Zoning changes at the local and state levels are making it easier and faster to build housing.
Ahead of a discussion on zoning in the Dallas city council, an article by Leah Waters in the Dallas Morning News outlines current and historic zoning reforms taking place in cities across Texas.
In Houston, the reduction of the minimum lot size to 3,500 square feet from 5,000 square feet in 1998 “spurred housing development dramatically,” leading to the construction of over 34,000 townhomes between 2007 and 2020.
Austin loosened zoning rules last December to allow denser development, but neighborhoods can opt out by forming homeowners’ associations.
At the state level, the Texas legislature passed a bill last fall that streamlines the permitting process, but failed to pass another bill that would have limited cities’ control over minimum lot sizes. “A bill that would have allowed by-right development of accessory dwelling units in backyards of single-family homes failed to pass by one vote in the Texas House.”
FULL STORY: Here’s how cities across Texas changed their zoning to increase housing
Pittsburgh Mayor Proposes Zoning Changes to Curb Housing Shortage
The mayor’s plan includes legalizing ADUs in single-family neighborhoods, eliminating parking requirements, and adding new affordability requirements to buildings with over 20 units.
Vermont Issues Missing Middle Housing Toolkit
The state wants to encourage mid-density development to ease the housing crisis and provide a wider variety of housing options for residents.
Will New York ‘City of Yes’ Proposal Make an Impact?
Some housing experts say the rezoning plan is not nearly ambitious enough to make a dent in the city’s housing crisis.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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