Regulatory Barriers Database

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1.  Reducing the Cost of New Housing Construction in New York City 2005 Update

Location(s):	New York	New York City

Highlights

			The authors say that New York City’s zoning law is outdated and the inclusionary zoning ordinance is ineffective.
			The authors suggest increasing permitted densities in appropriate areas, tying inclusionary zoning with tax incentives, and allowing affordable units to be built further from market units.

2.  What is the Impact of High Ratio Granny Units on Affordable Housing?

Location(s):	NATIONAL
	California	Santa Rosa

Highlights

			The author implies that inclusionary zoning does not produce great numbers of affordable units.
			The author contends that housing with garage access in the rear that allows granny flats can produce more affordable housing.

3.  Bay State Set to Reimburse Communities for Cost of Schooling Children That Move Into Designated Smart Growth Districts

Location(s):	Massachusetts

Highlights

			Local communities may not have incentives to create higher-density smart growth districts.
			Massachusetts covers school costs for new students in moderate-income smart growth districts.

4.  Building on Our Heritage: A Housing Strategy for Smart Growth and Economic Development

Location(s):	Massachusetts

Highlights

			The authors argue that restrictive zoning ordinances increase housing costs.
			The authors argue that the state should provide specific financial incentives to local governments that enact more liberal zoning ordinances.

5.  Affordable Housing v. Open Space: A Proposal for Reconciliation

Location(s):	Massachusetts

Highlights

			Statutes in Massachusetts pit affordable housing adovacates against open space advocates, as the two land uses have been made for all intents and purposes mutually exclusive.
			The author recommends requiring a payment in lieu or an open space set-aside in every subdivision, and requiring every community to adopt a sound plan for affordable housing.

6.  Texas Municipal League et al Amicus Brief in Town of Flower Mound Texas v. Stafford Estates Limited Partnership

Location(s):	Texas	Flower Mound

Highlights

			The plaintiff argued that a road requirement by Flower Mound was an unconstitutional takings.
			The Texas Municipal League argued that the Dolan case applied only to compelled dedications of land and only to adjudicative imposed permit conditions.

7.  Housing Supply and Affordability: Do Affordable Housing Mandates Work?

Location(s):	California

Highlights

			The authors contend that inclusionary zoning ordinances increase the cost of market rate housing, reduce the supply of affordable housing and cost local governments tax revenue.

8.  Regulations and Housing Development: What We Know and What We Need to Know

Location(s):	NATIONAL

Highlights

			According to research growth caps, density limits, urban growth boundaries and permit-processing delays are associated with increased housing prices.
			According to the author existing research largely fails to sort out whether the supply effect or the amenity effect predominates.

9.  Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act (Illinois)

Location(s):	Illinois

Highlights

			Developers of affordable housing have little recourse if their application is denied by a local planning board.
			Illinois will allow developers to appeal a local planning board's decision if they feel that their application was unfairly denied because of affordable housing.

10.  The Record on 40B (Massachusetts)

Location(s):	Massachusetts

Highlights

			The authors say that many towns in Massachusetts have large lot zoning (in excess of one acre per unit) and make no provision at all for multi-family or higher density housing.
			In 1969, Massachusetts enacted a law that made it easier to develop affordable housing, especially in communities where local zoning and other restrictions hindered its construction.