Jane Jacobs on Zoning

[Erin Barrington]

I read an article about the different zoning laws in areas all across the country and the view that Jane Jacobs actually had on this topic.  Interestingly, this article says, "Zoning has been hard, or overly rigid, in dividing our cities and towns into uniform, low-density districts, each dedicated to a single primary use.  And zoning has been soft, or overly permissive, in its failure to set design standards for streets, and for how buildings front upon those streets, that would reinforce the fundamental character of streets as public spaces."  It was neat to read this idea.  I think that I do agree in some aspects with Jacobs' view of how a city should look and the way it should be divided.  I mean, how cool would that really be for all cities to have their own set-up, divided however was natural, and every building was authentic? It would be fabulous to see a country of different areas that way, but I just don't see that really working.  The zoning laws are strict in some areas in order to keep some sort of form and organization to areas.  While, yes, physical design, character, and mixed uses of area is important, order and coordination is equally if not more so.  Thought provoking to read Jacobs' take on zoning.  

www.bc.edu/dam/files/schools/law/lawreviews/journals/bcealr/28_4/04...