• Study shows widespread new urbanist zoning reform

    With the aid of artificial intelligence, researchers examined the extent to which form-based coding is adopted incrementally, often without using the term. The widespread approval of these regulations is good news for proponents of walkable neighborhoods.
    At the beginning of this century, just a handful of form-based codes (FBC) had been adopted nationwide. Conventional zoning, separating uses and housing types, was standard in US cities and towns. A new analysis of more than 2,000 zoning codes across the US using artificial intelligence (AI)...Read more

  • Single stairs do not put residents at risk

    A new study of multifamily buildings shows that those with a single stairwell are just as safe as those with two sets of stairs. This could be a key to more infill, missing middle housing.
    New urbanists have typically focused on code changes that impact the outside of buildings, their density and use, and the way they address the public realm. But sometimes, inside-the-building codes have a major impact on how buildings are expressed on the outside—and thus, the form of the city...Read more

  • CNU chapter holds single-stair contest

    Who knew the difference a staircase makes? US requirements that multifamily buildings have more than one staircase damages cities. Amidst calls for reform, CNU Mid-Atlantic is offering a prize for the best single-stair building design for Baltimore.
    Twentieth Century building and zoning codes made walkable cities much more difficult to build. In doing so, they cause many people to live in less healthy environments—as per the strong evidence that walkable places contribute to health , social interactions , and other benefits. The latest code...Read more

  • Ten code reform priorities for the housing crisis

    A widespread shortage of affordable housing is causing local jurisdictions to amend their land-use regulations. Here’s a list of 10 highly effective reforms, with notes on why they are needed.
    Many municipalities are currently looking at revising their zoning code to allow for a wider range of housing choice. I have worked with enough local zoning codes to get a strong sense of the highest priority reforms that can make a difference for housing choice and affordability. One, take the...Read more