Converting single-family homes to triplexes can ease the housing crisis and offer affordable, flexible options for more households. Why is it largely illegal?
A “Multigenerational Roommate House” outside of Dallas offers a model for affordable multifamily housing — if only it’s made legal in more places.
The home’s owner, Monte Anderson, “applied some savvy interpretation of local zoning rules to transform it into a legal, owner-occupied, multiunit home for five single adults ranging in age from almost twenty to over 70.” The units have separate entrances, bathrooms, and kitchenettes (full kitchens would trigger a zoning violation).
This style of housing is illegal under most U.S. zoning codes, explains Lauren Ronnander in an article for Strong Towns. But advocates for reform argue that allowing single-family conversions to duplexes or triplexes “can give residents the flexibility to live where they want at a price they can afford.”
According to Ronnander, allowing duplex conversions can also raise property values and, in turn, local tax revenue, benefiting cities. “In cities that make this type of housing legal by right, thousands of stagnant properties can be improved, raising property values, increasing tax revenue and revitalizing aging neighborhoods.” Legalizing single-family conversions can create more housing choices while avoiding the opposition and infrastructure costs that come with larger multifamily projects.
FULL STORY: This “Multigenerational Roommate House” Shows How To Heal the Housing Market
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association