4/16/24, 2:04 PM Zoning Reform and Code Writing

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KNOWLEDGEBASE COLLECTION

Zoning Reform and Code Writing

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4/16/24, 2:04 PM Zoning Reform and Code Writing

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Zoning is among the most powerful tools local governments have to control future land use and
development. However, in many cities and counties the local zoning code is inconsistent with the policy
recommendations in the local comprehensive plan or a dysfunctional patchwork of incremental
amendments. Calls for widespread zoning reform are not new, but changing demographics and societal
priorities have lent these calls added urgency.

From this page, you can search various resources that provide background, policy or process guidance,
and examples of model codes and local regulations, to help planners lead successful zoning reform and
code drafting efforts. And you can filter these search results by resource type and various demographic
and geographic characteristics.

Go

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4/16/24, 2:04 PM Zoning Reform and Code Writing

Contents

Reports (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1539&sort=relevance)
Articles (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1531&sort=relevance)
Blog Posts (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1533&sort=relevance)

Online Training (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1537&sort=relevance)

Toolkits (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1542&sort=relevance)
Guides (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1524&sort=relevance)

Models (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1526&sort=relevance)
Regulations (/knowledgebase/collection/9120265/search/?keyword=&tags=1538&sort=relevance)

Featured APA Resources

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zoning-changes-
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Trends in Zoning Practice

Many, if not most, new zoning codes blend Euclidean, performance, and form-based zoning techniques.
They include at least some use-based zoning districts; establish performance standards for specific uses,
structures, or districts; and prescribe the form of some types of development.
Some of the most prominent policy themes in contemporary zoning practice include an increased
emphasis on pedestrian- and transit-oriented design, standards that encourage more environmentally-
friendly development, and a greater awareness of the need for affordable housing and housing suitable to
people at all stages of life.

Code Writing and Organization

Most high-profile zoning reform efforts over the past 20 years have emphasized streamlining and
reorganization to enhance user friendliness and minimize ambiguity. In many cases, this leads to
combining zoning, subdivision, and other land-use and development regulations into unified
development codes.

Beyond this, many zoning experts recommend reducing the number of zoning districts, replacing
exhaustive enumerations of permissible uses with a categorical approach to use classification and
regulation, writing in plain English, using illustrations to clarify provisions, taking advantage of
technology to cross-reference related provisions, adding use-specific standards to minimize reliance on
discretionary approvals, and presenting district-specific use permissions and development standards in
tabular form.

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An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit on the same lot as a single-family
home. This collection catalogs resources that provide background, policy guidance, and examples of local plan
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Form-Based Zoning (/knowledgebase/formbasedzoning/)

Form-based zoning is an approach to zoning that emphasizes built form over land use. This collection catalogs resources
that provide background and policy guidance on form-based zoning, as well as examples of local form-based codes.

Planning and Zoning Enabling Laws (/knowledgebase/enablinglaws/)

State statutes establish the framework for local planning activities. Through these laws, states delegate power to local
governments to prepare comprehensive plans and adopt zoning and other land-use and development regulations. This
collection catalogs resources that provide background on those state laws as well as the laws themselves.

Residential Infill Development (/knowledgebase/residentialinfill/)

Residential infill development refers to the development of new housing on vacant or underutilized land in previously
developed areas. This collection catalogs resources that provide background information and demonstrate how local
and regional entities are using plans and plan implementation mechanisms to guide successful residential infill
development.

Rethinking Off-Street Parking Requirements (/knowledgebase/parkingrequirements/)

Since APA published the High Cost of Free Parking in 2005, many cities and counties across the U.S. have reevaluated
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resources that provide background, policy guidance, model ordinances, and examples of local policy-driven off-street
parking requirements.

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