Zoning

Modern small-lot homes in north Dallas suburb

Code Reforms to Ease the Housing Crisis

Ten recommendations for zoning code changes that could make housing more affordable.

April 3, 2023 - Congress For New Urbanism

California

California Attorney General Wants to Get Serious About Housing

A bill sponsored by the AG’s office would give the state’s top attorney more power to intervene in lawsuits related to the state’s housing laws.

March 29, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of planned community with houses and winding streets in Pearl City, Oahu

Sprawl and Democracy

One common defense of pro-sprawl government policies is that government reflects the will of the people. But is this really true?

March 27, 2023 - Michael Lewyn

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge

Panel: Minneapolis Zoning Updates Should Reflect Mixed-Use Future

A discussion of post-pandemic changes in work and commuting concluded that the city’s overhaul of its zoning code should be less restrictive with land uses.

March 24, 2023 - MinnPost

Drone view of colorful sunset over suburban neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Housing Bill Fails in State Senate

The bill would have eliminated some parking requirements, legalized more types of affordable housing, and promoted increased housing production.

March 14, 2023 - 12News

Light blue two-story Victorian home with corner turret in The Heights, Houston, Texas

Houston Leaders Debate Merits of ‘Conservation Districts’ Proposal

A proposal by the city’s mayor would create a new type of preservation district designed to protect historic structures and slow gentrification.

March 14, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

Multiple bridges busy with cars cross Lady Bird Lake outside downtown Austin, Texas.

What Led to Austin’s Housing Crisis?

How the Texas capital quickly became one of the country’s hottest—and least affordable—housing markets.

March 9, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Aerial view of Bellevue, Washington waterfront homes

Washington Could Legalize Multifamily Housing

A bill legalizing duplexes and fourplexes in most of the state’s residential neighborhoods passed the state House on Monday.

March 8, 2023 - The Seattle Times

Aerial view of St. Petersburg, Florida coast with downtown skyline in background

St. Petersburg Could Expand Middle Density Zoning

A proposed zoning change would allow up to four units on almost 3,000 additional parcels.

March 7, 2023 - St. Pete Catalyst

Aerial view of Montana state capitol building in Helena, Montana

Montana Could Overhaul Land Use Laws

State legislators want to make comprehensive changes to land use and zoning laws to alleviate a growing housing shortage in the state’s urban areas.

February 28, 2023 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Aerial overhead view of single-family neighborhood with some houses under construction

How Single-Family Zoning Became Unaffordable for Families

Zoning regulations designed to boost the housing supply for families have contributed to a housing crisis that makes housing costs a major burden for many American families.

February 27, 2023 - Discourse Magazine

Connecticut

Land Use Reform Picks Up Momentum in Connecticut Again

Multiple statewide land use reform proposals are up for debate in the Nutmeg State. Which, if any, will become law?

February 27, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Aerial view of dense single-family homes in neighborhood still under construction

Report: How States Can Incentivize Housing Production

With many cities and local jurisdictions using zoning codes to slow housing development, policymakers at the state level are taking action to increase the housing supply.

February 23, 2023 - Urban Institute

Quincy Market

Op-Ed: Boston Needs Zoning Reform Now

The Boston Globe’s editorial board calls on the city to take on citywide zoning reform to boost housing construction and revitalize areas that have faced historical underinvestment.

February 21, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Close-up view of Hillsborough town name on map

Bay Area Towns Weigh ‘Infantilizing’ Proposals to Avoid State Housing Mandates

In another desperate bid to avoid rezoning for affordable housing, some Bay Area towns are pushing housing for developmentally disabled adults as an alternative—but the proposals are likely illegal, disability rights advocates say.

February 13, 2023 - SFGate

Aerial view of Oakland, California with bay in background

Bay Area Cities Largely Miss Housing Element Deadline

Only four Bay Area cities have won the state’s approval for their housing elements, which are required to meet the state’s ambitious housing production targets.

February 12, 2023 - Globe St.

View of downtown San Francisco from top of windy street at sunset with Coit Tower in distance

San Francisco Housing Plan Gets State Approval

The city cleared a major hurdle as its housing plan, which paves the way for 82,000 new homes by 2030, is certified by the state.

February 8, 2023 - KALW

Aerial view of residential development near beach in Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii State Bills Could Limit or Expand Affordable Housing Law

Some legislators see a law that provides a zoning exemption to affordable housing builders as a necessary way to alleviate the housing crisis, while others worry about the impact of fast-tracked development on land zoned for conservation.

February 8, 2023 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Aerial view of residential neighborhood in La Habra, California at sunset

Orange County Project Could Go Forward Under ‘Builder’s Remedy’

The nation’s largest home builder could receive approval for a 530-unit development under an obscure state law as the city of La Habra’s zoning laws hang in limbo after the state rejected its proposed housing plan.

February 2, 2023 - Orange County Register

Suburban houses against colorful sunset sky in Waukesha, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Workers Struggle to Find Affordable Housing

The state is facing a workforce housing shortage and rising costs, but some cities and towns make it difficult to build new housing near jobs.

February 2, 2023 - Urban Milwaukee

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