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Key Takeaways:
- Zoning reforms have been a topic of discussion among economists, political pundits, and advocates for racial equity, raising questions about the evolving use of land in metropolitan areas.
- A shift towards both high-density and low-density zoning practices has been observed, creating a bifurcation in zoning trends.
- Geographical variations in zoning trends are significant, with the most restrictive zoning found in the Midwest and Northeast, while more accommodative zoning for multifamily housing is seen on the West Coast, Miami, Denver, and Washington, D.C.
- There is evidence that zoning hindering multifamily development has racially exclusionary impacts, whether intentional or not.
- It is important to have a nuanced understanding of these trends and their implications for the future of urban planning and social equity.
Zoning Reform and its Impact on Land Use
Zoning reform has been garnering increased attention in recent years from a diverse array of perspectives. Economists and libertarian political pundits have critiqued zoning for unnecessarily restricting housing supply in some of the U.S.’ most economically prosperous regions. Simultaneously, advocates for racial equity have drawn attention to how certain exclusionary zoning tactics, such as bans on attached housing and minimum lot sizes, have perpetuated racial and class segregation.
Given these conversations, it becomes critical to examine how land use in major metropolitan areas has been shifting over time. This provides a context for the current debates surrounding zoning reform, and offers insights into the potential paths forward.
Bidirectional Changes in Land Use Regulations
In a noteworthy deviation from the common perception that land use regulations are moving towards more anti-density land use regimes, recent studies have shown that changes in these regulations are actually bidirectional. This means that an equal number of jurisdictions are choosing to upzone (increase the allowed density) or downzone (decrease the allowed density).
This suggests a complex landscape where local authorities are grappling with a variety of challenges and considerations. Factors such as population growth, urbanization trends, economic conditions, housing demand, and socio-cultural dynamics can all influence zoning decisions, leading to diverse outcomes.
Geographical Variation in Zoning Trends
Zoning trends are not evenly distributed across the United States. Instead, they display significant geographical variation. The most restrictive zoning regulations in 2019 and the shifts towards more restrictive zoning between 2003 and 2019 were predominantly concentrated in metropolitan areas in the Midwest and Northeast.
Conversely, jurisdictions where zoning accommodates multifamily housing were predominantly located on the West Coast and in Miami, Denver, and Washington, D.C. This geographical dichotomy highlights the diverse pressures and priorities faced by different regions, and how these are reflected in their zoning regulations.
Bifurcation in Density Zoning Trends
A notable finding from recent research is the bifurcation in density zoning trends. There has been growth at both ends of the spectrum, with an increase in jurisdictions that allow only low densities and an increase in jurisdictions that permit higher densities.
This bifurcation suggests a polarizing trend, with jurisdictions aligning with one of the two extremes instead of converging towards a middle ground. This phenomenon may have significant implications for urban planning, housing availability, and social equity, making it a critical area for further investigation.
The Racial Implications of Zoning Practices
Zoning practices have implications beyond land use and urban planning. Research has underscored the racially exclusionary impacts of certain zoning regulations, particularly those that hinder multifamily development.
Studies indicate that jurisdictions with more restrictive zoning around density tend to have lower proportions of Black and Hispanic residents compared to their metropolitan area average. This relationship persists even when considering hypothetical scenarios, pointing to systemic patterns of racial exclusion perpetuated through zoning practices.
The Future of Density Zoning: Embracing Complexity
Understanding the trends and impacts of density zoning is crucial for shaping future directions in urban planning. However, this requires embracing the complexity inherent in this field.
Density zoning is influenced by a host of factors, including demographic trends, economic conditions, political ideologies, and social equity considerations. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective. Instead, individual jurisdictions will need to undertake nuanced analyses of their unique contexts, and craft zoning regulations that balance a variety of objectives.
In conclusion, the landscape of density zoning is rapidly evolving, marked by geographical variations, a bifurcation of trends, and racially exclusionary impacts. As we look to the future, embracing the complexity of this field will be crucial for developing effective and equitable zoning regulations.
