With housing affordability reaching crisis proportions in many cities, local officials are implementing new zoning regulations to catalyze more home construction.
Land-use rules that include density restrictions, and even some that influence aesthetics and design, restrict development. It has been estimated that 20% of the variation in housing growth from one area to another can be attributed to density regulations.
Officials in several cities recently altered zoning regulations to spur more housing development. In Longmont, Colo., for example, leaders identified five key mixed-used pockets for new housing projects. Within these zones, the city is incentivizing four-story buildings, greater density, and more affordable housing.
A new program in Austin relaxed rules on density, setbacks, height, and parking in return for at least 50% of units classifying as affordable. Where the entire project is classified as affordable, developers are able to build 50% taller than the current code.
In Minneapolis, the city removed single-family zoning and now allows residential construction of up to three units citywide.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2020
Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials
Integrated teams, staging warehouse, and looking early and often, among recommendations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Softwood-lumber duties boost expenses amid COVID-19 outbreak
Little hope this year for resolution of trade dispute with Canada.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2020
Metal Construction Assn. releases three EPD updates
Pertain to Metal Composite Materials, Insulated Metal Panels, and Roll Formed Aluminum and Steel Cladding.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 13, 2020
4 technologies for improving building sanitation and tech's ever-evolving impact on the multifamily space.
Codes and Standards | Jul 9, 2020
Funding opportunity for field validation of high-impact building technologies
Dept. of Energy program targets dynamic interactions with electric grid.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2020
Standards for reducing risk of COVID-19 in senior living communities
AIA releases strategies and illustrations for the sector.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2020
Guide presents benefits of public-private partnerships
Discusses process from project conception to construction.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2020
COVID-19 public health guidelines may be downplaying building systems solutions
Emphasis on cleaning surfaces overlooks importance of mechanical infrastructure.