Search Engine Why can’t we just turn the empty offices into apartments? (classic)
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Apr 18, 2025 
Bill Fulton, an urban planning expert and former mayor of Ventura, dives into the complexities of converting empty offices into apartments. He discusses the historical evolution of zoning laws, the challenges of community resistance, and innovative solutions to housing shortages. Fulton also contrasts different city approaches to zoning, showcasing how these rules affect urban development. In a lighter twist, he touches on viral moments from a Chinese zoo, blending serious issues with humor. A thought-provoking yet entertaining exploration of modern housing dynamics!
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History of Zoning and Segregation
- Zoning laws started over 100 years ago to separate harmful land uses like factories from homes.
- Over time, zoning also became a tool to exclude certain groups, especially through single-family home zoning.
Houston's No Zoning Model
- Houston is unique among American cities because it has no zoning laws.
- Without zoning, developers dictate what gets built, leading to more housing but sometimes strange juxtapositions like a roller coaster by a house.
Apartments Inside a Shopping Mall
- Downtown Providence has apartments on the top floor inside a shopping mall called the Arcade.
- Residents adapt to small spaces with efficiency kitchens and creative storage solutions.