An "ADU," which stands for "Accessory Dwelling Unit," is like having a mini-house tucked into your backyard or inside your existing house. It's like a smaller home that you can build on your property.
homes that a the starting salary of local elementary school teacher could afford. Best practices say that ten percent of the housing in a neighborhood should qualify as affordable. Usually these homes consist of apartments, rowhouses, and accessory dwellings.
A bikelane is a special road just for bicycles. It's a safe and designated place where people can ride their bikes without having to worry about cars or other vehicles.
an area previously used primarily as an industrial site now available for development
"By-right" typically refers to the legal right or entitlement to do something without needing to obtain additional permissions or approvals. For example, if a property owner has "by-right" zoning for a certain type of development, they can legally develop the property in that manner without needing to go through additional zoning or permitting processes. "By-right" can also refer to actions that are automatically permissible under a certain set of rules or regulations, without the need for further review or approval.
A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan.
A Complete Street is a design approach for urban and transportation planning that aims to create streets that are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users, regardless of their age, ability, or mode of transportation. The concept goes beyond just accommodating cars and seeks to balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists. Complete Streets are designed with the goal of promoting mobility, safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
the number of homes within a standard measure of land area.
Density bonuses are a planning and zoning tool used by municipalities to encourage certain types of development, typically those that serve a public or community benefit. The concept behind density bonuses is straightforward: developers are allowed to build more units or increase the density of their development beyond what is typically permitted in exchange for providing specific public benefits
a building that contains two separate living units, Each unit functions as a separate residence with its own address, entrance, living spaces, and amenities.
Form-based code is like a rulebook that focuses on how things should look and fit together in a certain area. Instead of just saying what you can or cannot do, like traditional zoning rules, form-based code pays a lot of attention to the shapes, sizes, and styles of buildings, as well as the layout of streets and public spaces. It's kind of like creating guidelines for a puzzle to make sure all the pieces fit nicely together and create a pleasant, cohesive picture. This helps make sure that new buildings and developments match the overall look and feel of the neighborhood, creating a more harmonious and organized environment
"Gentle density" refers to a way of adding more homes or buildings in a neighborhood without drastically changing its character or appearance. It's like finding a middle ground between having just single-family houses and having tall apartment buildings. Instead of building really big or tall structures, gentle density suggests adding smaller buildings, like duplexes, townhouses, or low-rise apartments, in a way that fits well with the existing surroundings. It means introducing density that still fits the context of the community.
an area that consists of open, wooded or farmland that is undeveloped.
an area previously used primarily as a parking lot. Shopping centers and shopping malls are typical greyfield sites.
HUD sets a threshold of Housing Affordability at 30% of a household's income, including utilities. If a family has a Moderate Income of $40,000, then its threshold of Housing Affordability is $12,000, or $1,000 per month. For a family with a Low Income of $25,000, the threshold is $7,500, or $625 per month.
Infill lots are like puzzle pieces that fit into existing neighborhoods. Imagine a place where there are already houses and buildings, but there are small empty spaces or gaps in between them. These empty spaces are called infill lots. Developers can use these spaces to build new houses or buildings, filling in the gaps and making the neighborhood more complete. Infill development helps make the most of existing urban areas and prevents unused spaces from going to waste.
Think of infrastructure as the tools that help a city or area function smoothly. Examples include roads, bridges, water pipes, and power lines.
building where the ground floor is occupied by commercial and have a residential unit above.
The way in which land is used or developed, including the type of buildings, structures, or activities that are allowed on the land. Land-use can be influenced by factors such as zoning regulations, natural resources, infrastructure, and community needs.
A master plan is a detailed and comprehensive blueprint or guide for the future development, growth, and organization of a city, town, and neighborhood.
"Missing middle housing" is a term that describes the types of homes that are in between big apartment buildings and single-family houses. Imagine a scale of housing options: on one end, you have large apartment complexes, and on the other end, you have standalone houses with yards. The "missing middle" refers to the kinds of homes that fit in between these two extremes. These could include things like duplexes (two homes in one building), townhouses (attached houses in a row), or small apartment buildings with a few units. The idea is to provide more diverse and affordable housing choices that still feel cozy and neighborhood-friendly, filling the gap that often exists in housing options.
A property that blends residential, commercial, industrial, entertainment and even industrial uses into one space
Mode split, also known as modal split or modal share, refers to the distribution of different transportation modes used by people to travel within a specific area, such as a city or a region. It quantifies the percentage of trips taken by various modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, public transit (bus, train, subway), car, and others. Mode split analysis is a tool used in transportation planning to understand how people choose to travel and to assess the overall transportation patterns within an area.
A multi-modal path is a type of pathway that's designed for various modes of transportation. Instead of being just for one type of travel, like biking or walking, it's made to accommodate different ways of getting around. This can include not only bicycles and pedestrians but also things like skateboards, scooters, and even some small electric vehicles
Multifamily housing, also known as multi-family properties or multi-unit housing, refers to residential buildings or developments that contain multiple individual housing units within a single structure or on a single piece of property. These housing units are designed to accommodate more than one household or family, making them distinct from single-family homes
"NIMBY" is an acronym that stands for "Not In My Backyard." It is a term used to describe individuals or groups of people who oppose certain developments, projects, or changes in their local communities, even if they may generally support these initiatives in principle. NIMBYism typically arises when residents object to developments or activities that they believe will have a negative impact on their property values, quality of life, or the character of their neighborhood.
