Survey: Zoning Codes Holding Back Office Conversion

A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reveals that permitting regulations and zoning codes are holding back developers’ ability to convert office buildings to residential units even as demand for office conversions grows.

In a survey, “Almost half of respondents (46%) indicate zoning/permitting rules are a barrier.” Meanwhile, “Seven in ten builders (71%) and two in three architects (68%) are receiving more frequent requests to convert existing office space to a different use compared to one year ago.”

This indicates a need for cities to reform their zoning codes and adapt to new needs that include more housing and less office space. “Two in five respondents (40%) indicated that 50% or more of their U.S. properties/projects have included requests for converting existing office space.”