• Sacramento adopts progressive Missing Middle code

    The citywide legislation tailors missing middle options to different neighborhoods, and a sliding scale floor-area ratio (FAR) supports more attainable building types.
    Sacramento’s new citywide Missing Middle Housing (MMH) ordinance is one of the most progressive and comprehensive in the US. Based on a study by Opticos Design, the interim ordinance applies to the city of 528,000 but adjusts the requirements and allowances according to what will work in individual...Read more

  • History informs a response to the housing crisis

    River City Rising shows how Spokane draws on its streetcar neighborhood origins to address its current housing problems.
    Like many cities across the US, Spokane is struggling with a lack of housing affordability. Housing costs have sharply risen in the last decade, as the city has rapidly grown. People are moving from other parts of the country to enjoy Spokane’s rich history connected to a beautiful natural...Read more

  • A pocket neighborhood designed for connection

    The Ember in Edmond, Oklahoma, is designed so that all neighbors will feel part of the whole via a central gathering space.
    Pocket neighborhoods designed around mid-block cottage courts are a notable trend in New Urbanism. They have several advantages, especially on infill sites. The houses are sited on small lots, taking advantage of a high-quality open space serving all residents. They achieve decent density, due to...Read more

  • Houston tackles missing-middle housing with code reform

    Although Houston is famous for having no zoning, its land-use codes are nearly as complicated. Imminent revision of parking, dwelling, and lot size rules could trigger a wave of sorely needed missing middle housing.
    Note: This article first appeared on Strong Towns .​ Houston has long been a poster child for urban planning ills. Mega highways cleave downtown, with an expansion potentially on the way . No zoning regulations have led to a free-for-all with endless rows of townhouses dominating prime...Read more