How European Countries Plan Cities Better

European countries have a more inclusive approach to zoning, allowing for a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses within the same zones.

European countries prioritize the integration of amenities, such as corner stores, schools, and parks, within residential neighborhoods.

Germany's zoning code focuses on achieving a balance between different land uses within zones, promoting resilience and flexibility in neighborhoods.

France emphasizes strict regulations on building design and aesthetics, preserving architectural and urban heritage while allowing mixed-use development.

The United Kingdom utilizes a case-by-case approach to land use planning, requiring negotiations between developers and local authorities for each project.

What is zoning?

—Zoning is the assigning of parcels within a jurisdiction into distinct zones based on their land use. It regulates what types of uses are allowed in each zone.

How does European zoning differ from the US?

—European zoning is more inclusive and allows for a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses within each zone. It also prioritizes the integration of amenities and promotes architectural heritage.

What are the advantages of European zoning?

—European zoning promotes vibrant and mixed-use cities, reduces the need for rezoning, allows for neighborhood flexibility and entrepreneurship, and accommodates changing needs without requiring significant adjustments to regulations.

Why does the US have a more exclusive zoning approach?

—The US adopted a non-hierarchical zoning system that separates land uses into distinct zones, which has led to isolated neighborhoods and limited flexibility in land use planning.

Can the US learn from European zoning practices?

—Yes, the US can learn from European countries by implementing a more inclusive and flexible approach to zoning, allowing for mixed-use development, and prioritizing the integration of amenities within residential neighborhoods.

00:00Zoning in the US has created neighborhoods of single-family homes, often separate from places of work and amenities.

06:13German zoning focuses on achieving a balance between different land uses within zones, promoting resilience and flexibility in neighborhoods.

08:58France emphasizes strict regulations on building design and aesthetics, preserving architectural and urban heritage while allowing mixed-use development.

09:57The United Kingdom utilizes a case-by-case approach to land use planning, requiring negotiations between developers and local authorities for each project.