Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.
Last week, the Oregon legislature passed a bill that, among other things, revises the state’s landmark urban growth boundary law that dates back to 1973.
As Sarah Marx explains in Housing Wire, “The newly approved bill grants cities a one-time exemption from long-standing regulations to acquire new land for housing developments. In exchange, it requires that 30% of new units in expansion zones meet the definition of affordable housing.”
The exemption comes with some caveats: rentals and homes for sale in newly acquired areas must remain affordable for 60 years. “Beyond land use revisions, the comprehensive housing package allocates more than $370 million for infrastructure projects, such as water and sewer systems. Additionally, funds will be allocated toward homeless shelters and eviction prevention measures.”
FULL STORY: Oregon tweaks restrictive land use law to address housing shortage
California’s New Housing Laws: What You Need to Know
The state legislature passed dozens of new laws aimed at improving housing affordability and streamlining the development process to meet rising demand.
Oregon Cities Debate Expanding Boundaries
A recent bill allows cities to apply for a one-time expansion to Oregon’s historic urban growth boundaries, which limit development at the edges of cities.
Facing Housing Crisis, Oregon Could Alter its Historic Land Use Law
A 1973 state law creates urban growth boundaries that limit urban sprawl, but rising housing costs are causing lawmakers to consider a one-time expansion.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
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Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
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Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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