Zoning Research

Zoning and Morality

Zoning is fundamentally exclusionary. One of the keywords this exclusion hides behind is “morals.” Zoning codes frequently cite protecting or promoting “morals” as one of the justifications for their regulations. Details Reviewed LLC is pursuing research to better understand who’s morals are being protected and why. We believe that meaningful zoning reform cannot happen without a critical examination of the foundation of zoning, particularly the morality built into the laws. Explore the project below to learn more.

  • Protecting Property Values, Not People

    DISCRIMINATORY LAND USE POLICIES IN PITTSBURGH
    1910s-TODAY

    Protecting Property Values, Not People identifies a common theme in the motivations behind five land use policies and practices: restrictive covenants, zoning, redlining, urban renewal, and historic preservation. While these policies ostensibly aim to balance community needs, environmental protection, and economic growth, historical evidence reveals that their implementation often has intended and unintended detrimental consequences, particularly for Black and low-income residents.

    February 2025

  • Residential Zoning by Race

    HOW PITTSBURGH’S ZONING DISTRICTS PROMOTE DIFFERENT HOUSING OPTIONS FOR BLACK AND WHITE RESIDENTS

    Residential Zoning by Race identifies an exclusionary pattern through an investigation into the correlations between the location of Pittsburgh’s single-family and multi-family zoning districts over time, the 1930s redlined areas of the city, and the current and historic racial demographics of the city.

    March 2023

  • Mapping Morals

    Mapping Morals is a survey of the use of the word morals in zoning ordinances in the 10 largest municipalities in each state. The survey is ongoing. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the latest findings.

    Ongoing