Single-Family Zoning
![Historic brick rowhouses in Alexandria, Virginia](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_130406809.jpeg.webp?itok=C_DiqDGm)
Alexandria Set to Reveal Zoning Reform Details
The city will hold a series of public meetings this fall to explain its efforts to boost housing production and affordability.
![An aerial view of downtown Iowa City.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Iowa-City.jpeg.webp?itok=JKYJ1rQE)
Iowa City Hopes Zoning Amendments Will Increase Housing Supply, Diversity
Iowa City is planning ahead to ensure that housing supply keeps up with housing demand.
![Indian Trail, North Carolina](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/North-Carolina-Suburb.jpg.webp?itok=25MaE9EY)
The Social and Economic Impacts of Exclusionary Zoning
A new book further reveals the inequities perpetuated by restrictive zoning policies.
![Aerial view of large single-family homes in Vancouver, BC suburb](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_220917688.jpeg.webp?itok=2YL-nV3-)
Vancouver Poised to Increase Residential Zoning
The city council will vote on a proposal to eliminate single-family only zoning in favor of rules that would allow up to six units per residential lot.
![Colorful "atx" sign in front of Whole Foods store in Austin, Texas](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_366331489_Editorial_Use_Only.jpeg.webp?itok=-igucxyM)
Austin Could Reduce Minimum Lot Sizes
In an effort to increase housing production and bring down housing costs, the city council approved a resolution calling for reduced lot sizes and higher density in single-family neighborhoods.
![Sunset view of downtown Gainesville, Florida](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_682865521.jpg.webp?itok=yAKYPM6t)
Gainesville in Final Discussions on Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
A see-saw battle over land use and housing policy continues in the city of Gainesville.
![Aerial view from behind Texas State Capitol dome in Austin, Texas](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_186474352.jpeg.webp?itok=qWHCLL5U)
Zoning Reform Proposed in Austin
Proposed changes would create more room for mid-density housing and shift away from single-family homes on large lots.
![Aerial view of large houses in large yards surrounded by trees in Palo Alto, California](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_268057102.jpeg.webp?itok=PCg9Yd89)
New Research Blames Affluent Suburbs for Housing Crisis
Small, often wealthy enclaves build far less multifamily housing than their larger counterparts, exacerbating the dearth of affordable housing near big cities and job centers.
![Brown and yellow two-story apartment buildings in Austin, Texas](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_355951079.jpeg.webp?itok=6awgsJ3O)
Austin Council Proposes Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program
The proposal would permit larger buildings on single-family lots.
![Row of two-story traditional wood houses in Stamford, Connecticut](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_399078744.jpeg.webp?itok=m2J8kffc)
Study Links Single-Family Zoning to Exclusion
An analysis of Connecticut zoning laws finds single-family neighborhoods are associated with higher incomes and whiter populations than the 2 percent of the state that permits multifamily housing.
![A picture of the Vermont State Capitol building with fall colors on display on trees in the background.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Vermont-State-Capitol.jpeg.webp?itok=jy5NC4QX)
Vermont Latest State to Preempt Single-Family Zoning
The approval of the HOME law, S.100, will allow for duplexes in all residential neighborhoods in Vermont. Large swaths of residential zones in the state must also now allow tri- and four-plexes.
![A spraling subdivision of single-family detached housing in a desert setting.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/New-Mexico-Sprawl.jpeg.webp?itok=Av-irh5L)
Albuquerque Poised to Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units
Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.
![Late evening view of downtown Minneapolis skyline with stone bridge in foreground](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_199999320.jpeg.webp?itok=5b1V1bEl)
Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit
After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.
![A picture of the Vermont State Capitol building with fall colors on display on trees in the background.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Vermont-State-Capitol.jpeg.webp?itok=jy5NC4QX)
Vermont Next State in Line to End Single-Family Zoning, Ease Parking Requirements
Both houses in the Vermont Legislature have approved legislation to preempt local land use regulations by rescinding single-family zoning and easing parking requirements throughout the state.
![Aerial view of irrigation canal winding through Scottsdale, Arizona suburb with mountains in background](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_109737860.jpg.webp?itok=uRTkFO6o)
Mitigating the Environmental Footprint of Sprawl
There is still time to reverse the environmental outcomes of American suburbs. Researchers in Los Angeles, considered by many to be the poster child for U.S. sprawl, have been at work on the problem for years.
![Colorado State Capitol Building](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1647872215.jpg.webp?itok=kuUtNcKY)
Landmark Land Use Bill Fails in Colorado Legislature
Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s effort to allow for more housing construction by preempting local control of zoning failed to achieve the required level of political support in the state legislature.
![Curvy street lined with houses in Issaquah Highlands outside Seattle, Washington](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_759849823.jpg.webp?itok=-Jy7HKei)
Wealthy Washington Neighborhoods Could Remain Untouched by Zoning Reforms
Neighborhoods with preexisting internal contracts are exempted from new legislation requiring all Washington cities to permit duplexes and other ‘missing middle housing.’
![Gainesville, Florida skyline with tall water tower against cloudy sunset sky](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_693235636.jpg.webp?itok=xHoAm_As)
Gainesville Reverses Zoning Reforms, Reinstates Single-Family Zoning
The Florida city will be the first in the country to rescing zoning changes that would have created opportunities for a wider variety of housing options in residential neighborhoods.
![Facade entrance of typical townhouse with cherry blossom in Seattle, Washington, America. Colorful red siding of two story attached townhouse duplex with blooming pink flower near windows with blinds](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1699817344.jpg.webp?itok=cA88MW8z)
‘Missing Middle Housing’ Bill Passes in Washington Senate
The legislation would permit duplexes and, in some cases, fourplexes in residential areas in most Washington towns.
![Outdoor Recreation](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1195811503.jpg.webp?itok=Ymd8S3SS)
Colorado Mountain Communities Line Up to Oppose Statewide Zoning Reforms
State preemption isn’t going over well with local government officials in the remote corners of Colorado.
Pagination
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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