About this tool
A collection of case studies from the AEI Housing Center looking at how zoning and land use reforms affect housing supply and affordability in cities, states, and countries. It groups the studies around a four-step approach to reform: allow by-right zoning, permit more density, keep rules simple, and pair taller buildings with modest-density homes such as duplexes and townhomes. It is useful for anyone weighing which local policies could add homes.
- Shows
- Links to case studies of housing supply and zoning and land use reform in places including Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Texas, Utah, Tokyo, and Vienna. Topics also include light-touch density, accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals, single-room occupancy units, inclusionary zoning, and housing subsidy programs.
- Places
- Nation, States, Metro areas, Cities and towns
Questions it answers
- What zoning and land use reforms have helped add housing in other cities?
- What did Houston's lot size and townhome reforms change?
- Does building light-touch density lower single-family home values, based on Seattle and Charlotte?
- What caused Los Angeles's housing shortage?
- How did Tokyo and Vienna approach housing supply?
Limits
- The series is ongoing, so the list of case studies changes as new ones are added.
- Some studies were written by outside researchers at the Mercatus Center rather than the AEI Housing Center.