When it comes to the topic of “housing shortage zoning changes,” the discussion often revolves around the impact of zoning regulations on the availability of housing.
**Exploring the Housing Shortage and Zoning Changes in Minneapolis**
In Minneapolis, a new 12-unit apartment building, the Sundial Building, offers a captivating view of the Kingfield neighborhood. The city is at the forefront of addressing America’s housing crisis, characterized by a shortage of housing units, particularly affecting low-income individuals. Many renters are burdened by high housing costs, with half of them allocating over a third of their income towards housing expenses. Moreover, the limited availability of affordable homes for purchase poses a significant challenge for the average household.
To combat the housing shortage, cities are reevaluating their zoning regulations to facilitate increased housing supply. Many urban areas are realizing that their existing zoning rules are too inflexible and costly, hindering the construction of new homes. Consequently, cities like Minneapolis are undergoing zoning reform processes to introduce more flexible rules. These changes include permitting multifamily homes in various neighborhoods, promoting higher density near public transportation, and simplifying the construction permit procedures.
Researchers from The Pew Charitable Trusts have closely monitored the impact of these zoning changes in Minneapolis between 2017 and 2022. They have identified these reforms as a potential “blueprint for housing affordability.” Notably, Minneapolis experienced a remarkable 12% growth in its housing stock within a five-year period, surpassing other cities. Despite the emphasis on duplexes and triplexes in areas previously zoned for single-family homes, the construction of such units has been limited due to size restrictions.
Instead, the majority of new housing developments in Minneapolis have been midsize apartment buildings with 20 or more units. These zoning reforms have made apartment construction more feasible and cost-effective, resulting in a surge of new housing projects. As a result, rents in Minneapolis have only increased by 1%, in stark contrast to the 14% rise observed in the rest of Minnesota during the same period.
Cities like Houston and Tysons, Va., have also implemented significant housing developments in recent years, leading to rent stabilization and wage growth. For instance, Houston’s decision to reduce minimum lot sizes has spurred a townhouse construction boom, expanding the housing supply and curbing rent escalation in the city. These examples highlight the positive impact of zoning changes in addressing the housing shortage and fostering housing affordability.
Addressing the Housing Shortage through Zoning Changes
Currently, various cities and towns across the nation are experiencing significant shifts. A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley revealed that over 100 municipal jurisdictions in the U.S. have initiated zoning reform efforts in recent times.
Metropolitan areas like Milwaukee, New York City, and Columbus, Ohio, are actively engaged in revising their zoning regulations. Additionally, smaller urban centers such as Walla Walla, Wash., and South Bend, Indiana, have also been commended for their progressive zoning adjustments.
Each city tailors its zoning reform strategies based on its unique historical background and existing housing inventory. However, common themes emerge in the language employed by city officials to garner support for these modifications, including promoting “gentle density,” constructing “missing middle” housing, and expanding housing options.
One such example is Sara Moran, 33, who relocated from Houston to Minneapolis recently. She now resides in the Sundial Building, a new 12-unit apartment complex situated in the Kingfield neighborhood. This three-story brick building boasts exceptional energy efficiency, a feature that was previously unattainable until a few years ago due to the absence of off-street parking.
**Moving to Minneapolis: A New Beginning for Sara Moran**
Sara Moran made a life-changing decision by selling her condo in Houston and relocating to Minneapolis. Her new 450-square-foot apartment, situated in a vibrant neighborhood, is everything she had envisioned. Moran, on a brisk January day, expressed her satisfaction with the smaller living space, emphasizing the convenience it offers. She values the reduced maintenance time and costs, allowing her more freedom to explore and travel without the burden of a large apartment.
Embracing her new lifestyle, Moran now enjoys the proximity of a bakery and bike paths near her apartment. She describes the ease of access to amenities, such as a bus stop conveniently located on the corner. Despite the chilly temperatures, Moran eagerly anticipates utilizing the bus service for extreme weather conditions, highlighting the practicality of her location.
