• Arlington missing middle law struck down

    While missing middle housing is often touted as an answer to rising housing prices, a Virginia court struck down a statute in Arlington, Virginia in late September. A group of property owners sued Arlington County (effectively a satellite city to DC) over its law allowing up to six dwelling units...Read more

  • 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