NIMBYism is the biggest multifamily construction barrier, according to a National Apartment Association report on apartment construction barriers.
A survey of government entities, as well as private developers and owners, found that most respondents say that citizen opposition to growth (NIMBYism) is a key factor in restricting residential development. Rising land and labor costs are also inhibiting the production of affordable housing, the survey found, with 78% of respondents indicating that construction costs including labor, hard and soft costs have increased by more than 11% in the past five years.
The report covers 58 metro markets including a detailed review of 29 major markets. The study’s index ranked each market according to factors such as community involvement (or NIMBYism), construction costs, affordable housing requirements, infrastructure, density and growth restrictions, land supply, environmental restrictions, process complexity, political complexity, and development time.
Albuquerque was the city with the fewest barriers to apartment construction, while Philadelphia has the most, based on the responses. According to the NAA, the U.S. needs 4.6 million apartments at all price points by the year 2030 to keep up with current demand.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2019
AAMA updates two specifications for test methods related to seismic drift
For evaluating window wall, curtain wall and storefront systems.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2019
California’s carbon reduction goals to be aided by programs to convert heating, hot water systems
Switch from propane to electricity is critical to plan.