Title: Zoning: The Nemesis of Housing Affordability – AIER
Headings: Zoning: The Nemesis of Housing Affordability
Zoning: The Nemesis of Housing Affordability
Understanding Zoning Regulations
The Negative Economic Effects of Zoning
Socially Destructive Effects of Zoning
Current Solutions: Half Measures at Best
Give the Free Market a Chance
José Niño

Content: Housing supply has simply not been able to keep up with the unprecedented demand for housing in large urban centers. Sadly, most policymakers and pundits overlook this elephant in the room. The present supply dilemma can largely be attributed to onerous zoning regulations which effectively reduce the overall supply of housing units in the market. This article will take a closer look at the impact of zoning regulations on housing affordability and what must be done to ensure a dynamic, yet affordable housing market for all consumers. Understanding Zoning Regulations
To get a better grasp of the current housing affordability dilemma, one must first understand what zoning regulations entail. Zoning regulations are a type of land-use regulation that are under the purview of city or county ordinances. Through zoning ordinances, local governments determine how property is used within their confines. These laws limit the commercial use of land in order to segregate commercial venues from residential neighborhoods. Additionally, zoning laws may also set regulatory standards for buildings and the land area surrounding them, which may include such as size, dimension, and scale limitations. These standards are established with the aim of promoting urban growth in a reasonable and sustainable fashion.