

Bottom-Up Shorts: How To Incrementally Improve Your City's Zoning Laws
Jan 28, 2025
Spencer Coyne, the mayor of Princeton, British Columbia, is passionate about community resilience and Strong Towns initiatives. He delves into how Princeton is revamping its zoning laws to better reflect modern needs, pushing for diverse housing and sustainable transportation options. Coyne also discusses the resourceful leadership required in smaller communities, emphasizing local collaboration. Finally, he shares a fascinating initiative that integrates tree planters into community life, fostering engagement and connection among residents.
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Incremental Zoning Reform
- Incrementally remove outdated zoning bylaws that no longer serve the community.
- Don't attempt to fix everything at once; adapt to the changing world.
Secondary Suites and Carriage Houses
- Princeton permitted carriage houses and secondary suites in single-family zones to address a housing shortage.
- This immediately spurred applications and construction, demonstrating a demand for such housing options.
Parking Reform
- Re-evaluate parking requirements, making them more realistic for current needs and less of a barrier to development.
- Consider allowances for older areas with limited parking and promote alternative transportation.