Land Use
Worried About Sprawl, Michigan Town Considers 'Form-Based' Development Rules
New zoning ordinances would focus more on how buildings look and fit into their surroundings, and far less on what goes on inside of them.
What Is The New Suburbanism?
Joel Kotkin, author of the November 2005 report "The New Suburbanism", introduces the new planning theory, clarifies what it means, and describes how it remains very much a work in progress.
Land Use Efficiency And Farmland Preservation In China
China is land poor. Only about one-third of its total land area can be utilized productively for agriculture. Several measures have been introduced with the aim of protecting farmland, especially farmland with the greatest production potential.
California's Central Valley Farmland At The Tipping Point?
Most of the counties and major cities in California's Central Valley are failing to make significant progress at preserving farmland in the nation's most important agricultural region, according to this new study from the American Farmland Trust.
New York City Faces Immense Growth
How can the city learn from other major metropolises like Chicago and Los Angeles to develop a viable growth strategy for the 21st century?
Philadelphia's Patchwork Zoning Code Frustrates Residents
Philadelphia's monstrous zoning code is in dire need of streamlining; recently residents were surprised by over-the-counter permits granted for a skyscraper, while homeowners looking to install a standard fence must apply for a variance.
The Myth Of Solid Ground, Reviewed
In his recent book, The Myth of Solid Ground, David Ulin looks at what earthquakes might mean, from a cultural standpoint -- including what scientific, or pseudo-scientific, techniques now hope to predict future seismic catastrophe.
Plan Allows Entire Big Easy To Be Rebuilt
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers release a new flood plain advisory for New Orleans' flooded areas.
Miami-Dade Agriculture Dwindling Fast
A 2004 bond referendum dedicated $30 million toward efforts to preserve rural land -- yet it's possible none will be used. What happened?
The Cost Of Sprawl In Central Florida
Sprawl defines life in Central Florida, and costs citizens much more than just money, writes staff writer Rich Mckay.
Bruce Babbitt Interviewed
Terrain.org interviews the former Secretary of the Interior and "Cities in the Wilderness" author.
Free Market Zoning
In response to an April 1 jab on Cyburbia at Houston's well-known lack of zoning, Bill Schadewald argues the existing grassroots process of "compromise and accommodation" works just as well in addressing development conflicts.
Community Gardens And Property Values
Community gardens add value to neighboring properties in New York City, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods, according to this NYU Law School publication.
'Interventionist' Planning Credited for Vancouver's Success
Vancouver's "Living First" strategy, which emphasizes downtown living, as well as careful attention to designing the downtown skyline, has made it one of North America's most livable cities.
Is Annexation 'Smart Growth'?
Cities call annexation an effective tool for managing growth at the local level. Counties disagree. Who's really in control?
Anaheim, CA's 'Anti-Kelo' Approach
Anaheim, California, serves up an alternative to Kelo in the form of promoting competition, loosening business restrictions and lowering taxes, writes Steven Greenhut.
Perform Building Inspections From Your Desk
While Pictometry's new mapping technology is being used for public safety, it's also being used by building officials who don't have to leave the office to see who's building without a permit.
African Soil Can't Sustain Locals
A recent report says that over 80 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's farmland is unfit to produce enough food to sustain millions of hungry inhabitants.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
