Sets of pre-approved housing plans can lower construction costs, shorten timelines, and encourage more badly needed housing production.

As more cities turn to pre-approved ‘housing catalogs’ to streamline permitting processes and stimulate more housing production, Molly Bolan describes the not-so-new concept in Route Fifty. As Bolan explains, “In the early 20th century, Sears, Roebuck and Co. published catalogs with home designs. Customers could choose a plan and send away for the materials to build their ‘kit home.’”
In recent years, cities such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Stockton have developed their own catalogs of pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other ‘missing middle housing’ types aimed at reducing costs for homeowners and making it easier to build new housing units.
The Sears Catalog homes inspired the city of South Bend, Indiana to create a “catalog of pre-approved plans for infill housing in an effort to incrementally increase housing stock in their neighborhoods without fundamentally changing the character of those communities,” says Tim Corcoran, the city’s community investment planning director. According to Corcoran, “The plans are geared to smaller lots that are common in cities, rather than the larger plots that exist in the suburbs.” The city hopes the catalog will lower ‘soft construction costs’ and incentivize more housing construction.
FULL STORY: ‘Housing Catalogs’ Make a Comeback

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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