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Mission Viejo, CA, Municipal Code
The city's zoning regulations provide solar energy development standards and require solar-friendly landscape design.Mission Viejo, CA -
The New Math of Climate Resilience
A groundbreaking project in Norfolk, Virginia, multiplies the impact of a $112 million federal grant by making social vulnerability and environmental justice, not just property values, major factors in its calculations.by: Jim MorrisonA groundbreaking project in Norfolk, Virginia, multiplies the impact of a $112 million federal grant by making social vulnerability and environmental justice, not just property values, major factors in its calculations. -
Old Orchard Beach, ME, Code of Ordinances
The town's subdivision regulations promote solar access and solar orientation and design.Old Orchard Beach, ME -
Hurricane Recovery Fails the Financially Vulnerable
Based on a decade of data from Hurricane Sandy, two New York City planners explore the inequities of disaster mitigation and recovery — and what needs to change to prevent climate gentrification.by: Donovan Finn, PhD, Thaddeus PawlowskiBased on a decade of data from Hurricane Sandy, two New York City planners explore the inequities of disaster mitigation and recovery — and what needs to change to prevent climate gentrification. -
Virginia Beach, VA, Mixed Use Development Guidelines
2004These design guidelines for the central business mixed use district were created to implement the comprehensive plan.Virginia Beach, VA -
Air Pollution, Mental Health, and Implications for Urban Design: A Review
Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health, 4: 2018by: Jacob KingThis article reviews literature on the impact of air pollution on mental health. -
Pembroke Woods: Lessons Learned in the Design and Construction of a LID Subdivision
2003by: Michael ClarThis case study highlights a residential low-impact development (LID) in Frederick County, Maryland. -
Kalamazoo, MI, Downtown Design Review Standards and Guidelines: New Construction, Existing Buildings, Streetscape
2012This document provides both standards and guidelines for projects within the city's downtown.Kalamazoo, MI -
Design Lights Consortium Sample Language for Light Pollution Mitigation Bylaws and Ordinances
April 2023This model ordinance provides a framework to help cities, towns, and counties draft outdoor lighting regulations. -
Model Green Building Ordinance
2007This model ordinance provides a template to help cities and counties utilize the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-New Construction (LEED-NC) for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. -
A Case Study of Urban Design and Mental Health in Las Vegas
Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health, 5: 2018by: Dak KopecThis article takes a close look at the impact of the built environment on the mental health of residents in Las Vegas. -
Liberty Township, OH, Olentangy Heritage Corridor State Scenic Byway Design Guidelines
December 2005This guide informs developers on techniques to protect the rural character of the Olentangy Heritage Corridor.Liberty township, OH -
Green Streets: A Conceptual Guide to Effective Green Streets Design Solutions
2009This guide examines the use of green infrastructure tactics in residential, commercial, and arterial streets and alleys. -
Transfer of Development Rights in U.S. Communities: Evaluating Program Design, Implementation, and Outcomes
2007by: margaret walls, Virginia McConnellThis report offers detailed case studies of 10 transfer of development rights programs covering a range of land use goals. -
Santa Barbara, CA, Solar Energy System Design Guidelines and Solar Recognition Program
Adopted December 2006This guide discusses general principles and specific techniques for designing well integrated, visually appealing solar systems. -
DAAPX 2020-Adam Rosa, Youth Engagement in Planning and Urban Design
October 2020This video highlights the importance of engaging youth in urban planning and decision-making processes. -
An Overview of Scenario Approaches: A Guide for Urban Design and Planning
Journal of Planning Literature 37(3): 467-487by: Grace Jaude, Olaf Mumm, Vanessa CarlowThis article reviews different approaches and methods used for scenario planning. -
Using Your Illusion
Take a walk through virtual reality and other immersive environment tools for planning.May 01, 2017For planning and design professionals, immersive reality can help produce better design solutions. -
Using Smart Growth and Universal Design to Link the Needs of Children and the Aging Population
Family-Friendly Communities Briefing Papers 2by: Rana Abu Ghazaleh, Esther Greenhouse, George Homsy, AICP, Mildred WarnerThis brief explains how multigenerational planning creates new coalition-building opportunities; why civic participation and engagement is essential for all age groups; and why an understanding of the needs of multiple generations is essential to smart growth and sustainable design and development. -
Santa Barbara, CA, General Plan
The Housing Element of the city's general plan notes that city programs and ordinances encourage solar design.Santa Barbara, CA -
Lincolnville, ME, Land Use Code
2016The town’s land use code protects identified scenic views through design standards that reduce impacts on scenic quality.Lincolnville town, ME -
Olive Branch, MS, Code of Ordinances
2016The city's code of ordinances establishes a design review process for commercial, industrial, and multifamily nonresidential development within the city.Olive Branch, MS -
Spatial Designs to Enhance Early Development and Wellbeing in Urban Environments
Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health, 2: 2017by: Latoia Williams, Quncie WilliamsThis article calls for collaboration between child development experts and architects to improve the design of urban space. -
Stormwater Management Within Green Roofing
RCI Foundation, November 2010by: Edward StewartThis article assesses the water retention rates, quality of runoff, local regulations, and design elements of green roofs. -
Minneapolis Saint Paul Solar Cities Program, Solar Ready Building Design Guidelines for the Twin Cities, Minnesota
This document defines "solar ready" buildings and offers solar ready building guidelines and construction specifications tailored to the Twin Cities region specifically and the Midwest/Minnesota in general. -
