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San Francisco, CA streamlines conversion of office spaces into residential units
San Francisco has introduced new building code guidelines aimed at facilitating the conversion of office spaces into residential units downtown. These guidelines are designed to streamline the permitting process and encourage developers to repurpose vacant offices amid a growing housing crisis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address the challenges posed by the shift in remote work trends.
San Francisco, CA
United States
Cincinnati, OH to repurpose vacant downtown office buildings into residential units
Cincinnati City Council is proposing a plan to repurpose vacant downtown office buildings into residential units, aiming to address the city's housing shortage and revitalize the urban core. The initiative seeks to incentivize developers to convert unused office space into apartments or condos, potentially bringing new life to underutilized areas of the city.
Cincinnati, OH
United States
Calgary, AB and Edmonton develop carbon-neutral construction practices with ENBIX initiative
Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta Ecotrust funded the creation of the Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX). This four-year project creates a central clearinghouse for low-carbon building practices shared by developers and builders across Alberta. Stakeholders in Calgary will implement ENBIX innovations through its Community of Practice. Additional ENBIX features include webinars, market research, and site visits.
Calgary, AB
Canada
Edmonton, AB
Canada
Austin, TX evaluates the impacts of Archistar's eCheck assessment tool on permit review times
City officials worked with Archistar on integrating eCheck into its building permit system for the pilot. Permit applicants uploaded their 2D and 3D files through an easy-to-use interface. eCheck uses artificial intelligence to compare building plans against Austin's land-use and zoning ordinances. In minutes, applicants receive compliance reports indicating which areas passed, failed, or lacked sufficient information for approval.
Austin, TX
United States
Rødovre, DK paves the way for smarter urban development with Autodesk Forma software
Rødovre's high population density led municipal officials toward a data-driven approach to development. Autodesk Forma produces maps, visualizations, and simulations based on historical data and current proposals. Stakeholders test the impacts of development on factors ranging from road noise to green spaces. Months of internal testing were followed by the formal adoption of the cloud-based software for three urban development projects.
Rødovre, DK
Denmark
New Westminster, BC opens reGENERATE Ideas Challenge for a redeveloped 22nd Street SkyTrain Station
The two-month competition seeks proposals from the entire community for the redeveloped neighborhood. Ideas must achieve "a climate-friendly neighbourhood where everyone can thrive" within the framework of climate action, truth and reconciliation, and equity. A jury of experts will evaluate each proposal based on relevance, creativity, and value alignment. Winning projects are in line for prizes ranging from CAD 200 for Honourable Mentions to CAD 5,000 for the Top Comprehensive Idea.
New Westminster, BC
Canada
Burlington, ON trials AI-driven review technology for industrial-commercial building permits
Developers working on designated employment lands upload their applications to the system. An AI-powered platform uses its knowledge of local zoning bylaws for immediate responses on project compliance. A comprehensive report identifies how components like floor area ratios and setbacks meet requirements or can be brought into compliance. City officials will evaluate the technology through 2023 with the potential for expansion into other land-use types.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Gainesville, FL collaborates with University of Florida researchers on AutoReview.ai software
Gainesville sponsored research by university researchers into how artificial intelligence could expedite building plan reviews. A three-year collaboration turned planning team input into the software behind AutoReview.ai. This solution determines if submitted plans comply with local regulations and codes within 48 hours of submission. The city's investment in this project resulted in a faster review process applicable to local governments across the country.
Gainesville, FL
United States
Kitchener, ON Growing Together engagement campaign shapes the future of Major Transit Station Areas
Kitchener took a multi-faceted approach to shaping future developments at MTSAs with Growing Together. Online exercises on the Engage Kitchener platform asked for residents' favorite places and streets near ION light rail stops. Community members were also asked for comments on proposed Strategic Growth Areas supporting responsible development near MTSAs. In-person workshops and office hours used 3D-printed city models for informed discussions of growth proposals.
Kitchener, ON
Canada
Santa Barbara County, CA evaluates 3D printing for affordable home construction during pilot
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments received a $375,000 state grant for a 3D-printed home in Goleta. Apis Cor will print walls with innovative robotic technology and install them on a standard foundation. The county's Housing Trust Fund will work with university researchers to compare the structure's environmental impacts with traditional construction. This trial seeks an option for mass home construction in a county with an average home cost of $870,000.
Santa Barbara County, CA
United States
Denver, CO uses GIS mapping and data dashboard for its House1000 transitional housing initiative
Denver established a goal of placing 1,000 unhoused residents in short-term housing by the end of 2023. The city's GIS team identified potential sites for micro-communities in all 11 council districts. This process used utility connections, proximity to public transit, and existing structures as filters. The House1000 dashboard shows progress toward completing hotel conversions, building leases, and micro-communities made from tiny homes on vacant lots.
Denver, CO
United States
Vancouver, BC designs Project Requirement Exploration Tool for laneway house permitting
Homeowners interested in building secondary units on their properties can develop project plans in PRET. The digital tool first asks for the user's address to determine eligibility for laneway house permits. A draft project plan creator walks eligible applicants through required permits in areas like street use, plumbing, and electrical. Vancouver streamlined PRET through testing by those who have built laneway homes.
Vancouver, BC
Canada