The new rules aim to make it easier to build small multifamily housing developments.
Grand Rapids, Michigan city officials unanimously approved a package of zoning reforms aimed at increasing the housing supply, reports Michael Kransz in M Live. The city aims to add more than 14,000 new housing units by 2027 to meet rising demand.
According to Kransz, “The broad set of changes apply to residential neighborhoods and will remove some city approvals needed for developers to create multi-family housing developments with six or less apartments in those neighborhoods. It will also remove some city approvals needed to build smaller, independent residential dwelling units attached or detached to homes.” The new rules also eliminate parking requirements for new housing with less than six units and raises the number of unrelated people that can live in a household. City leaders hope these changes will create more opportunities for smaller, infill development projects.
Grand Rapids planners are developing a Community Master Plan to guide development over the next two decades.
FULL STORY: Grand Rapids approves zoning changes to help address ‘housing crisis’
New Jersey Calls for 85,000 New Housing Units
A state law known as the Mount Laurel Doctrine mandates that each jurisdiction accommodate enough new housing units to meet the local demand for affordable housing.
Court Blocks Arlington County Zoning Reform
The county’s zoning reform plan would have promoted ‘missing middle housing’ types of up to six units on lots previously zoned for single-family housing.
‘Growing MKE’ Zoning Reform Plan Would Expand Milwaukee Housing Options
Proponents of the plan say the changes would help reverse decades of discriminatory housing policies.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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