The Bottom-Up Revolution - Why Changing Zoning Laws Isn't Enough
Episode 49 min 49s

The Bottom-Up Revolution - Why Changing Zoning Laws Isn't Enough

Massachusetts needs more housing, but getting permission to build it can take years, even when the zoning allows it. Housing advocate and researcher Jonathan Berk examined six projects for his report, Delayed by Design, to understand why so many housing developments struggle to move forward. He found that lengthy permitting processes can saddle developers with costly requirements and years of uncertainty, making even modest projects difficult to pursue. Even if Massachusetts succeeds in reforming its zoning laws, Berk's findings suggest that the permitting system could prevent much of that housing from ever being built.

ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

Community discussion