Cincinnati’s Controversial Zoning Plan Clears First Hurdle

The “Connected Communities” zoning plan aims to increase middle housing near transit and in Cincinnati neighborhoods’ business districts.

1 minute read

May 20, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

By Mary Hammon @marykhammon


Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

Ami Parikh / Shutterstock

The Cincinnati planning commission has approved the Connected Communities zoning plan after two years of public engagement, according to a local WCPO 9 News article by Andrew Ronan. The plan overhauls existing zoning codes which has prohibited construction of anything but single-family homes in most neighborhoods since the 1960s. In order to become law, it must now go for review and a vote by the city’s Equitable Growth and Housing Committee and then a final vote by the city council.

If approved into law, the Connected Communities proposal would allow developers to build duplexes, rowhomes, and small mixed-use buildings to neighborhood business districts and along major bus routes. Advocates for the plan say it is desperately needed to expand the city’s stagnant housing supply to meet the demands of its growing population and to support economic growth. Critics of the plan say it is a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves which neighborhoods to build in up to developers, which could lead to booms in neighborhoods whose infrastructure might not be adequate to support increased density.

Friday, May 17, 2024 in WCPO

Single-family homes in a suburban neighborhood in Florida.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power

The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

June 16, 2024 - The Guardian

Multistory apartment building under construction.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing

Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

June 10, 2024 - Nooga Today

Aerial view of intersection in New York City with yellow cabs and zebra crosswalks.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths

Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

June 13, 2024 - Todd Litman

Brick high-rise apartment buildings in New York City

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply

New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

June 18 - University of Kansas

Couple on one side of desk with banker on other side looking at paperwork.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?

Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

June 18 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rendering of Glory Park in Lewisville, Texas.

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas

The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.

June 18 - Lewisville Leader

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.