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 | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2020
OSHA says most employers don’t have to track worker COVID-19 infections
Agency clarifies responsibility for contractors, others.
