Making HUD a Better Partner for Local Zoning Reform

Introduced by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) on June 5, the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act marks the beginning of a new chapter for housing and zoning reform policy and guidance at the national, state, and local levels.

Across the U.S., there is a monumental gap — nearly 4 million homes short — between housing need and production. Regulatory barriers, outdated zoning codes, and NIMBY opposition to reforms have too often made it difficult to produce housing that is attainable, equitable, and meets diverse needs. While other factors such as financing, infrastructure, and development challenges have contributed to undersupply, a growing number of communities are updating and improving local rules to expand housing options and speed production. Many of these communities would like to address these obstacles but lack the capacity or expertise needed to fully implement reforms.

That is where the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act comes in.

New Models, Data, and Resources

This bill repositions the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a policy partner with local governments that are working to tackle zoning reform.

Through a new role for the Office of Policy Development and Research, HUD could now create models, provide practical, technical assistance on zoning and land use, evaluate the impact of existing reforms, report findings, and provide case studies and data necessary to give additional resources to local communities.

Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook

Solutions, Systems, partnerships

Case studies, models, and data are all crucial resources for planners to bring best practices in zoning reform to their communities. The Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook compiles examples from across the country into one reader-friendly guide.

Get the Playbook

With the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act, HUD can be a partner in creating even more of these resources and bringing the latest data and innovations to all.

In addition, HUD would be responsible for coordinating housing policy efforts across the federal government and developing non-preemptive guidelines for states to encourage housing production.

The bill also creates two new grant programs related to zoning and permitting. One will support the development of a national zoning atlas, which will help to compile data and communicate the impact of zoning reforms. Another grant program will assist with speeding housing permitting and reviews through pre-approved plans and designs. HUD has ultimate authority over where funds will be allocated for these two new programs.

Empowering Local Reforms

Many communities are working to shorten the amount of time it takes to approve housing projects like accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and missing-middle housing.

The Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act would create resources for communities specifically looking to do this work by creating a set of plans that already meet community standards. This speeds up the review process and allows homeowners and small developers to take on larger projects they otherwise would not have the capacity to.

The Takeaway For Planners

The newly introduced Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act would make HUD a better policy partner to communities embracing housing reform by providing ideas and information that leverage federal expertise, increase transparency through new tools like a national zoning atlas, and spur local innovation.

This APA-endorsed legislation is the policy complement to the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Program (PRO Housing Grants). Together, they advance the reform work that planners — and APA — are leading and will become the foundation for zoning reform work nationwide.

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