Zoning Needs An Overhaul

Cities would do better to loosen prescriptive zoning codes and give more flexibility to developers, writes Chris Fiscelli in a PLANetizen Op-Ed.

1 minute read

September 3, 2003, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"At a practical level, zoning tends to foster development patterns that conflict with smart growth objectives while using a process objectionable to free market advocates. It restricts densities of projects that may have a market for a greater density, it prevents mixed land uses even though that may be the preferred design, and it requires parking ratios that assume most residents or customers will drive most places. With this type of land use regulation, it should not be surprising that much of suburbia looks as it does."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Zoning Needs An Overhaul

Wednesday, September 3, 2003 in Planetizen

Land Use United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.