Study: Most SoCal Neighborhoods Exclude Multi-Unit Buildings

According to research from a University of California, Berkeley study released on March 2, single-family zoning proves to be closely correlated with racial disparity. As Jeff Collins reports in the Press-Enterprise, "Three-quarters of Southern California’s neighborhoods are zoned exclusively for detached, single-family homes, contributing to racial segregation and limiting minority access to better schools and resources." Low-density zoning tends to "exclude lower-income people and people of color," writes Collins.

According to the report's authors, "What this means is that apartments, condos and other housing options are simply impossible to build … and the consequences are profound." The article details several Southern California cities that could increase their density. Collins goes on to note that "In general, zoning is used to regulate development to ensure compatible land use, as spelled out in a city’s master plan. But scholars have argued that exclusionary single-family zoning had sinister origins in the early 20th century, fostering racial segregation without mentioning race." Some cities, like Chino Hills, are fighting back against recommendations to raise their density, citing unique topography and fire hazards.

Single-family zoning has been a hot topic in recent years as states and cities work to undo the damage caused by exclusionary zoning and create incentives for infill development and increased density.