As part of our Single-Family Zoning analysis for the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater LA Region, Sacramento Region and San Diego, we identified the distribution of single-family zoning in each city, unincorporated area and broader region. On those pages, we shared our findings regarding the observed relationship between single-family zoning and socio-demographic indicators, including racial demographics, intergenerational mobility and levels of racial residential segregation. We also identified cities in each region that could benefit from zoning reforms allowing equitable development and mitigating harms of single-family-only zoning.
The Zoning Reform Tracker
The Othering & Belonging Institute is proud to launch the Zoning Reform Tracker and share information on municipal zoning reform efforts across the United States.1 The Zoning Reform Tracker is meant to serve as a hub for documenting zoning reform efforts in the country.2 It is our belief that anti-density zoning ordinances play a powerful role not only in propagating race- and class-based exclusion, but in shaping life outcomes for children in communities, and therefore in furthering patterns of negative intergenerational stratification.3 Restrictive zoning is a powerful mechanism for hoarding resources, with great implications for racial residential segregation,4 and the former will not fundamentally change without reforming or overriding zoning regulations at the municipal level.5
In the first version of the Zoning Reform Tracker, we focus specifically on municipal zoning reform efforts, though we plan to expand this work to account for state reforms within successive updates. Throughout this project, we use the phrase zoning reform effort or initiative, because some of the events we track are not merely successful adoptions of zoning reforms, but are their ongoing status, as well as their denials, failures, false starts, and informal legislative tablings.
There are two components to the Zoning Reform Tracker: the database, and the webmap. The database is a sortable list of municipalities which have had some character of a zoning reform initiative, and inclusive therein are columns that describe various components of a given reform initiative. The database is then our most detailed collection or representation of zoning reform efforts across the United States. The webmap, on the other hand, is an interactive national map that marks the points of each reform initiative, and allows the user to explore the question of location, in terms of zoning reform initiatives occurring at the municipal level across the United States.
In separate documentation on the navigation menu on the right-hand side of this page, we have subpages that explain the variables used in our tracker, including one which specifically establishes an overview of the variables, as well as others which focus on the zoning reform mechanism, phase, and type. The latter three are the most important classes of how we group zoning reform efforts, and they constitute the triad of typologies which are important for our organization and representation of reform.
We created this tracker because, to the best of knowledge, there is no other single repository tracking such reform.6 The tracker attempts to be comprehensive, and so we will periodically add reform efforts as we become aware of them. Please fill out this Google Form if you feel we are missing something or our information is inaccurate.7 As we update these tracking tools with new data or information, we’ll reflect those changes in our database and webmap, as well as in the supportive documentation.8
Comprehensively, we believe that this is an important tracker that can not only inform the public, but can also provide support for advocacy efforts across the United States.
Interactive Webmap
Click here to expand the webmap for full-screen viewing. For more information on the webmap fields, look towards the supportive documents at the right hand side of this page. And for an extensive look at the data represented herein, look towards the database below, which has additional fields not represented in the webmap above.
Sortable Database
| Municipality Name | State Name | State Short | Reform Mechanism | Reform Phase | Reform Type | Legislative Number/Policy Name | Time Status | Primary Source | Secondary Source | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | Arkansas | AR | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 6076 | Approved on 8/07/2018 | https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2018/08/30/gentle-density-making-neighborhoods-transit-ready | https://library.municode.com/ar/fayetteville/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=908253 | The City Council of Fayetteville, as a codification of their City Plan 2030, passed this ordinance to amend their Unified Development Code's text on ADUs, which are now permitted on single family zoned districts. The ordinance made four principal changes. The first change was the removal of the requirement that the owner need reside in the principal or accessory dwelling unit on the lot. The second change was the removal of the requirement for an off-street parking spot for ADUs under 800sf. The third change was the increase of the maximum ADU size, which went up from 950sqft to 1,200sqft. The fourth change was the specification that two ADUs are allowed on a single lot, so long as one is internal and the other is detached, and the combined dimensions are less than 1,200sqft. |
| Berkeley | California | CA | General Plan Update | Approved | Plex Reform | Berkeley 2023-2031 Housing Element | Approved on 2/28/2023 | https://www.berkeleyside.org/2023/01/19/berkeley-housing-element-zoning-demolition-elmwood-shattuck-solano | https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/land-use-development/general-plan-and-area-plans/housing-element-update | The City Council of Berkeley approved their Housing Element, following an initial rejection from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The plan itself was initially adopted on January 18, 2023 in the Berkeley City Council, but the update was rejected by HCD because it didn't go far enough in: A) specifying how the city would upzone higher opportunity communities, and B) making technical changes in the permitting process which would make fulfulling the city's building goals more feasible. The new housing element made three central changes. The first is that it allowed property owners to establish plex multifamily units in areas which were before only limited to single-family property. The second is that it removed barriers from the approval process by doing away with public hearing provisions. The third is that it intentionally identified certain streets to upzone, and to specifically focus efforts on for future multifamily development, throughout the city (College, Solano and Shattuck Avenues). It may be expected that these directives will be codified through ordinances hereafter. |
| Los Angeles | California | CA | Ballot Measure | Approved | TOD Reform | Build Better LA Initiative | Approved on 11/7/2016 | https://bca.lacity.org/measure-JJJ | https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2016/16-0684_ORD_184745_2-15-17.pdf | In the City of Los Angeles, ACT-LA, a coalition of organizations focused on transit, housing and labor, organized to get Measure JJJ on the 2016 ballot. The measure itself passed in November 2016, and resulted in the amendment of the LA Municipal Code which created the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program, which is a part of the larger Build Better LA Initiative. This program itself instituted an incentive system to create more dense construction of rental housing near major transit corridors and stations. An important feature of the program is that it mandated a certain share of affordable housing in each development for residents at different income brackets, which is part and parcel of its inclusionary requirement. Lastly, the program instituted hiring preferences for local labor if the building project meets certain conditions. |
| Sacramento | California | CA | General Plan Update | Late Process | Plex Reform, TOD Reform | 2040 General Plan Update | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/research-and-policy/sacramento-zoning-reform/ | https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Planning/Major-Projects/General-Plan | The City of Sacramento is currently in the process of drafting out its 2040 General Plan Update. This general plan should have provisions for instituting duplexes, fourplexes and other forms of missing middle housing, in all residential zoned land throughout the city. Another note is that the city has expressed interest in encouraging transit and walkability; which may be a sign that the city is interested in instituting a transit-oriented develpoment program - yet this component is less clear than than the intention of Plex reform. According to the city, the update is within the Draft Plan Preparation Phase, and will end when the general plan is adopted and then when the Housing Element of the plan is approved by HCD. |
| San Diego | California | CA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. O-21254 | Passed on 10/30/2020 | https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2022-01-15/large-package-of-housing-reforms-including-changes-to-adu-rules-heading-to-san-diego-council | https://docs.sandiego.gov/council_reso_ordinance/rao2020/O-21254.pdf | The City of San Diego passed an ADU amendment which was seen as being one of the most progressive in the state of California. This ordinance made three central changes. First, it permitted attached and detached ADUs on single-family zoned lots. Second, it specified that both owner occupancy and minimum parking were not requirements for the establishment of an ADU. Third, a measure which made this ordinance distinct from many others, is that it instituted an affordable housing bonus program for ADUs. Concerning the bonus program, it allows an additional ADU to be permitted for every ADU that meets the low-income or moderate-income affordability bracket, effectively allowing multiple ADUs to be established on a single lot. |
| San Diego | California | CA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform, Other Reform, TOD Reform | Homes for All of Us: Housing Action Package (Ordinance No. O-21439) | Passed on 3/11/2022 | https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2022-02-08/san-diego-oks-large-package-of-housing-incentives-including-accessory-units | https://docs.sandiego.gov/council_reso_ordinance/rao2022/O-21439.pdf | The City of San Diego passed their "Homes for All of Us" housing and zoning amendment package. This package is too large to summarize in brief, but we will focus on its three most significant domains. First, it set the stage for a minor future concession to the city's ADU Bonus program, whereby the deed-restriction for very low and low-income affordability was reduced from 15-years to 10-years. Albeit following this concession, the city's ADU ordinance is still likely the least restrictive and most progressive in the state. Second, the ordinance instituted seven new housing incentive programs, including at least one for transit-oriented development. Third, the ordinance specified that a property owner seeking to build an ADU can either go the route of the city's ordinance, or the route of the state law, or SB 9; but not both. |
| San Diego | California | CA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Late Process | ADU Reform, TOD Reform | 2022 Land Development Code Update | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2023-01-05/san-diego-could-ok-many-more-high-rise-homes-and-backyard-apartments-under-new-city-housing-proposal | https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/work/land-development-code/updates-in-process | The City of San Diego is considering an ordinance to amend its zoning code which would make two central changes. First, it would expand the city's transit-oriented development (TOD) program to make more land available for density bonuses. Second, it would expand the list of zoning districts where their accessory dwelling unit (ADU) Bonus Program is allowed, thereby increasing the efficacy of their prior ordinances on ADUs. Specifically, the ordinance would make eligible for the bonus program all lots within 1-mile of a major transit stop, instead of the preceding 1/2 mile qualifier. |
| San Francisco | California | CA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 210-22 | Approved on 10/28/2022 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-housing-crisis-New-fourplex-law-poised-to-17515571.php | https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/o0210-22.pdf | The City of San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that allowed single family zoned areas to build fourplexes, and six-units on corner lots. A prior complication with this ordinance was that its earlier text, which removed single-family zoning in the city, may have had the effect of exempting the city from CA state's SB9 lot split and ADU law. Within the current legislative state of the city, a homeowner trying to expand their property can do so through the SB9 ministerial ADU process, or through the process outlined in this municipal ordinance. |
