Sightline Project

Making Sustainability Legal

istock

Some of the smartest, most innovative solutions for a sustainable Northwest are, at present, simply illegal. Believe it or not green treatments for polluted runoff, backyard cottages, and paid car-sharing are, in many places, against the law. There are dozens–maybe even hundreds–of similar examples. This Sightline series puts the spotlight on cases where we can make sustainability legal by changing existing regulations and developing pragmatic money-saving proposals. We can single out outdated rules and present smart solutions that align with today’s reality. Clear away this sort of debris, and the Northwest can grow into a region that’s more affordable, fair, and sustainable. Do you have ideas for this series? Email eric (at) sightline (dot) org.

Posts on Making Sustainability Legal

The End of Mandatory White Pages

A Sightline win: Washington makes sustainability legal.
on April 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

Neighborhood Safe Streets Passes in WA (Finally)

Why take 3 years to pass a bill that nearly everyone liked?
on April 23, 2013 at 9:20 am

What Corporate Free Speech Means for Yellow Pages in Seattle

Phone book companies trash private property rights.
, and on April 8, 2013 at 10:04 am

The Biggest Blind Spot of Urban Greens?

It's zoning.
on March 21, 2013 at 11:27 am

ADUs and Don’ts

The gauntlet of rules that in-law and cottage units must run.
on March 15, 2013 at 9:30 am

Nothing ADU-ing

In-law units and cottages are rare in most places.
on March 12, 2013 at 10:29 am

In-law—and Out-law—Apartments

How to double neighborhood housing without anyone noticing.
on March 7, 2013 at 11:00 am

The Roommate Gap: Your City’s Occupancy Limit

No reality TV (or reality?) for us.
on January 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

Alan Durning at TEDx: Legalize It!

10 stories of legalizing sustainability.
on December 17, 2012 at 2:24 pm

Unlocking Spare Bedrooms: Occupancy Limits

A surfeit of sleeping quarters.
on December 17, 2012 at 10:44 am