Remove Barriers to Multifamily Housing
Across America, in communities of all types, single-family housing is still the preferred development type, often allowed by-right. Meanwhile, multifamily housing development frequently requires a specific permit, variance, or other special action. Special permitting processes can create development uncertainty, increase the cost of land and development, and stimulate opposition. They benefit few, and harm people who need an affordable place to live.
change the default
Local jurisdictions can change this by allowing mixed-income, multifamily housing as a by-right use and establishing higher thresholds that are subject to special permit reviews. When the proposed developments coincide with identified housing needs and demand, the approval process should be streamlined.
Dig In
These APA resources illuminate the issue and prepare you to act in your community.
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Planning Home Case Study: San Francisco, California
Affordable Housing Bonus Program and Reducing Displacement
In this episode of People Behind the Plans podcast, Courtney Kashima, AICP, and Kate Hartley discuss San Francisco's affordable housing bonus program, HOME-SF, which incentivizes building more affordable and family-friendly housing in neighborhood commercial and transit corridors through zoning modifications. They also discuss Mission Action Plan 2020, which focuses on decelerating the rate of eviction and displacement in the famed neighborhood.
PAS Report
Breaking the Exclusionary Zoning Barrier
