Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act
Summary
The "Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act" (S. 2416) aims to address the national housing shortage by requiring grantees under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to submit plans for tracking and reducing overly burdensome land use policies. This includes policies related to zoning, density, and permitting processes. The goal is to make housing more affordable and align with the original intent of the Community Development Block Grant program.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased pressure on local jurisdictions to reform their land use policies. It could also streamline housing development and increase housing density in areas that currently restrict it. The Act mandates reporting but does not mandate specific changes to local policies.
Potential Benefits
- Increased housing supply, potentially leading to lower housing costs.
- Streamlined permitting processes, reducing delays and costs for developers.
- Greater housing density in urban and suburban areas, promoting efficient land use.
- Encouragement of diverse housing options, such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
- Potential for economic growth through increased construction activity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences due to the removal of local control over zoning.
- Possible strain on existing infrastructure (roads, schools, utilities) if housing density increases significantly without corresponding upgrades.
- Concerns about the impact on neighborhood character and property values in areas where zoning changes are implemented.
- The act does not guarantee affordability, as market forces could still drive up prices.
- Increased burden on HUD to oversee and manage the new reporting requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to address a national housing shortage and promote economic opportunity. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and zoning has traditionally been a state and local matter. However, the Act does not mandate specific zoning changes, but rather requires reporting on land use policies as a condition for receiving federal grants. This leverages the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8) which allows Congress to set conditions on the receipt of federal funds.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).