Nodes refer to important points or areas within a larger urban or community setting. These points usually have a higher concentration of activity, facilities, or attractions that draw people and serve as focal points. Nodes can include things like town centers, commercial districts, transportation hubs, public squares, or any place that becomes a central gathering point for various activities. Nodes are often strategically planned and designed to create a sense of connectivity and vibrancy within a community
Imagine putting a clear sheet with extra rules on top of a map. An overlay district adds special rules to a particular area on top of the regular zoning rules. For example, an overlay might require new buildings to have a certain architectural style.
Parking requirements for development refer to the minimum number of parking spaces that must be provided for a new development, as specified by local zoning regulations. While parking requirements are intended to ensure adequate parking for residents and visitors, they can also have several negative effects.
Increased cost: Requiring a large number of parking spaces can increase the cost of development, as developers must allocate a significant amount of land and resources to constructing and maintaining parking areas. This can make housing and commercial development less affordable.
Encourages car dependence: Parking requirements can encourage car dependence by requiring developers to provide ample parking, which can make it easier and more convenient for residents to drive, even for short trips
Reduces available land: Parking requirements can reduce the amount of available land for development, as a significant portion of the site may be dedicated to parking, rather than buildings or green spaces.
Decreases walkability: Requiring ample parking can make it less convenient and less attractive for people to walk, bike, or use public transportation, as they may have to park far from their destination.
Increases urban sprawl: By requiring a large amount of land for parking, parking requirements can encourage the development of sprawling, low-density communities that are less sustainable and less livable.
Platting is the process of creating a detailed map, known as a plat, that outlines the division and layout of a piece of land into individual lots, parcels, streets, and other relevant features.
The process of making decisions about the development and use of land, including the location and type of buildings and structures, the provision of infrastructure and public services, and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. Planning helps to ensure that the most appropriate use of land is made to meet the needs of present and future generations.
A group of individuals appointed by the government to advise on land use planning and development decisions. Planning commissions typically include a mix of professionals with expertise in fields such as architecture, engineering, and urban planning, as well as representatives from the community. The role of the planning commission is to make recommendations on land use plans, zoning regulations, and development proposals, and to provide a forum for public input and discussion.
a designated path or route specifically designed for pedestrians, which are people who are walking on foot. Pedestrian ways are intended to provide a safe and accessible means for people to move from one place to another
Right of way is a concept that dictates who has the legal privilege to use a specific area or pass through a certain space, particularly when there's potential for conflicting movement or usage. It's a fundamental principle in traffic management and property rights.
It means that in situations where different people or vehicles might want to use the same space at the same time, there are rules that determine who gets to go first or has priority.
A single-family home, often simply referred to as a "single-family house" or "single-family dwelling," is a type of residential building designed to house one family or household. It is a stand-alone structure that is not connected to other housing units and is intended for the private and exclusive use of a single family
In the context of urban planning and zoning regulations, a setback refers to the minimum distance that a building or structure must be set back from a property line or from other buildings.
Setbacks can apply to both residential and commercial buildings, and they can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the property, the type of development, and the zoning regulations in place. For example, a setback might require that a building be set back a certain distance from a street to allow for a wider sidewalk or to preserve the character of a historic neighborhood.
the area between where a private lot ends, and the street starts. This includes the type and dimension of curbs, walks, planters, street trees, and streetlights.
Stormwater runoff is rainwater or snowmelt that flows over the ground surface and into nearby waterways, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. This runoff can occur in urban or rural areas and can pick up pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, chemicals, and trash as it flows over the surface. Stormwater runoff can cause flooding and erosion, damage infrastructure and properties, and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Proper management of stormwater runoff is essential to protect water quality and reduce the risk of flooding and other storm-related hazards.
Site design: The design of the site should aim to minimize the amount of impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and sidewalks, which prevent water from soaking into the ground. Instead, the site design should incorporate natural features such as vegetation and pervious surfaces to allow water to infiltrate into the soil.
Drainage system: A well-designed drainage system is critical for managing stormwater runoff. The system should be designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff away from the site and discharge it to a suitable outlet, such as a nearby stream or stormwater management facility.
Soil and vegetation management: The type and condition of soil and vegetation on the site can significantly impact stormwater management. Maintaining healthy soils and vegetation can help absorb and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of erosion and flooding.
Construction practices: Construction practices can also impact stormwater runoff. For example, soil erosion during construction can result in sediment-laden runoff. Appropriate erosion control measures such as sediment barriers, straw bales, and silt fences can be implemented to reduce erosion and sedimentation.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the stormwater management infrastructure is important to ensure that it continues to function effectively over time. Maintenance activiti
A triplex is a type of residential building or property that contains three separate and self-contained housing units within a single structure. Each of these units typically has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space, making them distinct residences.
A townhome, also known as a townhouse, is a type of residential housing unit that is typically characterized by its architectural style and arrangement. Townhomes are designed to provide the benefits of both single-family homes and condominiums
the portion of the thoroughfare that is occupied by vehicles, usually the moving lanes and parking lanes. The vehicular way, together with the pedestrian way, fill the right-of-way.
"YIMBY" is an acronym that stands for "Yes In My Backyard." It is a term used to describe individuals or groups who are supportive of and advocate for various types of development, especially housing and urban development, in their local communities. YIMBYs typically promote the idea that new development, including affordable housing, should be welcomed and embraced as a means to address housing shortages, promote economic growth, and create more vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods.
The process of dividing land into areas or districts with specific regulations and restrictions for the use of buildings and structures. Zoning is a tool used in land use planning to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and to regulate the physical development of an area.
Inclusionary Zoning: It's a rule that says when new homes or buildings are constructed in an area, a certain portion of them should be set aside for people with lower incomes. This helps make sure that people from different financial backgrounds can afford to live in the same neighborhood. So, instead of having only expensive homes in one place and cheaper homes in another, inclusionary zoning tries to blend them together, creating more balanced and inclusive communities.