| San José | California | CA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | ADU Permit Program | Approved on 12/17/2019 | https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-streamlines-approval-for-backyard-homes-accessory-dwelling-unit-adu-housing/ | https://www.sanjoseca.gov/business/development-services-permit-center/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/adu-ordinance-updates | The City of San José passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes to its zoning code. First, it expanded where ADUs are allowed, now including two-family areas and any lot where a single-family residence is built. Second, it created a provision for allowing junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) to be established, if they are attached or interior to the principal dwelling. Third, it increased clarity and reduced regulations regarding ADU dimensions, design standards, and parking. |
| Denver | Colorado | CO | General Plan Update | Approved | ADU Reform, TOD Reform | BluePrint Denver | Adopted on 4/22/2019 | https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Lessons_in_Land_Use_Reform.pdf | https://www.denvergov.org/media/denvergov/cpd/blueprintdenver/Blueprint_Denver.pdf | The City Council of Denver, as a part of their Comprehensive Plan 2040, created the BluePrint Denver document, which is a land use and transportation supplement of the broader general plan. BluePrint Denver created recommendations to allow Plex development in single-family zoned areas in the city, as well as changes which made ADU construction a target for the city, and a more feasible option for creating housing across greater segments of the city. |
| Denver | Colorado | CO | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Late Process | ADU Reform, TOD Reform | Advancing Equity in Rezoning Task Force | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4a742cae5f09457f8ec1def9b055c4dc | https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Denver-Zoning-Code/Text-Amendments/Advancing-Equity-in-Rezoning#section-4 | The City of Denver is in an ongong zoning rewriting process. It's BluePrint Denver, which is the city's land use and transportation plan, and a supplement to the Comprehensive Plan 2040, called for enabling at least three central zoning reforms. The first is allowing plex development on single-family lots, the second is expanding where ADUs are permitted across the city, and the third is creating incentive structures for rental housing development in transit-dense areas. As of early 2021, Denver had initiated an ongoing zoning code update, and their Advancing Equity in Rezoning Task Force is working on a set of zoning code changes, which will codify the recommendations in BluePrint Denver and the Comprehensive Plan 2040. As stated on their website at the time of this entry, this process may yield outputs sometime in 2023. |
| New Haven | Connecticut | CT | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Amendments to allow Accessory Dwelling Units in RM-1,RM-2,RS-1 and RS-2: and to reduce Minimum Lot size to 4000 SF | Passed on 10/4/2021 | https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/adus1 | https://scrcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/06-RPC-June21.pdf | The Board of Alders of New Haven approved an ordinance which made it easier for homeowners in single-family areas to build attached ADUs. The ordinance itself is a part of the city's intention to phase in ADUs into single-family zoned areas, and the ordinance may be a stepping stone towards future legislation allowing detached ADU structures. To conclude, as of yet, the municipal code of the city merely allows ADU construction in the form of garages, attics, and basements, or other 'existing' structures, but not building detached ADUs from scratch. |
| Jacksonville | Florida | FL | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2022-448-E | Approved on 11/9/2022 | https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/politics/government/2022/11/18/jacksonville-city-council-passes-bill-allowing-accessory-dwelling-units/10699346002/ | https://jaxcityc.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5687568&GUID=78C6D541-91EC-4D9A-AD56-A326DDAA2810&Options=&Search= | The City Council of Jacksonville approved an ordinance, called the "Keeping Families Together Act," which allowed detached or attached ADUs on single-family zoned areas. A limitation with the ordinance is that an ADU is not permitted without exception, and may be denied due to a homeowner association rules for a neighborhood. So while this ordinance allows ADUs, its method of permitting doesn't preempt other local restrictions which may reduce its effectiveness. |
| Gainesville | Florida | FL | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 211358 | Adopted on 10/17/2022 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2022/10/17/exclusionary-zoning-gone-gainesville-after-city-commission-vote/10522673002/ | https://library.municode.com/fl/gainesville/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1179374 | The City Commision of Gainesville passed two essential ordinances which essentially removed single-family zoning in the jurisdiction. This is the most important ordinance of the two which we include in our tracker, and it did a few things. The first is that it replaced the Residential Single Family districts with a broader Neighborhood Residential (NR) zoning district. The second is that it established that in the NR district, plex development (inclusive of duplexes, triplexes, and in some cases, fourplexes) is permitted. The third is that it established that its provisions aren't subject to a sunset, but will last in permanence, into the future; in line with this, the ordinance amends both the zoning code, as well as the general plan. (The other ordinance which we do not record in our tracker is Ordinance No. 211359.) |
| Gainesville | Florida | FL | Municipal Ordinance | Denied/Rejected | Plex Reform | File No. 2023-162 | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-02/how-gainesville-s-yimby-zoning-reform-was-undone | https://pub-cityofgainesville.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=63373 | The City Commision of Gainesville, newly seated following the local election, set intentions to reverse the prior ordinances which eliminated single-family zoning in the city. Following the adoption of the ordinances, the city received threats of looming legal challenges from the state of Florida, principally their Department of Economic Opportunity. The city also received resistance from local community members. The Commision is currently on a process towards reinstating single-family zoned land and removing the new Neighborhood Residential district; they are calling this process their 'Exclusionary Zoning Restoration Schedule.' The Commision will likely begin hearing prospective reversal ordinances at the beginning of April 2023. |
| Atlanta | Georgia | GA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 18-0-1023 | Approved on 5/16/2018 | https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-reform | https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/39261/636821161394270000 | The City Council of Atlanta, following a commisioned team that was formed to assess its zoning code, sought to make substantial changes to the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance was a part of the first phase of those changes, which the city defined as "quick fixes" to the code. This ordinance made three central changes, exactly. The first is that it increased the maximum allowable height of ADUs, the second is that it increased the maximum allowable size of ADUs, and the third is that it clarified accessory uses in residential subdivisions. |
| Atlanta | Georgia | GA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 18-0-1581 | Approved on 1/31/2019 | https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-reform | https://library.municode.com/ga/atlanta/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=939835 | The City Council of Atlanta, following a commisioned team that was formed to assess its zoning code, sought to make substantial changes to the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance. This was a part of the second phase of those changes, which the city defined as "medium fixes" to the code. This ordinance did two things, exactly. The first is that it specified the total number of units on a parcel in accomodation of ADUs, and the second is that it removed parking requirements for ADUs. |
| Atlanta | Georgia | GA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | ADU Reform, Plex Reform | Atlanta Zoning 2.0 | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://atlzoning.com/ | https://atlzoning.com/explore-and-learn/ | The City of Atlants is engaging in a multi-year zoning code rewrite project. The purpose of this effort will likely be to secure and make more feasible ADU, and Plex development in single-family zoned areas throughout the city; but the exact details of the rewrite remain unspecified, as they are being established in a forward looking process. This zoning code rewrite itself is projected to conclude sometime in the Summer of 2024. |
| Atlanta | Georgia | GA | Municipal Ordinance | Denied/Rejected | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 21-O-0456 | Last Action on 11/29/2021 | https://whatnowatlanta.com/city-of-atlanta-looks-to-ease-adu-legislation-to-create-more-affordable-housing-options/ | https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=3314&Inline=True | The City Council of Atlanta was deciding earlier on an ADU ordinance drafted by Councilmember Farokhi, but it was "filed," or essentially softly struck down, due to political disagreement expressed by the city's 25 Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs). The ordinance itself would have amended the current language of the zoning code concerning ADUs, and would have made three central changes. The first change is that it would have allowed ADUs to be built or converted throughout a broader scope of the city. The second is that it would have increased the maximum allowable size of ADUs. The third is that it would have removed a minimum parking requirement. |
| Atlanta | Georgia | GA | Municipal Ordinance | Denied/Rejected | TOD Reform | Ordinance No. 21-O-0454 | Last Action on 6/06/2021 | https://atlantaciviccircle.org/2021/07/20/city-legislation-seeks-to-boost-residential-density-by-transit-stops/ | http://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=3360&MediaPosition=&ID=24426&CssClass= | The City Council of Atlanta was considering an ordianance which would have implemented a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy throughout the entire city. This ordinance would have worked principally through rezoning transit stops near high traffic stations. Specifically, Low-Density Residenital zones within half a mile of high-capacity transit stations would have been upzoned to Multifamily Residential Multi-Use (MR-MU). The outcome was that the ordinance was essentially "referred," meaning filed away, or softly struck down. |
| Decatur | Georgia | GA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | "Missing Middle Housing" Ordinance | Approved on 2/06/2023 | https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/02/07/decatur-city-commission-missing-middle-final-vote.html#:~:text=At%20a%20Monday%20meeting%2C%20Decatur,converted%20into%20those%20new%20uses. | https://www.decaturga.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_zoning/page/16881/missing_middle_one_page_summary_decatur.pdf | The Decatur City Commision, following a recommendation from its Affordable Housing Task Force, approved an ordinance which legalized Plex development on single-family zoned districts. This ordinance made at least two significant changes to the city's prior code. The first is that it allowed duplex and (up to 4-unit) walk-up flats to be built in single-family zoned areas, and the second is that it allowed single-family homes themselves to be converted into these missing middle housing types. |
| Boise | Idaho | ID | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | Plex Reform | Boise Zoning Code Rewrite | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://boisedev.com/news/2022/07/13/boise-zoning-code-rewrite/ | https://www.cityofboise.org/zoning-code-rewrite | The City of Boise is currently rewriting their zoning code. The first draft of the zoning code rewrite would have allowed fourplex development on any residential zoning district in the city, but this provision was removed following two rounds of public input. Currently, a duplex is permitted by-right on every residential parcel. Due to this early reverse, it is unclear whether or not this effort should be classified as "Denied/Rejected," but as of now, we are defining this reform as "Early Process" due to how the rewriting plans may change in the future before its finalization. The new code, instead of blanket Plex reform, will make three main changes. The first is that it will center development towards downtown regions and regions with established infrastructure. The second change is that it will allow dense development on certain vacant lots in single-family zoned areas. The third is that it will slow growth on the peripheries of the city, in order to reduce the environmental costs associated with sprawl. The rewriting process is slated to conclude in the Winter of 2023/2024. |
| Chicago | Illinois | IL | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | TOD Reform | Connected Communities Ordinance (Ordinance No. O2022-2000) | Passed on 7/20/2022 | https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2022/july/PassesConnectedCommunitiesOrdinance.html | https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5706944&GUID=CED4A925-D5CF-4AD3-BF02-0F96AB8A4D4E&Options=Advanced&Search= | The City of Chicago passed the Connected Communities Ordinance, which is a codification of a selection of equity-based improvements from a study made by the city of its preceding TOD policy. The ordinance itself is intended to make three changes. The first is to more equitably site TOD developments, without commensurately creating displacement. The second is to expand the policy's existent financial incentives. The third is to implement different ways of making streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, around TOD sites. |
