The following is a list of key resources on topics related to ensuring zoning policies allow a variety of housing types. If you're aware of other resources that should be added, please
contact us.
Multifamily/Attached Housing [
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Websites
The
National Multi Housing Council is a membership organization that represents the interests of larger apartment firms. Visitors to the website can access statistics about rental housing and other research reports.
Reports
Higher-Density Development Myth and Fact. [PDF] 2005. By Richard Haughey. Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute.
This report addresses eight popular misconceptions about higher-density development, which are often the basis for opposition to multifamily projects. Project profiles help illustrate the benefits of higher-density housing.
Overcoming Opposition to Multifamily Rental Housing. 2007. By Mark Obrinsky and Debra Stein. Washington, DC: National Multi Housing Council.
This report examines four common arguments against multifamily rental housing, including concerns about area home values, anti-social behavior, the increased burden on public infrastructure, and traffic/parking congestion. The authors present research evidence refuting each of these arguments, then offer tips for generating support for specific projects, including how to run an outreach campaign and constructively engage neighbors.
Zoning as a Barrier to Multifamily Housing Development. 2008. By Gerrit Knaap, Stuart Meck, Terry Moore, Stuart Meck, and Robert Parker. Chicago, IL: American Planning Association.
This report, commissioned by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development documents how communities use restrictive zoning policies to prevent the construction of multifamily housing, and how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to observe the impact of zoning practices on housing affordability in select metropolitan areas.
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Factory-built Homes [
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Websites
CFED, a national not-for-profit organization, has launched an initiative called
I'M HOME - Innovations in Manufactured Homes. I'M HOME supports programs across the country that are helping families who choose manufactured homes receive fair treatment and build durable assets. To be good investments for these families, I'M HOME argues that manufactured homes should be well-built and installed on a proper foundation once they reach their destination. Their financing should be fair and affordable. Homeowners should own, or have longterm control over, the land underneath the homes. And, finally, when it's time to move, the homeowners should be able to sell the homes at a fair value.
The
Manufactured Housing Institute is a national trade organization that makes available research reports, state and local policy information and industry statistics about factory-built housing.
The
National Modular Housing Council promotes the advancement of sensible legislation and regulation of modular homes, and provides industry and consumer education. The website includes quarterly news updates, industry statistics, and resources for builders, manufacturers and buyers of modular homes.
Articles & ReportsAn Examination of Manufactured Housing as a Community- and Asset-Building Strategy. [PDF] 2002. By William Apgar, Allegra Calder and Mark Duda (Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University) and Michael Collins (Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation). Report to the Ford Foundation. Washington, DC: NeighborWorks.
This report provides a comprehensive examination of all aspects of manufactured housing, and includes a lengthy literature review for further information.
"Mobile" Homes No More: Policy Innovations in Manufactured Housing. [PDF] 2005. By David Buchholz.
Housing Facts and Findings 7(4). Washington, DC: Fannie Mae Foundation.
This article provides an overview of recent policy changes related to manufactured homes, particularly with regard to financing, land ownership and zoning. A list of web sites and articles provides links to further information.
Articles & Reports
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research.
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Accessory Dwelling Units [
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Websites
The Transportation and Land Use Coalition's
online guide to Accessory Dwelling Units walks users through an overview of ADUs, a series of case studies and more information about how to implement the tool in a local community. The guide includes links for more information as well as a series of contacts.
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Mixed-use Housing [
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Mixed-Use Development. [DOC] 2005. By Edward A. Tombari.
Smart Growth, Smart Choices series. Washington, DC: National Association of Home Builders.
This report explains the components that characterize a mixed-use development, including walkability, connectivity and increased density. The author draws links between mixed-use building and transit-oriented development and the smart growth movement, and provides an overview of recent trends.
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Single Room Occupancy [
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An Affordable Housing Solution for Low Income Single Residents: Single Resident Occupancy (SRO) Housing in Fairfax County, Virginia. [PDF] 2005. Fairfax County SRO Task Force Final Report.
Although focused on Fairfax County, this report provides a useful overview of different types of SROs, obstacles to development and recommendations for building community support. The report features a lengthy appendix with multiple examples of SRO developments in other communities.
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This article describes "cottage housing developments," which provide relatively small homes clustered together to preserve open space and promote a sense of community. As noted in the article, cottage housing development codes have been adopted primarily by communities in the Pacific Northwest, although with shifting demographics leading to smaller households, the author suggests that other cities may soon choose to follow suit.
Rethinking Residential Parking: Myths and Facts. [PDF] 2001. San Francisco, CA: Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California.
This report debunks eight popular misconceptions about residential parking, including: "People are unwilling to live in housing without a parking space" and "Affordable housing in particular needs more parking." Case studies highlight developments in California that have successfully reduced parking.
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