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The most-read story from the previous week's Developer's Digest®, published by The Real Deal, reports that the NYC Department of City Planning has proposed rezoning 42 blocks in Midtown South to allow housing in manufacturing zones, potentially adding 3,970 new units over 10 years, with a portion reserved as income-restricted. However, the pace of construction depends on the renewal of the 421a tax break. Governor Hochul aims to lift density caps to allow more residential space and office conversions, potentially unlocking 20,000 units over a decade. Council members Powers and Bottcher support the plan to create a vibrant live-work neighborhood. The rezoning targets areas between West 23rd and West 40th streets and Fifth and Eighth avenues but excludes Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. To read more stories like this and to stay on top of the most recent news from the development world, subscribe to our Developer’s Digest® using the link below: https://bit.ly/3Qg1qXV #digest #dsa #nyc #weknowzoning #deveopmentsites #developmentnews

The City of Columbus council has approved legislation updating the city's zoning code "The vote at Monday's meeting is the culmination of years of work to overhaul the code, which hadn't been updated comprehensively since the 1950s." According to this article from Columbus Business First, the updated legislation and codes should lead to more, and more affordable, housing, along with more sustainable development. The Central Ohio Region certainly needs more affordable housing, as our population continues growing. "A recent study showed that the city needs to build at least 200,000 new housing units over the next 15 years to keep up with the growth." What are your thoughts on this landmark legislation?

According to the Boston Globe, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu plans to seek revisions to the City's zoning code by creating certain "by-right" zoning to encourage additional density and mixed-use development throughout the City. From a development perspective, this would be a welcomed change from the current antiquated zoning which tends to stifle development. As most Boston developers know and have experienced, Boston is "downzoned," meaning most of the denser and aesthetically pleasing buildings constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries would violate modern zoning laws. As a result, any developer seeking to develop a project of any size or density will be required to obtain variances -- zoning relief -- in order to pursue their project. But the legal standard for upholding variances is notoriously difficult and any well-financed abutter or group of abutters will at the least be able to tie up an unwanted project for years in litigation and appeals. The costs of litigation and delay, particularly in a higher inflation and interest rate environment, sometimes make the difference between a project moving forward or not. By-right zoning of a certain size could remove these costs and make Boston more attractive for developers. If successful, Mayor Wu's plan could start to combat the City's housing crisis in a meaningful way and perhaps set an example for the rest of the region to take similar action.

Curious about how your local government plans and shapes your community? From zoning laws to public meetings, learn how these decisions impact your daily life and future neighborhood changes. 🏡🌆 Click to read more: https://lnkd.in/gEhaxdHm #LocalGovernment #CommunityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #PublicPolicy #CityPlanning #ZoningLaws #SustainableCities #CivicEngagement #CommunityGrowth #SmartCities

I've been to a few housing events recently - last night's Spring Symposium for Housing Action Coalition and the ULI Housing the Bay event a few weeks back - and the one thing that I can't stop thinking about is that we need so much more reform than simply loosening zoning or expediting permits. When you look at the type of projects being built in Europe at much lower cost (and to higher standards) you can see how much we have to do to improve. My friend Michael Eliason is a huge advocate of learning from Europe and has been strongly promoting the single stair concept in the US and I think this is part of the direction we need to go in: our approach to building infill housing can't be so focused on huge podium apartment buildings and needs to look at how we do smaller high density projects that are also higher quality. If you build 8 units on a typical San Francisco 25' x 100' (7.6m x 30m) parcel with a single stair you are at 133 units per acre (360 units per hectare)! In cities with larger parcels this type of infill is even easier, and it allows us to provide more green space which helps make density more livable. Back in 2016 I wrote a piece for BOOM California about how much of an overhaul we need of all the systems related to housing production and eight years later it's still relevant. Most of these things are still a dream, although I'm hopeful the momentum is changing: https://lnkd.in/g2vm54bx #housing #architecture #planning