| Chicago | Illinois | IL | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. SO2020-2850 | Adopted on 12/16/2020 | https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homeowners/svcs/adu-ordinance.html | https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?GUID=F53670E9-CCC2-4EFD-887F-C8E0057FA7E5&ID=4577651 | The City of Chicago adopted an ordinance which permitted ADU construction in 5-pilot areas across the city. According to the ordinance, all R-residential zoned areas, except for the residential single-family zoned areas (RS-1), are permitted to have ADUs. Furthermore, ADUs may be accessory to a primary dwelling unit, or internal to it, or constructed on multifamily zoned districts as well; in the latter case, depending on the density of the lot, the ordinance permits up to 4-interior ADUs. The ordinance also has affordbaility standards which go into effect after the construction of 2 or more units. |
| Evanston | Illinois | IL | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 86-O-20 | Adopted on 9/29/2020 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/accessory-dwellings-offer-one-solution-to-the-affordable-housing-problem/2021/01/07/b7e48918-0417-11eb-897d-3a6201d6643f_story.html | https://library.municode.com/il/evanston/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1048614 | The City of Evanston adopted an ADU ordinane which made three central changes. The first is that it permitted both attached and detached ADUs in single-family zoned areas throughout the city. The second is that it specified a maximum size of 1,000 sqft for ADUs, which is slightly greater than most other jurisdictions. The third is that it specified that no additional parking space is required for adding an ADU to a lot. |
| Carmel | Indiana | IN | Municipal Ordinance | Denied/Rejected | ADU Reform | "Accessory Dwelling Units" Ordinance | Denied on 2/15/2021 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2021/02/18/carmel-city-council-rejects-granny-flats-accessory-dwelling-units-proposal/6798672002/ | https://www.youarecurrent.com/2021/02/16/carmel-city-council-votes-not-to-change-process-for-adding-in-law-quarters/ | The City of Carmel was considering an ordinance which would have made ADUs more numerous and easy to build on single-family zoned land in the city. The ordinance would have accomplished this in two main changes. The first is that it would have reduced the difficulty of the ADU application process by removing the requirement to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for approval. The second is that it would have required that 20% of new residential lot development have an ADU. Due to conflict in the council, and dilutions of the original ordinance, the amended ordinance was eventually struck down in the council. The current process for constructing or converting an ADU in the city requires a homeowner interested in this form of development, to apply for approval through the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals. |
| Iowa City | Iowa | IA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 21-4866 | Adopted on 11/05/2021 | https://www.icgov.org/project/form-based-zones-and-standards | https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2021/10/06/iowa-city-council-south-district-zoning-plan-clears-first-hurdle-form-based-code-affordable-housing/5952816001/ | The Iowa City Council adopted an ordinance which instituted a form-based code for 900 acres of residential land in the South District of the city. The ordinance itself was passed with the intention of creating capacity for mixed-use and missing middle housing such as duplex and fourplexes, in the area. A limitation with this ordinance is that it only permits form-based code in a small area of the city, within the South District in particular, and not throughout the entire jurisdiction. |
| Louisville | Kentucky | KY | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 092, Series 2021 | Passed on 6/24/2021 | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/accessory-dwelling-units-adu | https://louisvilleky.gov/planning-design/document/21-ldc-0004-accessory-dwelling-ordinance | The Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance which allowed both attached and detached ADU construction by-right in the metro, with special standards. A prior version of the code merely allowed ADUs to be established through a conditional-use permitting process, which made it considerably more difficult for them to be established. The ADU ordinance made three central changes. The first is that it allowed ADUs by-right with certain special standards. The second is that it created a provision deterring ADU construction or conversion for an absentee landlord. The third is that it prohibited ADU construction in environmentally constrained areas. |
| Louisville | Kentucky | KY | General Plan Update | Early Process | Plex Reform, Other Reform | Land Development Code Reform | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/land-development-code-reform | https://louisvilleky.gov/planning-design/document/pdsadvancingequity072220pdf | The Louisville Metro Council is currently in the draft amendment stage of its 2040 comprehensive plan. In this plan update, zoning reform is situated as a priority. While it is unclear exactly the extent to which this general plan will considerably change the ubiquity of single family zoning in the jurisdiction, or land-use provisions more generally, the intention established in the planning process appears to focus on these kinds of reform considerably. |
| Lexington | Kentucky | KY | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 102-2021 | Passed on 10/28/2021 | https://www.imaginelexington.com/adu | https://library.municode.com/ky/lexington-fayette_county/ordinances/zoning_ordinance?nodeId=1116990 | The Urban County Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, as a codification of their 2018 Comprehensive Plan, passed an ordinance focused on ADU reform in single-family zoned areas. This ordinance specifically allowed for the conversion of detached ADUs such as garages or barns, as well as construction of exterior and internal ADUs that are attached to a primay dwelling. Both types of ADUs are only permitted in single-family zoned areas. An important note is that the ordinance does require a pre-applicaition conference with the planning department, before submitting a building permit application for the ADU. |
| Lafayette | Louisiana | LA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Lafayette Downtown Code | Amended on 3/01/2015 | https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2019/06/18/buffalo-and-lafayette-lead-way-form-based-codes | www.downtownlafayette.org/wp-content/uploads/Downtown-Lafayette-Code-2015-03-01-web.pdf | The Lafayette City Council passed a form-based amendment to their downtown code. The code update implemented a form-based design, which centers the physical form of a place as opposed to a concrete code, to encourage mixed-use development. A limitation with this code update to the Downtown Plan is that the revision itself, clearly, only pertains to the downtown area of the city, and it does not at all alter single-family zoning throughout the entirety of the city. |
| Auburn | Maine | ME | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 18-04052021 | Adopted on 5/03/2021 | https://www.auburnmaine.gov/postings/blogs/detail/Auburn-Approves-Secondary-Dwelling-Units | https://library.municode.com/me/auburn/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH60ZO_ARTIIGEPR_S60-34BUPELO | The City Council of Auburn Maine adopted an ADU ordinance which made three principal changes. The first is that it expanded permitted ADU types from merely internal or attached ADUs, to detached ADUs. The second is that it removed normal size limits and greatly increased the height limits for established ADUs, so that the accessory unit can ultimately be larger than the principal dwelling. The third is that it specified that these units can be built on both single-family zoned land and also land zoned for duplexes. |
| Auburn | Maine | ME | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 19-07182022 | Adopted on 3/21/2022 | https://better-cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BCP-Auburn-case-study.pdf | https://library.municode.com/me/auburn/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH60ZO_ARTIVDIRE_DIV3LODECOREDI | The City Council of Auburn Maine adopted a form-based code ordinance, which we have characterized as a reform type of Other, in our type classification. This ordinance made two main changes. The first is that it rezoned just over 1,500 acres in the central part of the city to make the land more amenable to mixed-use development. The second is that, instead of implementing many regulations to this district, the city merely set the density standard of this district to 16 dwelling units per acre - which allows for somewhat dense multifamily housing. |
| South Portland | Maine | ME | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 4-22/23 | Passed on 11/01/2022 | https://www.pressherald.com/2022/11/03/south-portland-removes-restrictions-on-in-law-apartments/ | https://www.southportland.org/files/6516/7580/1788/CH_27__Zoning_with_New_TOC_format.pdf | The City Council of South Portland passed an ordinance that permitted ADUs on all residential zoned land throughout the city. The ordinance made three changes. The first is that it removed the adminsitrative barrier of a Planning Board public hearing which was prior required to gain approval. The second is that it removed the parking requirements prior associated with ADU construction or conversion. The third is that it specified that owner occupancy is required for establishing an ADU. |
| Baltimore | Maryland | MD | Municipal Ordinance | Denied/Rejected | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 22-0285 | Last Action on 9/22/2022 | https://ggwash.org/view/87994/two-bills-aim-to-tackle-baltimores-housing-shortage | https://baltimore.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5845395&GUID=14D78850-8A86-4317-AA8C-A9003052FFDB&Options=&Search= | The City of Baltimore was considering an ordinance that sought to lay the way for missing middle housing, particularly through Plex development. This ordinance would have instituted three changes. The first is that it would have allowed for low-density multi-family housing, or duplex to fourplex development, on single-family zoned areas. The second is that it would have allowed greater density in locations closer to public transportation hubs. The third is that it would have removed parking minimums related to residential development. Being that this ordinance was "referred" for future study by the Planning Commission in the Autumn of 2022, we are classifying this ordinance as 'Denied/Rejected' through the sub-mechanism of being informally filed. |
| Cambridge | Massachusetts | MA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 2022-5 | Passed on 10/24/2022 | https://mass.streetsblog.org/2022/10/25/cambridge-repeals-all-minimum-car-parking-requirements-for-new-buildings/ | https://library.municode.com/ma/cambridge/ordinances/zoning_ordinance?nodeId=1182012 | The City of Cambridge passed an ordinance which removed minimum parking requirements from their zoning code. Specifically, it removed off-street parking requirements that had prior existed as a condition of development. The reasoning for this removal, as much research has shown, is that parking minimums make development more expensive, raise rents, and reduce the total units established for a given project; much research establishes that it is also misuse space, and encourage dependence on automobiles. |
| Boston | Massachusetts | MA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Text Amendment No. 440 | Passed on 5/08/2019 | https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/addition-dwelling-units/adu-program#:~:text=The%20Additional%20Dwelling%20Unit%20Program,to%20build%20approved%20ADU%20designs. | https://library.municode.com/ma/boston/ordinances/redevelopment_authority?nodeId=955682 | The City of Boston adopted an ordinance, which codified a prior 18-month long pilot program, that allowed internal ADUs in lots that have 1-3 units. The ordinance itself did not allow for the conversion of an external structure on a single-family lot, nor for the construction of an ADU from scratch. Therefore, due to this ordinance only permitting an ADU so long as it works within the existing dimensions of the primary residence, it might be seen as being limited in comparison to other ordinances, which legalize lot splits and detached ADU construction. |
| Greenfield | Massachusetts | MA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. FY 17-024 | Adopted on 8/17/2016 | https://www.recorder.com/First-accessory-dwelling-unit-Greenfield-5099243 | https://berkeley.box.com/s/dfjx4f0efcpvthslnypy79nvowq88o4f | The City Council of Greenfield adopted an ADU ordinance which allowed both attached and detached ADUs in single-family land across the city. The major limitation of this ordinance was that it required a special permit in order for an ADU to be established in any given lot. The special permit process, as opposed to a ministerial review process, is not enclosed from community input - so by its nature, this first ordinance opened up a space in the approval process for community obstruction, which had the outcome of reducing the effectiveness of this measure. |
