When I was CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of a premier TND (traditional neighbor development) along the Florida Gulf Coast, one project took almost 16 months to receive approval by the governing organization.  I had been involved in a very similar project a few years ago in Alabama, which took two months for approval.  The difference of 14 months can translate into millions of dollars in increased costs, which, by the way, may get passed on to the buyer.

The number of homes that America lacks ranges from 2 million to 6 million, depending on the articles you read. We all have probably have heard stories of people looking for a house and finding very little to choose from. The question is: Why?

Strangely, it has been impossible to provide a precise response to such a straightforward problem. Although there is a nationwide housing scarcity, the issue is local. Zoning regulations control the location of new construction as well as its number, kind, minimum lot size, and number of meetings required. Also, each town creates these rules independently. Some articles suggest that over 30,000 locations create zoning regulations in the United States. As a CPA, I am a fan of consistency and that is  clearly what we do not have here.  

The inconsistencies exist at many levels, each of the 30,000 locations has developed its own language to enforce those regulations. Many regulations exhibit a bias towards the suburban standard of spacious sites occupied by single-family homes, effectively prohibiting all other types of housing. The terms "mixed use, duplex and multifamily" have many varying definitions.  Among the various elements governed by zoning codes, density regulations stand out as a key factor influencing the character and functionality of urban and suburban spaces. Density, defined as the number of dwelling units or people per unit of land area, is a critical aspect of urban planning and development. However, the approach to density in zoning regulations can vary significantly across different regions and jurisdictions, leading to diverse urban landscapes. 

It would be possible to determine which regulations permit the construction of more residences and which prohibit them by comparing cities and states and deciphering all of those regulations. Until now, however, no one had compiled the United States' zoning regulations in a single location, much less compelled them to use the same terminology. 

In the intricate tapestry of urban development and land use planning, the National Zoning Atlas stands as a revolutionary tool, providing a comprehensive and dynamic approach to understanding and managing spatial organization. Zoning plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical and social landscapes of communities, and the National Zoning Atlas emerges as a beacon, offering insights and opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

Understanding Zoning:

Zoning refers to the division of a municipality or region into distinct zones or areas, each governed by specific regulations and guidelines that dictate the types of land use, density, and permissible activities. These regulations are designed to ensure the harmonious coexistence of diverse land uses, prevent conflicts, and promote the overall well-being of communities.

The National Zoning Atlas:

The National Zoning Atlas is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to compile and visualize zoning data from across the country into a unified and accessible platform. This digital atlas serves as a repository of zoning information, providing policymakers, urban planners, developers, and the general public with a powerful tool to better understand the spatial organization of their surroundings.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Zoning Information:

The atlas encapsulates a wealth of information on zoning regulations, land use designations, and development standards at various geographical levels, from local municipalities to broader regional contexts. This comprehensive database enables users to gain insights into the intricacies of zoning codes and make informed decisions about land use.

Interactive Mapping:

One of the standout features of the National Zoning Atlas is its interactive mapping interface. Users can explore and analyze zoning data in a visually intuitive manner, enabling them to grasp the spatial distribution of different land uses, identify areas of interest, and assess the impact of zoning regulations on the built environment.

Historical Zoning Trends:

The atlas incorporates historical zoning data, allowing users to track the evolution of land use policies over time. This historical perspective is invaluable for understanding the factors that have shaped communities and provides a foundation for forecasting future zoning trends.

Policy and Decision Support:

Policymakers can utilize the National Zoning Atlas as a tool for evidence-based decision-making. By analyzing the spatial distribution of zoning regulations, policymakers can identify areas that may require adjustments to promote more equitable development, address environmental concerns, or stimulate economic growth.

Community Engagement:

The atlas promotes transparency and community engagement by making zoning information accessible to the general public. This inclusivity encourages citizens to actively participate in the planning process, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in shaping the future of their communities.

Challenges and Future Developments:

While the National Zoning Atlas represents a significant leap forward in the realm of land use planning, challenges such as data accuracy, consistency, and interoperability between different jurisdictions still exist. Ongoing efforts to standardize data collection methods, enhance data quality, and foster collaboration between local and national entities will be crucial for the continued success and relevance of the atlas.

Conclusion:

The National Zoning Atlas stands as a testament to the power of technology and data in shaping the future of urban development. By providing a comprehensive and interactive platform for understanding zoning regulations, this tool empowers stakeholders at all levels to contribute to the creation of vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities. As the atlas continues to evolve and integrate advancements in technology, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach and envision the landscapes we inhabit, and hopefully, we will be able to say which regulations help build more homes, and which regulations (and communities), limit new home construction.  But in the end, zoning regulations are politics, but hopefully this new data can make a case for change when needed.