Mesa, AZ, Code of Ordinances
Updated May 2021These regulations belong to the Accessory Dwelling Units, Design Review, Group Housing, and Housing Supply Planning collections. -
San Diego County, CA, Low Impact Development Handbook Stormwater Management Strategies
July 2014This guide provides design considerations, best practices, and planning approaches to implementing low-impact development (LID) and stormwater management tactics. -
Lovejoy, GA, Code of Ordinances
Updated October 2019The city’s code of ordinances contains design considerations for the use of green infrastructure and low-impact development (LID) tactics. -
Green Stormwater Management
July 2017This audio addresses the use of green stormwater infrastructure in street design for the development of green streets. -
Provincetown, MA, Local Comprehensive Plan
The Energy section of the town's comprehensive plan includes a policy supporting solar structure and site design.Provincetown town, MA -
Advancing Racial Equity in Inclusionary Housing Programs
February 2021by: Stephanie Reyes, Amy KhareThis guide is designed to help planners and local officials design inclusionary housing programs that support racial equity goals. -
St. Mary's County, MD, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
Updated December 2016The county's zoning ordinance includes design objectives that encourage solar access, and it exempts solar collector equipment from screening requirements. -
5 Practical Zoning Hacks for Missing Middle Housing
These thoughtful tweaks can help promote housing diversity and density in communities of all sizes.by: Kati WoockThese thoughtful tweaks can help promote housing diversity and density in communities of all sizes. -
Newark, DE, Code of Ordinances
2017The city's subdivision ordinance includes design standards for energy conservation and solar access including general design and construction principles and subdivision plan guidelines and requirements that address solar orientation. -
Complete Streets, Complete Networks
April 2016This guide is designed to help transportation agencies in Illinois design roadways that support all travel modes. -
WHO/IFA Webinar 7 - Social Inclusion: The Design of Age-Friendly Spaces
2018by: Ryan WoolrychThis recorded webinar advocates for the use of participatory research with older adults to better understand barriers to social inclusion. -
Physical Activity: Built Environment Approaches Combining Transportation System Interventions With Land Use and Environmental Design
April 2017by: Community Preventative Services Task ForceThis briefing paper belongs to the Active Transportation and Built Environment and Health collections. -
Does Walkable Neighbourhood Design Influence the Association Between Objective Crime and Walking?
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 11(100): 2014by: Sarah Foster, Matthew Knuiman, Karen VillanuevaThis article belongs to the Active Transportation and Built Environment and Health collections. -
Design and Methods of Natural Experiments in Transit and Physical Activity
December 2015by: Brian Saelens, Barbara Brown, Chad SpoonThis recorded webinar describes the process of conducting a pre-post study to assess the health impact of public transportation infrastructure projects. -
Low Impact Development in Coastal South Carolina: A Planning and Design Guide
2014This guide reviews the benefits of low-impact development (LID), common tactics, and approaches to implementation. -
The View from the Road: Patterns, Principles & Guidelines for Roadscape Design
August 2012This guide presents principles and guidelines for scenic road corridors, focusing on a segment of Route 7 from Shelbourne to Middlebury in Vermont.Vermont -
Urban Design and Planning Participation in the Digital Age: Lessons from an Experimental Online Platform
Smart Cities 7(1): 615-632, 2024This article examines public participation through online participatory platforms. -
Bourne, MA, Zoning Bylaw
Updated May 2017The town’s zoning bylaw encourages the use of low-impact development (LID) tactics for stormwater management in street design, parking design, and development in a Downtown District (“DTD”) and Marine Center Overlay District (“MCOD”). -
The Quiet Revolution Revived: Sustainable Design, Land Use Regulation, and the States
Environmental Law Reporter, 40: 10733-10748, 2010by: Sara BroningThis article discusses the need for a resurgence of the principles of the Quiet Revolution that could positively affect environmental impacts in state planning for land-use. -
Rhode Island Low Impact Development Site Planning and Design Guidance Manual
March 2011This guide presents standards, recommendations, and best practices for designing and planning low-impact development (LID). -
Los Angeles, CA, Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan Design and Preservation Guidelines
2009This guide includes provisions to protect the Mulholland Scenic Parkway by encouraging environmentally and aesthetically sensitive development.Los Angeles, CA -
Design by the Rules: The Historical Underpinnings of Form-Based Codes
Journal of the American Planning Association, 75(2): 144-160, 2009by: Emily Talen, FAICPThis article details the historical lineage of form-based codes due to it being a largely unexplored topic at a time of renewed interest. -
Urban Agriculture in a Post-Industrial Landscape: A Case for Community-Generated Urban Design
48th ISOCARP Congress, 2012by: Md Mahbubur Meenar, Jeffrey Featherstone, Amy CahnThis article examines urban agriculture practices in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, focusing on urban agriculture as both a community-generated urban form in post-industrial urban landscapes and as a planning process and policy problem or opportunity. -
Point Access Block Building Design: Options for Building More Single-Stair Apartment Buildings in North America
Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research, 26(1), 2024This paper introduces point access blocks as an alternative to traditional building codes. -
Separated by Design: How Some of America’s Richest Towns Fight Affordable Housing
May 2019by: Jacqueline Rabe ThomasThis article explores how wealthy areas resist affordable housing development in Connecticut, contributing to the state’s racial and economic segregation.