| Greenfield | Massachusetts | MA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. FY 21-026 | Adopted 11/18/2020 | https://www.recorder.com/Accessory-dwelling-units-now--by-right--in-Greenfield-35025119 | https://berkeley.box.com/s/qegxjl0uxj8y8117apl593motlth6tao | The City Council of Greenfield adopted an ADU ordinance which amended their prior ADU policy. The main change that this ordinance made was that it removed the requirement for securing a special permit for attached and internal ADUs, which the earlier ADU ordinance had instated, and which generally makes establishing ADUs more difficult. A caveat is that a detached ADU still requires a special permit. This ordinance can be summarized in three parts. First, it allows both attached and detached ADUs on single-family zoned land. Second, it requires owner occupancy for establishing and continuing to rent an ADU. And third, it requires 2 off-street parking spots for a new ADU. |
| Somerville | Massachusetts | MA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform, Other Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-25 | Passed on 12/12/2019 | https://www.somervillema.gov/news/somerville-city-council-administration-pass-citys-first-zoning-overhaul-30-years | https://library.municode.com/ma/somerville/codes/zoning_ordinances?nodeId=01%20-%20Somerville,%20MA%20Zoning%20Ordinance | The City Council of Somerville passed an zoning code update, which was brought to the city by means of a "citizen petition." The ordinance fulfilled numerous directives of its Master Plan, but there are three central and important changes which it made. The first is that it increased the affordability requirements to 20% for many new developments in the city, which improved its prior inclusionary zoning policy. The second is that it permitted backyard cottages on most residentially zoned land. The third is that it implemented a form-based code throughout the entirey of the jurisdiction. |
| Grand Rapids | Michigan | MI | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | Other Reform | Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance | Passed on 11/05/2007 | https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Lessons_in_Land_Use_Reform.pdf | https://www.mml.org/pdf/information/form%20based%20code%20-%20Grand%20Rapids%20-%20MMR%20article%202008.pdf | The City Council of Grand Rapids passed a form-based code throughout the entirety of the city. The purpose of this early form-based reform was to allow more multi-family construction in lower density residential areas, and provide more flexible uses for property owners and businesses. While form-based reforms still implicitly depend on exclusionary frameworks of "community character" in order to function, and may therefore be subject to certain limitations, they are generally seen as changes that allow for more flexibility in land use and development, especially when compared with restrictive code-based or Euclidian zoning. |
| Grand Rapids | Michigan | MI | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-09 | Adopted on 3/26/2019 | https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/03/city-approves-3-measures-aimed-at-increasing-affordable-housing.html | https://library.municode.com/mi/grand_rapids/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=950340 | The City Council of Grand Rapids passed a set of ordinances which changed its zoning code in three considerable ways. This is one of those ordinances, and it focused principally on Plex development on single-family land. This ordinance instituted two major changes. The first is that it permitted the construction or conversion of duplexes on corner lots in single-family zoned areas. The second is that it reduced the square footage requirements for these corner lot duplexes. |
| Grand Rapids | Michigan | MI | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | TOD Reform, Other Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-10 | Adopted on 3/26/2019 | https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/03/city-approves-3-measures-aimed-at-increasing-affordable-housing.html | https://library.municode.com/mi/grand_rapids/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=950341 | The City Council of Grand Rapids passed a set of ordinances which changed its zoning code in three considerable ways. This is one of those ordinances, and it focused principally on inclusionary zoning and incentivizing rental housing construction near transit. The ordinance established three major sets of bonuses for certain rental housing construction. The first are configured to increase affordable housing construction. The second are configured to increase rental housing construction near transit lines. And the third are configured to increase mixed-income housing. |
| Grand Rapids | Michigan | MI | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-11 | Passed on 3/26/2019 | https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/03/city-approves-3-measures-aimed-at-increasing-affordable-housing.html | https://library.municode.com/mi/grand_rapids/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=950345 | The City Council of Grand Rapids passed a set of ordinances which changed its zoning code in three considerable ways. This is one of those ordinances, and it focused principally on ADU development on single-family land. This particular ordinance has a major limitation, in that it instituted a provision for a public hearing process, which is a process wherein neighbors within 300ft of a prospective ADU development are notified, and can delay the project through public hearings. This provision is likely to reduce the effectiveness of the ordinance, and limit the extent to which ADUs may be realized in the city. Though this is the case, even with the current public hearing provision, the ADU application process is easier than it was earlier in the city, wherein there was a special land use application process required for ADUs. |
| Ann Arbor | Michigan | MI | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ammendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirement | Passed on 6/07/2021 | https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/06/ann-arbor-opens-door-to-more-accessory-apartments-in-neighborhoods.html | https://www.a2gov.org/departments/planning/Documents/Planning/ADU%20Ordinance%20Amendments%20(1).pdf | The City Council of Ann Arbor passed an amendment of its zoning code, which reformed the city's ADU provisions. The ordinance made three central updates. The first is that it expanded the total elligible properties wherein one might construct or convert an ADU. The second is that is generally reduced restrictions in the application and approval process. The third is that it reduced the parking minimum, but still requires at least one off-street parking spot for an ADU if the lot isn't within a 1/4 mile of a bus stop. |
| Saint Paul | Minnesota | MN | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform, Other Reform | Ordinance No. 22-1 | Adopted on 1/19/2022 | https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/safety-inspections/building-and-construction/construction-permits-and-inspections/building-permits-inspections/accessory-dwelling-units | https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/CC%20Ordinance%2022-1%201-4%20Unit%20Housing%20Study%20Phase%201.pdf | The City of Saint Paul passed an ordinance which updated their zoning code to be more conducive to ADU development, in line with the recommendations from their earlier 1-4 Unit Infill Houising Zoning Study. The city first allowed a narrow scope of the city to have ADUs in 2016, and then expanded ADUs to the entire city in 2018. This ordinance is an extension of those prior ordinances, and the current state of ADUs in the jurisdiction are as follows. First, ADUs are allowed on all single-family zoned districts throughout the city. Second, the owner occupancy requirement is no longer required for establishing an ADU. Third, a maximum of three ADUs can be built on lots containing one to two-family dwelling, so long as the maximum size is under 1,200sqft. |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | MN | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2014-116 | Approved on 12/08/2014 | https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2017/05/inside-one-minneapolis-first-and-coolest-accessory-dwelling-units/ | https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/file/2014-00660 | The City of Minneapolis passed a series of ordinances to permit ADUs throughout the city. Due to the piecemeal nature of these ordinances, and the fact that only comprehensively do they really amount to an ADU reform, we have identified the single most important ordinance out of the series of 7-ordinances present in the broader effort. The ordinance made three central changes. The first is that it allowed ADUs on what was prior single-family zoned land throughout the city. The second is that it specified an owner-occupancy requirement for the construction or conversion of an ADU. The third is that it specified that no additional parking spot need be required for ADUs. |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | MN | General Plan Update | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform, Other Reform | Minneanapolis 2040 Plan | Adopted on 10/25/2019 | https://tcf.org/content/report/minneapolis-ended-single-family-zoning/ | https://minneapolis2040.com/ | The City of Minneapolis adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Plan, which prospectively eliminated single-family zoning, and set the grounds for other zoning code changes. It is often seen as emblematic of contemporary zoning reform on a national level. This plan has set the stage to make three major changes in the city. First, up to triplexes would be permitted on prior single-family zoned districts. Second, density limits would be raised for apartment development surrounding transit stops and stations. Third, mandatory parking minimums would be removed from the code. And fourth, duplexes and triplexes would be allowed to be built on prior single-family zoned areas. |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | MN | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-048 | Passed on 11/08/2019 | https://www.huduser.gov/portal/rbc/indepth/interior-031021.html | https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=990479 | The City of Minneapolis adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Plan, which prospectively eliminated single-family zoning, and set the grounds for other zoning code changes. This is one of the ordinances which followed up after the plan, to codify it. The ordinance is focused on Plex reform and made two main changes. The first is that it removed single and two-family codes from the zoning code and replaces it with the "Multiple Family District" code. The second is that it allowed for up to triplexes to be built on this expanded residential code, across the city. |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | MN | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 2019-067 | Passed on 12/13/2019 | https://www.huduser.gov/portal/rbc/indepth/interior-031021.html | https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=995793 | The City of Minneapolis adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Plan, which prospectively eliminated single-family zoning, and set the grounds for other zoning code changes. This is one of the ordinances which followed up after the plan, to codify it. This ordinance focused on inclusionary zoning reform and made one central change: in order for a rental development with over 20-units to be approved, it must make a certain number of their units affordbale. |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | MN | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Ordinance No. 2021-023 | Approved on 5/17/2021 | https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-city-council-unanimously-eliminates-parking-requirements/600057275/?refresh=true | https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1086665 | The City of Minneapolis approved an ordinance to remove parking minimums throughout the city. Removing parking minimums is seen by some as being conducive to creating cities that are less car dependent; it is also seen as a policy lever which reduces wasted space, as well as the costs associated with a development, which may have impacts on the total number of units built, and their associated rental costs. |
| Kansas City | Missouri | MO | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 220698 | Passed on 9/15/2022 | https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1946/625 | https://kansascity.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5756539&GUID=C28ADDCB-F408-40EF-99FD-AF8825D8231A&G=D2E89A09-8736-4EFB-B4AE-572E0903BD5A&Options=&Search= | The City Council of Kansas city approved an ADU ordinance. This ordinance made three central changes. The first is that is permitted attached and detached ADUs on all lots with a detached primary dwelling, which are essentially all single-family zoned districts. The second is that it instituted an owner occupancy requirement. The third is that it specified that additional parking isn't required for ADUs. |
| Missoula | Montana | MT | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 3669 | Approved on 10/19/2020 | https://missoulacurrent.com/regulations-adu-rules/ | https://library.municode.com/mt/missoula/ordinances/municipal_code?nodeId=1052210 | The City Council of Missoula approved an ADU ordinance, which mainly reduced regulations to their zoning code, which had already permitted ADUs in single-family zoned areas. This ordinance made three central changes. The first is that it removed the minimum parking requirement for the establishment of an ADU. The second is that it removed the owner-occupancy requirement for either constructing or renting out an ADU. The third is that it increased the maximum allowable height of ADUs. |
