Best Practice

Allow Smaller Lot Sizes, Smaller, Accessory Units, and Reasonable Minimum Square Footage

Local jurisdictions and administrators can ensure that their zoning ordinances allow smaller lot sizes; clarify the rules for the development of smaller, accessory units; and allow a reasonable minimum square footage. These zoning approaches allow for more density and redevelopment in residential areas, and tend to increase the long term housing supply.

Cost

Development costs can be low to moderate. Such an approach is usually best suited for urban areas where detached garages already exist and increased density is encouraged, but it can apply anywhere.

Timeframe

Implementation requires going through the local processes to change the ordinance, usually 6-12 months.

Code

Government, Housing Supply, New Development, Zoning

Challenge

New Development

Practice Tool

Policy / Regulation, Zoning

Population

Renters

Setting

Urban and Rural