The city’s new rules allow for more flexibility in housing development, but other market forces could limit production.

Salt Lake City passed a set of zoning reforms dubbed the Affordable Housing Incentives program, which could open the door to more affordable housing construction in the city that, like many others, is struggling to meet demand.
According to Sean Higgins of KUER, the new rules permit quadplexes in all residential zones, with the potential for another one to three-story addition in some areas, reduce parking requirements, and make changes that streamline the planning process. Projects will still have to comply with setbacks, building heights, and other building requirements.
As in other cities, the changes appear sweeping but will likely only affect a small percentage of properties due to the cost of construction and other considerations. “In the end, whether the incentives succeed in their intended goal of creating more affordable housing largely depends on the will of homebuilders.”
FULL STORY: Salt Lake City is getting new residential zoning rules. Will they make a difference?

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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