| Jersey City | New Jersey | NJ | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Other Reform | Affordable Housing Overlay (Ord. 22-084) | Passed on 10/13/2022 | https://hudsonreporter.com/2022/10/15/jersey-city-council-greenlights-new-affordable-housing-overlay/ | https://library.municode.com/nj/jersey_city/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1178638 | The City Council of Jersey City passed an ordinance which instituted an Affordable Housing Overlay (AFO) zone throughout the city. This zone carried with it a few general changes. The first is that it allowed multi-unit development in previsioulsy solely single-family zoned area. The second is that it instituted an two-tiered inclusionary zoning mandate, which alotts 10-15% affordability with added density bonuses and regulatory reductions for developers, dependent on neighborhood socio-economics. The third is that it required LIHTC development, or rental housing built using the low-income housing tax credit, to build with a 20% affordability standard. It is unclear the extent to which this overlay covers a considerable scope of the jurisdiction. |
| Maplewood | New Jersey | NJ | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 3008-20 | Adopted on 10/20/2020 | https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/10/realestate/the-adu-experiment.html | https://ecode360.com/36944016 | The Township Committee of Maplewood adopted an ADU ordinance which made three central changes. The first is that it permitted ADUs throughout low-density residenital zoned areas in the township. The second is that it specified that owner-occupancy is required to establish an ADU. The third is that it established that there is a maximum limit of one ADU per lot. |
| Princeton | New Jersey | NJ | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2020-16 | Adopted on 6/29/2020 | https://centraljersey.com/2020/06/25/accessory-dwelling-unit-ordinance-princeton/ | https://www.princetonnj.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/1583 | The Princeton City Council adopted an ADU ordinance which made three central changes. The first is that it permitted ADUs throughout single-family zoned areas in the town. The second is that it specified that owner-occupancy is not required to establish an ADU. The third is that it allowed older and informal dwellings to be siloed into the ordinance, without necessarily needing to meet all of its regulatory standards. |
| Buffalo | New York | NY | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | Other Reform | Buffalo Green Code | Effective on 4/03/2017 | https://bufgreencode.com/ | https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2019/06/18/buffalo-and-lafayette-lead-way-form-based-codes | The City Council of Buffalo engaged in a long zoning code rewriting process, which culminated in its Buffalo Green Code; the new code itself is a form-based alternative to strict land-use type restrictions. The code made two large changes. The first is that it allowed for a more varied build environment. The second is that the city removed parking minimums from the code update. While form-based reforms still implicitly depend on exclusionary frameworks of "community character" in order to function, and may therefore be subject to certain limitations, they are generally seen as changes that allow for more flexibility in land use and development, especially when compared with restrictive code-based or Euclidian zoning. |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | NC | General Plan Update | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform | Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan | Adopted on 6/21/2021 | https://www.cltfuture2040plan.com/content/goal-2-neighborhood-diversity-and-inclusion | https://charlotte.axios.com/303716/a-reality-check-on-charlottes-single-family-zoning-changes/ | The City of Charlotte has adopted their Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which proposed changes to the city's zoning code. The general plan made two major proposals. The first is related to plex development, and proposed allowing duplex to fourplex development on all residential zoned districts across the city. A caveat is that fourplexes would only be permitted in dense areas, and under some affordability conditions. The second proposal was to make ADUs easier to construct around the city's residentially zoned districts. |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | NC | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform | Unified Development Ordinance | Adopted on 8/22/2022 | https://charlotteudo.org/ | https://www.carolinajournal.com/charlottes-new-development-plan-sparks-battle-over-single-family-zoning/ | The City of Charlotte adopted their Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which is a consolidation of the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as it relates to zoning and development. This ordinance is large and fulfills many of the general plan's proposals, but it made two central changes. The first is that it allowed for duplex, triplex, and (under certain density conditions) fourplex develpoment, on single-family land throughout the city. The second is that is made ADUs easier to construct in residentially zoned districts. An important specification is that though the UDO was adopted in late 2022, it will go into effect on June 1, 2023. |
| Durham | North Carolina | NC | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform, Other Reform | Expanding Housing Choices (EHC) | Effective on 10/01/2019 | https://www.huduser.gov/portal/rbc/indepth/interior-072621.html#:~:text=EHC%20promotes%20densification%20and%20infill,and%20urban%20residential%20zoning%20districts. | https://www.kronbergua.com/post/durham-leads-the-way-for-housing-choice-and-zoning-reform | The City and County of Durham led a years long effort, which included public input, to amend their Unified Development Ordinance. The outcome was the Expanding Housing Choices (EHC) program, which legalized duplexes, and ADUs on all residential zoning districts (as well as allowed for townhomes and low density multifamily housing). The effort also removed regulatory barriers for ADUs, reduced the minimum lot size to 2,000sqft, and allowed for lot splits. A note is that with the lot split amendment, it's possible to have an ADU and duplex construction on one lot, and an ADU and single family housing construction for the other lot, respectively. |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | NC | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. TC-16-19 | Adopted on 7/07/2020 | https://raleighnc.gov/planning/zoning-reform-creating-opportunities-more-housing-types | https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR22/TC-16-19-ORD.pdf | The City and County of Raleigh led a string of zoning reforms in recent years, which have targetted missing middle housing; this is one of those ordinances. In this particular ordinance, which has been titled "Accessory Dwelling Units," the city made ADUs easier to construct through two changes. The first was removing a prior existing ADU overlay district (ADUOD), and the second was allowing ADUs on lots with existent attached or detached houses. |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | NC | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform | Ordinance No. TC-5-20 | Adopted on 6/06/2021 | https://raleighnc.gov/planning/zoning-reform-creating-opportunities-more-housing-types | https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR22/TC-05-20-ORD.pdf | The City and County of Raleigh led a string of zoning reforms in recent years, which have targetted missing middle housing; this is one of those ordinances. This particular ordinance, which has been titled "Missing Middle Housing," made duplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings easier to construct across the city and county. This intention was principally carried out in the ordinance through the expansion of the possible zoning districts wherein building missing middle housing types are permitted. |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | NC | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | Plex Reform, TOD Reform, Other Reform | Ordinance No. TC-20-21 | Adopted on 5/10/2022 | https://raleighnc.gov/planning/zoning-reform-creating-opportunities-more-housing-types | https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR22/TC-20-21-ORD.pdf | The City and County of Raleigh led a string of zoning reforms in recent years, which have targetted missing middle housing; this is one of those ordinances. This particular ordinance, which has been titled "Missing Middle Housing 2.0," makes duplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings easier to construct across the city and county. It follows up on the foundation of the former "Missing Middle Housing" ordinance in three main ways. The first is that it further expanded the possible zoning districts wherein building missing middle housing are permitted, the second is that it reduced the minimum lot size on residential districts, and the third is that it encouraged Transit Oriented Development (TOD) by slightly changing building standards in places defined as Frequent Transit Areas. |
| Columbus | Ohio | OH | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | Other Reform | Columbus Zoning Code Update | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://news.wosu.org/news/2022-04-04/columbus-zoning-code-reform-seeks-to-correct-wrongs-of-the-past-make-building-easier | https://www.columbus.gov/zoningupdate/ | The City of Columbus is in a intensive process of rewriting its zoning code. There are several commitments which the Zone In Advisory Committee have expressed which we can use as a guide for future changes which this process may institute. These commitments are as follows: First, there should be walkable, mixed-use, and transit accessible development. Second, there should be a 'hybrid' code that includes form-based regulations, as opposed to solely use-based regulations. Third, there should be a reduction in parking requirements, at least in certain corridors. Fourth, the code should be simplified, and reconfigured so that it's more understandable to the public. Fifth, the code should facilitate affordable housing development, in preparation for the city's current needs and projected growth. This process may conclude by or near the year 2026, so only with time will come the specificities of this intensive zoning code rewriting effort. |
| Ashland | Oregon | OR | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Accessory Residential Unit Ordinance | Approved on 6/19/2021 | https://www.mailtribune.com/government-and-politics/2018/06/21/ashland-eases-rules-for-adding-dwelling-units/ | https://www.ashland.or.us/SIB/files/2018-06-19_CC_PH_Presentation_FINAL.pdf | The Ashland City Council approved an ordinance that exempted ADUs from the planning application process, so long as they meet two conditions. The first condition is that a given ADU is within or attached to a single family primary dwelling unit. The second condition is that a given ADU is under 500sqft. In conclusion, this ordinance is not a more preferable unconditional ministerial process for ADU approval, but rather a simplification of the planning application process if a given ADU development satisfies certain conditions. |
| Portland | Oregon | OR | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform | Residential Infill Project | Adopted on 6/01/2022 | https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip2/about-rip2 | https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip2/news/2022/6/2/city-council-adopts-residential-infill-project-part-2 | The City Council of Portland updated their Residential Infill Project, which had originally expanded missing middle housing options across most residential zones in the city, while also removing minimum parking requirements in many instances. Part 2 of the Residential Infill Prjoject (RIP2) made at least three central changes. The first is that it allowed duplexes on all single-family zoned areas. The second is that it allowed up to fourplexes on an expanded segment of residentially zoned areas. The third is that it expanded attached houses and cottage clusters throughout an expanded segment of residentially zoned areas. |
| Tigard | Oregon | OR | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform | Code Amendments to the Tigard Development Code | Approved on 11/27/2018 | https://www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/community-development/housing/housing-options | https://www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/community-development/housing/accessory-dwelling-units-adus#:~:text=Tigard%20ADU%20Standards,detached%20ADU%20is%2025%20feet. | The Tigard City Council approved a series of amendments to the Tigard Development Code, which made constructing missing middle housing easier; particularly ADUs. This ordinance can be summarized with three points. First, it specified that no additional parking is required for establishing an ADU. Second, it allowed 2 ADUs to be constructed on one single family lot, as long as one ADU is detached. Third, it set the maximum size for an ADU at 800sqft or less. |
| Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | PA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Bill No. 190612 | Approved on 11/06/2019 | https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-moves-toward-legalizing-backyard-cottages-on-historic-properties/ | http://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/Philadelphia/190612.pdf | The City Council of Philadelphia passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes. The first allowed ADUs by-right in single-family zoned areas. The second specified that ADUs must be located interior to the principal building, or be made from an existent detached structure. The third is that it specified that the maximum size of the structure is not to exceed 800sqft. The major difference with this ordinance and the previous code, was that the previous code merely included a definition of ADUs, but not specifications concerning the approval process for them. |
| Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | PA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | ADU Reform | File No. 2022-0672 | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-city-council-to-explore-ways-to-expand-affordable-housing-options/ | https://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/2204_ADU_PC__Hearing_and_Action_Presentation.pdf | The Pittsburgh City Council is in an ongoing zoning code rewriting effort. The city passed an earlier ordinance which required their Department of City Planning, as well as another agency, to report back on the ADU pilot program and the state of ADUs in the city. Following this report, the city will decide whether or not to codify or extend the permissibility of ADU construction beyond the narrow scope of its earlier two year-long ADU pilot overlay zone. As of now, the code is not very conducive to ADUs, and the specifities of the city's updates to the code, if they do in fact decide to update it, are unclear. It is important to note that although the 'Policy Name' field marks a concluded ordinance, there has in fact been no complete codification of zoning change, and what was approved was merely a study and report back. |
| Rapid City | South Dakota | SD | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 6363 | Passed on 12/02/2019 | https://www.newscenter1.tv/city-of-rapid-city-community-and-housing-development/ | https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/rapidcity/latest/rapidcity_sd/0-0-0-96418 | The City of Rapid Falls passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes. The first is that it allowed attached and detached ADU construction in single-family zones area, as well as other zones, throughout the city. The second is that it implemented an owner occupancy requirement. The third is that it required parking for the associated ADU. |
| Nashville | Tennessee | TN | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | Other Reform | Downtown Code | Adopted on 2/02/2010 | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/planning/long-range-planning/community-plans/downtown | https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/zoning-reform-strengthens-nashvilles-impressive-sustainability-efforts/36550/ | The City of Nashville adopted their Downtown Code, which made three central changes. The first is that it implemented a form-based regulation, while removes use-based regulations, in order to expand mixed-use and diverse development types. The second is that it removed parking minimums. While these are two important changes, an important note is that these changes are limited to a very small geography within the entire jurisdiction, and therefore don't apply outside of the downtown area proscribed. |
| Draper | Utah | UT | General Plan Update | Early Process | ADU Reform, TOD Reform | Moderate Income Housing Plan - General Plan Amendment | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.ksl.com/article/50472362/draper-holladay-propose-way-for-high-density-housing-to-fulfill-legislative-mandate | https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/886444.pdf | The City Council of Draper has proposed a series of zoning reforms in order to meet affordability needs, and the city's projected growth needs. These proposals span at least three central areas of intention. First, the code should be amended to be more conducive to attached and detached ADU development, by removing regulations and decreasing vagueness in the code. Second, the code should allow more transit oriented development (TOD) in commercial or mixed use areas. Third, there should be incentivizes for TOD and reduced impact fees for moderate housing construction. An important note is that this general plan update process is related to Utah's HB462 law, which requires jurisdictions to update their plans to be in line with moderate-income housing construction requirements. Though the latter is true, this zoning code effort is still substantial enough in its scope to be listed in our tracker. |
| Holladay | Utah | UT | General Plan Update | Early Process | ADU Reform | Text Amendment – General Plan, Chapter 5: Moderate Income Housing | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.ksl.com/article/50472362/draper-holladay-propose-way-for-high-density-housing-to-fulfill-legislative-mandate | https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/886434.pdf | The City Council of Holladay proposed a study or implementation of several items related to housing and zoning. The most salient intentions are as follows. First, the city will allow for higher density and moderate income housing. Second, the city will reduce regulations and fees associated with moderate income housing, and make efforts for infill development in residential areas. Third, the city will study the outcomes of reducing parking minimums in residential areas. And fourth, the city will study the current existing impediments for building or converting attached and detached ADUs. An important note is that this general plan update process is related to Utah's HB462 law, which requires jurisdictions to update their plans to be in line with moderate-income housing construction requirements. Though the latter is true, this zoning code effort is still substantial enough in its scope to be listed in our tracker. |
| Salt Lake City | Utah | UT | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Late Process | ADU Reform, Plex Reform, Other Reform | Affordable Housing Incentives Zoning Text Amendment | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | http://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Projects/Affordable%20Housing%20Overlay/affordable_housing_summary_12_28_21.pdf | https://www.slc.gov/planning/pending-zoning-amendments/#:~:text=Changes%20to%20the%20RMF%2D30,2022%20on%20October%2018%2C%202022. | The City Council of Salt Lake City has proposed a set of zoning changes in order to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing across the city. The proposal suggests several kinds of change. The first is to remove regulations from ADUs, which are now only allowed conditionally in single-family zoned areas and not permitted by-right. The second is to enable missing middle housing in single family zoned areas and two-family zoned areas that are near transit. The third is to implement a density bonus program which will go into effect if a development meets certain affordability requirements. |
| Burlington | Vermont | VT | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 4.06 (ZA #20-03) | Approved on 3/03/2020 | https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo/ADU | https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/Agendas/SupportingDocuments/ZA-20-03%20ADU_Adopted%20%26%20Signed.pdf | The City Council of Burlington amended its zoning code to make ADU construction more viable. This ordinance made three central change. First, it streamlined the application process for ADUs. Second, it removed parking minimums for ADUs. And third, it expanded the maximum size allowed for ADUs, and the capacity for additional lot coverage. |
| Alexandria | Virginia | VA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 21-0620 | Approved on 1/23/2021 | https://alextimes.com/2021/01/council-approves-accessory-dwelling-unit-policy/ | https://legistar.granicus.com/alexandria/meetings/2021/1/2139_A_City_Council_Public_Hearing_21-01-23_Docket.pdf | The City Council of Alexandria approved an ADU reform which made three central changes. First, it permitted attached or detached ADUs city-wide in residentially zoned areas (single-family, two-family or townhouse districts). Second, it removed minimum parking requirements for ADU construction or conversion. And third, while requiring owner-occupancy of the principal dwelling, it legalized short-term renting of the ADU, so long as the owner resides in the principal dwelling. (The last sentence is not a statement of support for the latter end of the policy, but merely a description of the elements of the ordinance.) |
| Arlington | Virginia | VA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Late Process | Plex Reform | Expanding Housing Options | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.npr.org/2023/02/11/1155094278/states-cities-end-single-family-zoning-housing-affordable | https://www.arlingtonva.us//files/sharedassets/public/housing/documents/missing-middle/mmhs-phase-2-framework-one-pager-spanish-english.pdf | The County of Arlington is in the latter stage of their Missing Middle Housing Study (MMHS). This study, which is also accompanied by a plan for implementing a zoning code update, is projected to make three central changes. The first is that it will allow townhomes and buildings with 2-4 units to be established on currently single-family zoned land. The second is that it will reduce parking requirements for residential development throughout the city. The third is that it will allow the construction of of 5-6 unit multifamily housing in prior single-family zoned areas, but limit this construction to areas near public transit stations or to those with large lots. |
| Charlottesville | Virginia | VA | General Plan Update | Approved | Plex Reform, Other Reform | Comprehensive Plan | Adopted on 11/15/2021 | https://www.charlottesville.gov/270/Approved-Plans | https://www.brookings.edu/research/gentle-density-can-save-our-neighborhoods/ | The City of Charlottseville updated their comprehensive plan, and set the outline for a few prospective changes in the city's zoning code. The three central proposed changes are as follows. First, the plan proposed the development of affordable, healthy and high-opportunity housing. Second, the plan proposed mixed-use and mixed-income development, with an eye towards permitting more diverse housing types by-right. Third, the plan proposed housing development which is geared towards walkability and public transit connection. |
| Charlottesville | Virginia | VA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | Plex Reform, Other Reform | Cville Plans Together | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://cvilleplanstogether.com/zoning-plan/ | https://www.pecva.org/region/albemarle-charlottesville-region/updating-the-charlottesville-zoning-code-a-diagnostic-tool/ | The City of Charlottesville, in their Cville Plans Together program to rewrite their zoning code, focused on implementing prior recommended changes made in the Affordable Housing Plan and Comprehensive Plan. This zoning code rewrite is ongoing, but may be primed to make three central changes. The first is to allow greater density on single-family zoned areas. The second is to create an inclusionary zoning policy. The third is to reduce or eliminate parking requirements, specifically for affordable housing development. This proces has a projected end in the Spring of 2023. |
| Washington | District of Columbia | DC | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Zoning Regulations Rewrite | Effective on 9/06/2016 | https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/want-to-build-an-adu-here-are-some-basics/14165 | https://dcoz.dc.gov/page/dc-zoning-history | The District of Columbia (DC) Council passed a zoning code update which permitted ADUs on many residential zoning districts. A caveat of the ordinance is that in order to rent an ADU unit, the owner needs to apply for and attain a Residential Rental Business License from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. A limitation with this ordinance may be that it is administratively burdensome, which has limited the extent to which the ordinance has, in actuality, facilitated ADU construction across the district. |
| Washington | District of Columbia | DC | Municipal Ordinance | Early Process | ADU Reform | . | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://ggwash.org/view/86330/accessory-apartments-getting-a-little-help-to-be-easier-to-build-in-dc | https://dcoz.dc.gov/page/zoning-regulations-2016-unofficial-version | The District of Columbia (DC) Zoning Commision has noted a future-looking interest in updating the zoning code in order to make the regulations more amenable for ADU construction. Most recently, in 2021, the Zoning Commision reduced set backs and increased building heights for ADUs. It is unclear which regulations the Commision may pursue further, or the steps they might take to do so. |
| Seattle | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 123378 | Adopted on 8/23/2010 | https://wayback.archive-it.org/3241/20211218175426/https://durkan.seattle.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/07/07.09.19-Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-EO.pdf | http://clerk.seattle.gov/~archives/Ordinances/Ord_123378.pdf | The City Council of Seattle adopted an ADU bill which permitted detached ADUs on single-family zoned areas. The prior ADU ordinance, which was passed in 1994, had allowed internal ADUs, but this ordinance is more significant due to the way in which it extended approval to external ADUs in the forms of converted garages, and fully constructed backyard cottages. This ordinance, while extending beyond the one established at the end of the 20th-Century, was still limited and presented many regulatory barriers that limited the feasibility of establishing ADUs throughout the city. |
