law that legalizes marijuana businesses throughout the state.

December 23, 2021 - NorthJersey.com

Street signs at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Highland in Arlington, Virginia.

Arlington County Allows New Ground Level Uses

Arlington County is allowing land use flexibility on ground floors in the hopes of transforming the Columbia Park as more of a pedestrian-oriented "Main Street."

November 17, 2021 - Arlington County Government

Port of Los Angeles

Zoning and the Global Supply Shortage

Zoning has been blamed for a lot of things in recent years, but a global supply crunch increasing prices and creating shortages of household goods—and potentially ruining the holidays—is a new one.

November 10, 2021 - James Brasuell

Zoning map of Winnipeg, Canada, 1947

Opinion: Outdated Zoning Codes Stifle Growth and Development

Strict separation of uses may be an inefficient way to zone dynamic modern cities.

October 13, 2021 - The Market Urbanism Report

Houston Townhouse

Is Historic Preservation Zoning?

In a victory for preservationists, the Texas Supreme Court upheld Houston's Historic Preservation Ordinance despite a lawsuit alleging that the ordinance constitutes illegal zoning rules.

September 30, 2021 - SLoG Law Blog

Marijuana

Zoning Change to Create More Marijuana Business Opportunities in Chicago

By opening more of downtown Chicago to pot shops, the city hopes that more minority businesses owners can get in on the lucrative business of marijuana.

September 9, 2021 - The Chicago Tribune

An image of historic Penn Station when it was first built in 1910, viewed from the outside with people, carriages, and streetcars passing by.

What Is Historic Preservation?

Historic preservation is a controversial, highly contested cause, with a long history of failures and successes in the United States.

September 2, 2021 - James Brasuell

Central Los Angeles

L.A. Planners Working to Shift Affordable Housing Distribution for More Equitable Results

Almost all the affordable housing development in L.A. in the past decade has occurred in majority-minority neighborhoods. The L.A. Department of City Planning is looking for ways to make sure high-income areas do more of their fair share.

June 9, 2021 - Urbanize LA

Cruise Ships

San Diego Could Expand Parking Reforms to Non-Residential Land Uses

A proposed code amendment would expand parking reforms implemented by San Diego in 2019.

June 7, 2021 - NBC San Diego

Building Heights and Step-Backs

What Are Height Limits?

Height limits are a critical component of almost every zoning code in the United States.

June 3, 2021 - James Brasuell

Car Traffic

Fourplexes on the Legislative Agenda in San Francisco

San Francisco, the poster child for runaway housing costs and displacement of existing residential populations, could be on the cusp of a change of plans.

May 18, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

Downtown St. Paul

Parking Reforms Under Consideration in St. Paul

Two options for significant parking reforms are under consideration in St. Paul. The City Council could decide to eliminate parking requirements entirely as soon as this summer.

May 13, 2021 - Pioneer Press

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