I had been confused about the 1924 SZEA, and Emily Hamilton corrected me. Maybe I am just not understanding political science speak, or maybe this idea not coming through in your essay. *Act*, as I understand it, is a bill that passed Congress and is signed by the President, and *SZEA* suggests this happened. Perhaps better language would be "a model for state zoning enabling statutes."
Second, another former point of confusion for me is Frederick Law Olmstead, so pointing out that he had a son who did similar work is helpful. In addition to being his son, Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr was FLO's nephew as well. After John Olmstead died, FLO married his brother's wife and adopted his brother's son.
You’re (mostly) correct about “Act”. I’d broaden your definition slightly - an act is a bill passed by a legislature and signed by the chief executive - since they’re not exclusively federal. And that nitpick is actually part of the answer to your question:
SZEA is the shortened name of a publication by the Department of Commerce. Its full name is “A Standard State Zoning Enabling Act Under Which Municipalities May Adopt Zoning Regulations.” So…you were partially right and partially wrong. It wasn’t an actual single Act, correct. But that’s because people chopped up the full title, which is closer to your own proposed alternative language.
Usually in modern times, we’d just call something like this a “Model Act”. Though there are still (less wordy) exceptions, like the “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act,” which was a model act proposed by the NCCUSL, that the federal government and 49 states then passed as actual Acts. (For instance, the California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act)
As usual, a great read. Appreciate your insight on an important, nuanced, and often overlooked issue.
Thanks, Bob!
Great essay.
I have two points of clarification.
I had been confused about the 1924 SZEA, and Emily Hamilton corrected me. Maybe I am just not understanding political science speak, or maybe this idea not coming through in your essay. *Act*, as I understand it, is a bill that passed Congress and is signed by the President, and *SZEA* suggests this happened. Perhaps better language would be "a model for state zoning enabling statutes."
Second, another former point of confusion for me is Frederick Law Olmstead, so pointing out that he had a son who did similar work is helpful. In addition to being his son, Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr was FLO's nephew as well. After John Olmstead died, FLO married his brother's wife and adopted his brother's son.
Sorry for the necropost, but no one answered you!
You’re (mostly) correct about “Act”. I’d broaden your definition slightly - an act is a bill passed by a legislature and signed by the chief executive - since they’re not exclusively federal. And that nitpick is actually part of the answer to your question:
SZEA is the shortened name of a publication by the Department of Commerce. Its full name is “A Standard State Zoning Enabling Act Under Which Municipalities May Adopt Zoning Regulations.” So…you were partially right and partially wrong. It wasn’t an actual single Act, correct. But that’s because people chopped up the full title, which is closer to your own proposed alternative language.
Usually in modern times, we’d just call something like this a “Model Act”. Though there are still (less wordy) exceptions, like the “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act,” which was a model act proposed by the NCCUSL, that the federal government and 49 states then passed as actual Acts. (For instance, the California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act)
Anyway, here’s the entire SZEA if you’re interested: https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy_resources/growingsmart/pdf/SZEnablingAct1926.pdf
Back at the Lege today for 3919.
Nice! I couldn't make it today, but glad you're there!
We need a new Standard Zoning Enabling Act! One that sets standards for mixed-use zoning and good urban form.