| Seattle | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 125854 | Adopted on 7/09/2019 | https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/ongoing-initiatives/encouraging-backyard-cottages#:~:text=Seattle's%20ADU%20reform,effect%20on%20August%208%2C%202019. | http://clerk.seattle.gov/~archives/Ordinances/Ord_123378.pdf | The City Council of Seattle adopted a significant ADU ordinance. This ordinance removed barriers for ADU construction in single-family zoned areas, and made three general changes. First, it allowed up to 2-ADUs on each lot in single-family zoned areas. Second, it reduced minimum lot sizes and increased the allowable height of ADUs. Third, it removed the owner occupancy requierment, as well as the parking minimums that were required earlier for ADU development. It is important to note, though, that attached ADUs were allowed in single-family zoned areas in Seattle in 1994, and that detached ADUs were allowed throughout the city in 2010, after a well functioning pilot program. This reform might be seen, then, as a means of fine tuning the jurisdiction's prior ordinances. |
| Tacoma | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 28576 | Passed on 3/19/2019 | https://www.sightline.org/2019/03/20/tacoma-adopts-exemplary-reform-for-in-law-apartments/#:~:text=Raise%20the%20ADU%20size%20maximum,modest%20size%20for%20an%20ADU. | https://www.cityoftacoma.org/userfiles/servers/server_6/file/cms/Planning/DADU/ADU%20Ordinance%20No%2028576%20(3-19-19).pdf | The City Council of Tacoma passed a significant ADU ordinance. This ordinance made three central changes. First, it legalized detached ADUs on single-family zoned areas, whereas prior only attached ADUs were allowed. Second, it removed the prior established owner occupancy requirement. Third, it removed a previously required specific ADU permit from the approval process. |
| Tacoma | Washington | WA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Late Process | Plex Reform, Other Reform | Home in Tacoma Project | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=180033 | https://www.cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/cms/Planning/Affordable%20Housing/AHAS%20Planning%20Actions/Ordinance%20No%2028793-Amended%20Reducedsize.pdf | The City Council of Tacoma is in an ongoing intensive zoning code effort, which may end with some kind of plex or infill development amendment to the city's zoning code. The Home in Tacoma Project is unique both in its focus on anti-displacement strategies, as well as zoning reform, to allow for infill development and needed multifamily housing in the city. More information and details over the actualizations of this project will be revealed towards the end of 2023, which is when the city projects to reach some kind of formal action. |
| Bellingham | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2018-05-009 | Adopted on 3/15/2018 | https://cob.org/services/planning/development/adu-ordinance-updates | https://bellingham.municipal.codes/enactments/Ord2018-05-009?product=BMC | The City Council of Bellingham passed an ADU ordinance which extended the city's prior code. This ordinance made and affirmed three major specifications. First, attached and detached ADUs were permitted on all single-family zoned districts in the city. Second, it specified that ADUs require one additional parking space, unless a waiver is approved through other means. Third, it specified that the application for an ADU must follow a public hearing process, wherein all those residencies within 500ft of a projected construction have an opportunity to attest it. While this ordinance removed some regulatory barriers, the public hearing process may be seen as a crucial limitation of the ordinance. |
| Burien | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 724 | Adopted on 12/02/2019 | https://www.theurbanist.org/2019/12/05/burien-encourages-accessory-dwelling-units-in-new-reform/#:~:text=The%20regulatory%20reform%20includes%20a,requirements%20will%20no%20longer%20apply. | https://burienwa.civicweb.net/document/31646/Adopt%20Ordinance%20No.%20724,%20Zoning%20Code%20Amendments.pdf | The City of Burien passed an ADU amendment ordinance which made three principal changes to their zoning code. First, it removed the owner occupancy requirement which was earlier a precondition for an ADU approval. Second, it removed the one spot parking minimum for ADUs if the unit is within a 1/4 mile from a transit stop. Third, it allowed 2-ADUs to be permitted on the same lot: one attached and one detached unit. |
| Kirkland | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. O-4715 | Adopted on 3/17/2020 | https://www.sightline.org/2020/12/02/west-coast-cottage-reforms-lead-to-explosive-rise-in-permits/ | https://www.kirklandwa.gov/files/sharedassets/public/city-council/agenda-documents/2020/march-17-2020/ord-4715_line-no.pdf | The City of Kirkland passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes to its zoning code. First, it allowed 2-ADUs on a single-family zoned lot, of either attached and detached, or two of either kind. Second, it limited the parking requirment, in cases where there are 2-ADUs on a single lot, to 1 spot. Third, it removed the owner occupancy requirement for the ADU approval process. |
| Kenmore | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 20-0510 | Adopted on 9/14/2020 | https://www.theurbanist.org/2020/09/18/kenmore-kirkland-adu-reform-snoco-next/ | https://www.kenmorewa.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-initiatives/accessory-dwelling-units | The City of Kenmore passed an ADU ordinance which made four central changes to its zoning code. First, it allowed one ADU on all single-family zoned lots. Second, it specified that no additional parking spot need be added as a requisite for ADU approval. Third, it specifiied that owner occupancy is only required for the first 6-months following the completion of an ADU. And fourth, it allowed ADU size to vary from 600sqft to 1,500sqft, depending on the lot size wherein it would be established. |
| Tukwila | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 2581 | Adopted on 7/02/2018 | https://www.tukwilawa.gov/wp-content/uploads/DCD-Planning-Accessory-Dwelling-Units.pdf | http://records.tukwilawa.gov/weblink/1/edoc/56618/Tukwila%20Municipal%20Code%20-%20Title%2018%20-%20Zoning.pdf | The City Council of Tukwila adopted an ADU ordinance which made three principal changes to its zoning code. First, it specified that both attached and detached ADUs are allowed on single-family zoned lots, with the condition that no more than one ADU is established per lot. Second, it required owner occupancy of either the ADU or the principal dwelling. Third, it required that there is one parking spot added for an ADU. Due to the owner occupancy requirement, as well as the parking requirement which isn't waived or tied to public transit, some may say that this ADU ordinance may be limited in its capacity to facilitate greater ADU development. |
| Tukwila | Washington | WA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Early Process | Plex Reform, TOD Reform, Other Reform | Codification of the Transit-Oriented Development Housing Strategies Plan | Ongoing as of 3/16/2023 | https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/11/03/tukwila-gets-serious-about-transit-oriented-housing/ | https://www.tukwilawa.gov/wp-content/uploads/DCD-Tukwila-TOD-Housing-Strategies-Plan.pdf | The City of Tukwila is in the process of codifying updates to its zoning code, to align with recommendations published in its Transit-Oriented Development Housing Strategies Plan. There are three principal changes which the city is intending to make. First, it wants to create an affordable housing incentive program for developing multi-family units, otherwise known as an inclusionary zoning program. Second, it wants to reduce parking minimums by half, in order to reduce the costs associated with residential development. And third, it wants to make changes in its zoning code to allow for missing middle housing in its single-family zoned areas. |
| Yakima | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 6-2018 | Approved on 12/18/2018 | https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/9316/Accessory_Housing_Guide | https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/18710/6-2018 | The Yakima County government passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes to the zoning code. First, it allowed both attached and detached ADUs on single-family zoned land, with the condition that no more than one ADU is established per lot. Second, it required one additional parking spot with the establishment of an ADU. Third, it required owner occupancy in order for an ADU to be approved. A limitation with this ordinance is that ADUs are subject to a public hearing process, which notifies neighbors close to a development that an application has been submitted. This is likely to reduce the effectiveness of this ordinance, and limit the extent to which ADUs may be realized in the jurisdiction. |
| Everett | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 3534-17 | Adopted on 2/15/2017 | https://www.everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31437/Agenda-2---Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Briefing | https://lfportal.everettwa.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=532544&searchid=7c461ddb-23d5-4fbd-8b73-5bf1bc1758f4&dbid=0&cr=1 | The City of Everett passed an ADU ordinance which made one central change to their zoning code. The principal change was that detached ADUs were permitted on single-family zoned land, whereas before, only attached/interior ADUs were permitted. A limitation with the ordinance is that it does not address the effects of public hearings on ADUs, and it did not seek to further insulate the establishment of ADUs from the public comment process. |
| Everett | Washington | WA | Intensive Zoning Code Effort | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. 3774-20 (Rethink Zoning) | Adopted on 11/04/2020 | https://www.theurbanist.org/2020/12/10/everett-reforms-citywide-zoning-embarks-on-affordable-housing-plan/#:~:text=Chief%20among%20the%20zoning%20changes,from%2011%20to%20just%20five. | https://www.everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31437/Item-2---Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Briefing?bidId= | The City of Everett passed an ADU ordinance which made at least three central changes to their zoning code. These changes were primarily regulatory. First, the ordinance updated definitions to be more understandable. Second, the ordinance increased the maximum size of ADUs from 800sqft to 1,000sqft. Third, the ordinance expanded the list of zoning districts wherein ADU construction is allowed. |
| Walla Walla | Washington | WA | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform, Plex Reform | Ordinance No. 2018-53 | Adopted on 12/27/2018 | https://www.planning.org/planning/2022/summer/zoning-reform-creates-new-model-for-smart-growth-in-walla-walla-washington/ | https://records.wallawallawa.gov:8643/lfportal/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1153870&page=1&cr=1 | The Walla Walla City Council passed a zoning reform ordinance, which made three central changes. First, it consolidated previously restrictive low-density residential districts into a common district called: "Neighborhood Residential" (NR). Second, it allowed construction of dense housing on NR districts, including cottage homes, duplexes, fourplexes, and tinyhomes. Third, it made various changes to its ADU code: increasing maximum square footage, removing owner occupancy requirements, and making the application process "ministerial" as opposed to being subject to obstructions caused by public hearing provisions. |
| Madison | Wisconsin | WI | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Ordinance No. ORD-21-00087 | Effective on 12/07/2021 | https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/1-2-family-residential/new-building-construction/new-detached-accessory-dwelling-unit#:~:text=Accessory%20dwelling%20units%20(ADUs)%20are,permit%20to%20build%20any%20ADU. | https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1127114 | The City Council of Madison passed an ADU ordinance which significantly changed their prior precedent concerning this building type. There are three central changes made by this ordinance. First, it made ADUs a permitted use across all residential districts, instead of merely a "conditional" use. Second, it increased the maximum size of ADUs from 700sqft to 900sqft. Third, it redrafted the code language to make it more clear and specific. |
| Laramie | Wyoming | WY | Municipal Ordinance | Approved | ADU Reform | Enrolled Ordinance No. 1807 | Approved on 4/19/2022 | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/construction/city-council-green-lights-zoning-changes-but-not-without-opposition/article_a62ff4ce-c198-11ec-b73e-d7f30eac0182.html | https://library.municode.com/wy/laramie/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1146351 | The City Council of Laramie passed an ADU ordinance which made three central changes. First, it allowed both attached and detached ADU construction in single-family zoned areas. Second, it specified that only one ADU may be established on a given lot. Third, it specified that the maximum square footage of the ADU should be less than 1,200sqft. |
Database Last Updated: March 16, 2023
If there are any questions associated with this work, or if you believe that we have missed significant or crucial reform efforts, then let us know through this Google Form, and we may add them to our database and webmap. Other inquiries can be directed to cantong@berkeley.edu.