RESCON president Richard Lyall noted in an article in Storeys by Erin Nicole Davis that there is room for re-evaluation of the More Homes for Everyone Act, known as Bill 109. “The intentions of the legislation were well-meaning and the regulations have successfully focused additional attention on unreasonably long planning approvals processes,” he states. “However, realistically, development applications vary in complexity and this may impact timelines. Additionally, municipalities have focused attention on mechanisms that avoid the successful application of these timelines, notably pre-application consultations that effectively delay the commencement of the clock on the timeline requirements.” Lyall stated it’s likely more productive to encourage co-operation and modernize planning approvals processes rather than implement more punitive approaches such as rebates and penalties. #housingsupplycrisis #planning #onpoli

The more that things change, the more they stay the same.. 🙄 I'm all for progress as long as you don't change anything.. 😳 https://lnkd.in/e7MQm5it #developer #construction #planning #design #affordablehousing #affordablerentals #realestate #commercialrealestate #condos #realestateindustry #interestrates #loaninterest #inflation

Boston passed what may be the nation's first effort to add fair housing requirements to its zoning code back in 2021. The policy requires developers of large projects to assess possible impacts on area residents historically discriminated against and to take steps to reduce those impacts. With the policy on the books for three years now, this article assesses what is and isn't working.

Policy update on the horizon! 📢 The Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) Phase 1 Update is heading to a crucial hearing on April 16th, and as Landscape Architects and Land Planners invested in our city's future, we couldn't be more driven to share the details with you. Following the adoption and subsequent repeal of the previous update last year, Fort Collins City Council has requested a fresh approach—one that not only enhances the functionality of the code but also preserves the current density requirements in key zone districts like RL, UE, NCL, NCM. It also includes renaming the NCL, NCM, and NCB zone districts to Old Town (OT) – A, B, and C.📜💼 The Land Use Code Improvements are a comprehensive set of changes aimed at providing clarity, reorganization, and the introduction of building form standards. These updates are also designed to streamline processes, making it easier to navigate the regulatory landscape while ensuring responsible growth and development. 🌱🏗️ These changes aren't just about tweaking technicalities, however. They're about aligning the code with broader policy objectives outlined in the City Plan, the Housing Strategic Plan, and the Our Climate Future plan. By integrating these policy directions, the City is not just shaping developments; they're shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for Fort Collins. 🌎💫 Now, let's address the rumors: No, these changes do not entail density increases in specific residential zone districts, nor do they alter the use of private covenants. The City is committed to maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods while fostering thoughtful, inclusive growth. 🤝 So mark your calendars for the upcoming hearing and let your voices be heard! Together, let's lay the groundwork for a vibrant, sustainable future—one where every corner of Fort Collins thrives. 💪🏼🏙️ #FortCollinsPlanning #LandUseCode #CommunityEngagement #SustainableDevelopment #CityPlanning

Understanding local zoning regulations can make or break your property development dreams. Every area has a designated zone (residential, commercial, etc.). Zoning basically dictates what kind of buildings go where, and what kind of development is allowed. Each comes with unique rules governing everything.  Knowing these details upfront saves you time and frustration later. 1. Research your site's zoning designation thoroughly. Identify restrictions early on—density requirements (how many buildings per square foot), and development standards (building height, parking requirements)—to avoid surprises later. 2. Engage with planning officials upfront. Attend pre-application meetings to clarify compliance issues and streamline the approval process, setting a solid foundation for your project. 3. Consider variances or rezoning if needed. Variances allow deviations from specific rules while rezoning changes the underlying designation entirely. It’s not easy, but they are worth the effort. 4. Address community needs. Engage with residents early on, address their concerns, and show how your development aligns with the neighbourhood's vision. From detailed plans to public hearings, understanding the roadmap ensures smoother navigation through regulatory channels. By understanding the zoning code and fostering positive relationships with local stakeholders, you can master the approval process easily. #Realestate #Zoninglaws