The Sundial, where Moran now resides, exemplifies the type of housing that cities strive to replicate. This inclusive housing model caters to individuals from diverse income brackets and life stages, nestled in neighborhoods with existing amenities like restaurants and public transportation options.
Meg McMahan, the planning director for Minneapolis, praises the Sundial as a successful outcome of zoning changes aimed at addressing the housing shortage. She emphasizes the significance of eliminating parking requirements, citing it as a pivotal reform that has facilitated the construction of more housing units in strategic locations.
Outdated Regulations Hindering Housing Supply
When addressing the housing shortage, it becomes evident that outdated and inequitable regulations pose significant obstacles. Cities’ zoning rules often serve as barriers to addressing this critical issue. A recent analysis conducted by The New York Times in 2019 across 11 U.S. cities and suburbs revealed a concerning trend. In most of these areas, over 75% of residential land is zoned exclusively for detached, single-family homes, excluding rowhouses and apartments.
Angela Brooks, the president of the American Planning Association, emphasizes the impact of these regulations on housing supply. She highlights how these outdated and inequitable rules have constrained housing availability in numerous locations.
Nolan Gray, an urban planner and the author of Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It, sheds light on the exclusionary nature of zoning regulations. He points out that policies like single-family zoning were originally crafted to segregate cities based on socioeconomic status and race. By dictating the types of housing allowed in specific areas, these regulations essentially control who can reside there. Restricting residency to those who can afford detached single-family homes on large lots excludes a significant portion of the population.
**Exploring the Sundial’s Location**
The Sundial stands gracefully amidst neighborhood houses and a larger mixed-use building along Nicollet Avenue. This picturesque setting captures the essence of urban charm and architectural diversity. Tim Evans for NPR beautifully captures this scene in his photography.
**Advocating for Housing Reform**
Gray, the research director at California YIMBY, a group dedicated to advocating for more housing, expresses enthusiasm for reform efforts in the Midwest and the South. He highlights the importance of learning from California’s experiences to prevent housing prices from skyrocketing in other regions.
**State-Level Zoning Reforms**
California has been at the forefront of zoning reform, passing significant legislation to combat the housing crisis. One such law mandates cities and counties to allow accessory dwelling units, leading to a surge in ADU construction with over 28,000 units permitted in California in 2022.
**Challenges and Progress in Zoning Reforms**
While some zoning reform efforts face obstacles, progress is evident. Legal challenges to denser housing in Montana and Austin, Texas, as well as setbacks in Minneapolis, showcase the complexities of implementing comprehensive zoning changes. However, states like California, Oregon, and Washington are streamlining the process by limiting challenges based on environmental impact reviews.
**National Housing Landscape**
The national housing landscape is evolving, with a significant increase in completed apartments and ongoing construction projects. As the market adjusts, rents are beginning to stabilize, signaling a positive shift in the housing sector.
In conclusion, the ongoing efforts to address the housing shortage through zoning changes are reshaping the urban environment and paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive housing market.
Understanding the Impact of Housing Shortage and Zoning Changes
Jim Kumon and his spouse, the creators of the Sundial Building where Moran resides, now reside in the same building with their kids.
Kumon, a zoning expert, has provided guidance to various cities, including neighboring St. Paul, which recently underwent significant zoning code revisions. According to Kumon, St. Paul gained valuable insights from observing Minneapolis’ implementation, particularly concerning 1-to-6-unit properties.
Jim Kumon: Co-owner of Sundial Building and Resident
Jim Kumon, along with his family, resides in the Sundial Building, where he is also a co-owner.
Tim Evans for NPR
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Jim Kumon, co-owner of the Sundial Building, also lives there with his family.
Tim Evans for NPR
For example, Kumon highlights that it is simpler to add a duplex to a lot with an existing single-family home than to construct a new triplex on the same property. To promote more lots with three units, the zoning code should accommodate various configurations.
Kumon emphasizes that once the legal issues are resolved, Minneapolis can gain insights from other cities that have implemented similar housing shortage zoning changes. Despite zoning being a complex subject, Kumon stresses its critical importance.
“This is one of those thankless mountains of minutiae that matter. This really matters,” Kumon asserts.
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