- 1 The first version of the Zoning Reform Tracker, which focuses on municipal zoning reform efforts across the United States, specifically records 97 reform efforts across 69 unique municipal jurisdictions. Concerning the question of timeline: our tracker data covers a span of 17 years, with the earliest zoning reform initiative we track occurring in 2007, and with the latest reform initiatives leading up to 2023. Here are the most important descriptive summary statistics from our tracker, in its first version (as of March 15, 2023): A) the predominant reform mechanism across the tracker is the municipal ordinance (n=66); B) the predominant reform phase across the tracker is approved reform (n=76); the predominant reform type represented in the tracker is accessory dwelling unit (ADU) reform (n=62). The top-5 states most represented in our tracker, insofar as we record the number of approved or ongoing municipal reform initiatives within each state, are as follows: Washington (14); California (8); Minnesota (6); North Carolina (6); and Massachusetts (5). The top 8 most represented counties, insofar as we record the number of approved or ongoing municipal reform initiatives within each county, are as follows: King County, WA (7); Hennepin County, MN (5); Kent County, MI (4); Cook County, IL (3); Fulton County, GA (3); Salt Lake County, UT (3); San Diego County, CA (3); and Wake County, NC (3). These figures do not necessarily represent the quality of the reforms enacted therein, and their effectiveness. They are merely the tabulations derived from a spatial analysis of approved and ongoing reforms from our tracker. Moreover, the sometimes arbitrary nature of entry of particularly substantial and distinct reform efforts may work to remove the series of continual reforms which sometimes characterize reform efforts on the ground. We have sought to balance both particular representation with overrepresentation. Lastly, these figures may become moderated in future versions of the tracker, especially as more contributions from the public refines its comprehensiveness.
- 2 The design and framework of our tracker was greatly inspired by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) tenant protections database, which has been incisive for tracking legislation, ordinances, court orders and other policy related to tenant protections in the United States, throughout the global pandemic. For more information on this resource, see: National Low Income Housing Coalition, “E.R.A.S.E. Project - Tenant Protections Resource” (Referenced on March 15, 2023), https://nlihc.org/tenant-protections
- 3 See Stephen Menendian, Samir Gambhir, and Chih-Wei Hsu, “Single-Family Zoning in Greater Los Angeles” (Berkeley, CA: Othering & Belonging Institute, March 2, 2022), https://belonging.berkeley.edu/single-family-zoning-greater-los-angeles; and particularly the section entitled “Single-Family Zoning and Economic Mobility (Opportunity),” and the following visualization: “Figure 8. Income by Parents’ Income Percentile By Percentage of Restricted Single Family Zoning.” While this analysis was not a kind of causal methodology, or even a multiple regression, which might be seen and valued in such fields as economics, policy analysis and sociology, this finding is still strongly suggestive of the link between single-family zoning and patterns of negative stratification. Namely, the largest implication of our analysis is that single-family zoning has been used as a racially restrictive governing tactic to limit opportunity for some, and to accumulate it with great returns, for others.
- 4 While OBI believes that zoning reform is an important route for altering, or at least for not preempting alteration, of the structural dispersion of resource and opportunity between communities, we believe that zoning reform should be part of a broader political program for economic justice, environmental justice and housing justice. Other means of tackling the housing crisis nexus should include: the decommodification of housing, the regulation of rents, the national codification of a renters’ right to counsel, the national codification of strong renters’ protections generally, the guarantee of safe and habitable housing for all, the direction of funding streams to facilitate the building of tenant power over political decision-making, and the institutional reconfiguration of eviction court to be more amenable to tenants’ rights and dignity.
- 5 We will list in this note some further references for the transformative housing policy levers mentioned above. For decommodified and social housing, see Karen Chapple, Jackelyn Hwang, Jae Sik Jeon, Iris Zhang, Julia Greenberg, and Bina P. Shrimali, “Housing Market Interventions and Residential Mobility in the San Francisco Bay Area,” Community Development Working Paper (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, March, 2022), https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/working-papers/2022/march/housing-market-interventions-and-residential-mobility-san-francisco-bay-area/ and separately, see Francesca Zepeda, Nicole Montojo and Leo Goldberg, “Community Land Trusts as Stewards of Public Land: A Guide for Local Governments in California” (Berkeley, CA: Othering & Belonging Institute, September 16, 2022), https://belonging.berkeley.edu/community-land-trusts-stewards-public-land; for the regulation of rent and the impacts of rental inflation and wage stagnance, see Homes Guarantee, “Federal Actions to Regulate Rents”, (2022), https://peoplesaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Federal-Actions-to-Regulate-Rents_V3a.pdf; for right to counsel, or a codified renters’ right to legal representation in the case of tenancy-associated problems and eviction, see ACLU, NCCRC, “No Eviction Without Representation: Evictions’ Disproportionate Harms & the Promise of Right to Counsel” (American Civil Liberties Union, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, May 11, 2022), https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/no_eviction_without_representation_research_brief_0.pdf; for tenant protections, generally, see Aimee Inglis, “Tenant Protections Are a Cornerstone to Solving the Housing Crisis” (Shelterforce, February 13, 2017), https://shelterforce.org/2017/02/13/tenant-protections-are-a-cornerstone-to-solving-the-housing-crisis/; for healthy housing, which denotes housing that is habitable, safe, and free from mold, lead, and other environmental contaminants, see U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Healthy Homes for Healthy Families'' (n.d.), https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes; for tenant power building, see TakeRoot Justice and RTCNYC, “Organizing is Different Now: How the Right to Counsel Strengthens the Tenant Movement in New York City” (TakeRoot Justice, The Right to Counsel NYC Coalition, March 2022), https://assets.nationbuilder.com/righttocounselnyc/pages/1334/attachments/original/1647562375/Organizing_is_Different_Now_FINAL.pdf?1647562375; for work which demonstrates the central role of juridical processes in eviction, and the import of resisting those processes by transforming the court’s role in instituting displacement, see KC Tenants, “Could We End Evictions?” (Hammer & Hope, No. 1, Winter 2023), https://hammerandhope.org/article/issue-1-article-3
- 6 Our statement concerning the unique nature of this project is certainly true for municipal zoning reform efforts, but the same cannot be said about the tracking of state housing reform efforts across the United States. In regard to this latter research, we would point the reader towards the extensive consolidation of state reforms carried out by the Terner Center, the Urban Institute and the Housing Crisis Research Collaborative. A brief note is that while the policy scope of the Terner Center et al.’s state reforms database is quite broad, and extends beyond zoning (e.g. covering the policy goals of general production, affordable housing, fair housing and smart-growth), the work contained in the Zoning Reform Tracker is both more focused specifically, for better or for worse, on single-family zoning reform and, in its first version, on reform efforts at the municipal level. The argument of the Terner Center et al.’s paper is that state reforms must be enacted to override housing policy stagnance, and the often exclusionary politics which are characteristic of housing policy at the local level (from Beverly Hills to Long Island – examples from California and New York, respectively). While we ultimately and strongly agree with this argument, we also believe that reform efforts that occur at the local or municipal level are often determinative, or at least, in some cases, precedent establishing, for future policy advances which have occurred at the state level. For the report, see Shazia Manji, Truman Braslaw, Chae Kim, Elizabeth Kneebone, Carolina Reid, and Yonah Freemark, “Incentivizing Housing Production: State Laws from Across the Country to Encourage or Require Municipal Action” (Terner Center for Housing Innovation, Urban Institute, Housing Crisis Research Collaborative, February 2023), https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/State-Land-Use-Report-Final-1.pdf
- 7 We intend for the tracker to be a comprehensive hub for documenting zoning reform efforts across the United States, and we believe that it represents a significant contribution to our knowledge of zoning reform – at the same time, we must mention that in its first version there may be gaps in our recording of reform efforts across the United States, due to both the manifold number of municipalities across the country (around 30,000 in total), and also our reliance on media representations of local reforms efforts for our registration of them. An optimal infrastructure might look like creating a system which pulls zoning reform initiatives directly from municipalities’ legislative information systems if they meet our criteria for a zoning reform initiative; in this way we could regularly track both approved, ongoing and denied/rejected reforms in an evenly representative way, without a reliance on media publications, which, as of now, serve as the primary source which we use to point us in the direction of a possible reform effort. Even in the case that this system were to exist, it would likely still be non-representative: it is not the case that all jurisdictions in the country each host a legislative information system, and further have the quality of a system which would be adequate for the detail of our work. To conclude, it is ultimately the difference in digital access to previous ordinances and plan updates across municipalities, as well as the irregular media coverage across municipalities of different populations and sizes, which may affect the comprehensivity and representativeness of our tracker. This problem may be less prevalent at the level of the state, but it surely exists there as well. Because of this, we have decided on a hybrid independent-research-and-crowdsource model for the continual expansion of our tracker. Such a model will rely on both our independent tracking of reform efforts, as well as the local knowledge of users across their own communities (such local users might include general residents, housing policy researchers, and local planning department staff). We hope that with this model, we can cover missed ground and make our work as comprehensive and as representative as possible.
- 8 We are planning on pushing updates to the tracker, at the very least, on a quarterly basis.
