Changing Suburban Demographics Collide With Outdated Zoning Laws

As shifting demographics and the Great Recession increase the functional demands on the typical suburban single-family home, outdated zoning laws are preventing the economical use of underused space, writes S. Mitra Kalita.

1 minute read

July 24, 2012, 8:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With one in five college graduates living with his or her parents, seniors seeking to age in place, and the number of shared households rising, outdated zoning laws are preventing single-family homes from being able to meet these changing needs, writes Kalita. In response, "homeowners are pressing for changes in zoning laws
to allow rentals while home builders report a rise in demand for houses
with in-law suites or quarters with separate entry."

Efforts to ease restrictions on creating accessory dwellings in existing homes are facing resistance from long standing concerns about traffic, parking
and stress on utilities. However, new home construction seems to offer an easier route to multi-functional homes.

"Last year, Lennar Corp. rolled out a 'Next Gen' model, calling it a 'home within a home,'" notes Kalita. "The
houses feature a completely separate unit-with own entry, kitchen,
bathroom, bedroom and living area-attached to the main house with a
double door similar to adjoining hotel rooms."

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing

The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

3 hours ago - Strong Towns

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Green Skid Row mural satirizing city limit sign in downtown Los Angeles, California.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents

The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.

5 hours ago - Los Angeles Public Press