H.R. 4659: Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act

This bill, known as the Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act, aims to address the ongoing housing shortage in the United States. The main goal is to reduce overly restrictive land use policies that contribute to high housing costs, thereby making housing more affordable. Here is a summary of its key components:

Purpose

The bill seeks to:

• Discourage the implementation of overly burdensome land use policies.
• Remove barriers to affordable housing in line with the objectives of the Community Development Block Grant program.

Findings

Congress recognizes the following issues:

• There is a significant shortage of millions of homes, affecting many households across various types of communities (rural, urban, and suburban).
• This housing shortage is limiting economic growth and results in an estimated $2 trillion loss annually due to reduced opportunities and productivity.
• Reform in zoning and land use policies is crucial for addressing housing costs, along with investment in fair and affordable housing.
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should have sufficient personnel to support communities wrestling with zoning issues and to promote affordable housing programs.

Requirements for Land Use Plans

The bill amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. It requires grant recipients to prepare and submit a plan that tracks and evaluates policies affecting land use before receiving certain funds. This includes:

• A description of any land use policies adopted in the previous five years.
• A statement on plans to implement further needed policies.
• An explanation of how these policies will benefit their jurisdiction.

Examples of Land Use Policies to Report On

The types of land use policies that must be included in these plans are specific and aim to increase housing availability, including:

• Expanding areas designated for multifamily housing.
• Permitting duplexes and triplexes in single-family zones.
• Allowing manufactured homes in single-family areas.
• Facilitating multifamily housing in commercial zones (retail and office).
• Reducing minimum lot sizes for housing developments.
• Enabling the conversion of offices to apartments.
• Permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots with single-family homes.
• Implementing density bonuses and removing height limitations on residential properties.
• Streamlining permitting processes to encourage development.

Submission and Compliance

Details regarding the submission of these plans indicate that:

• The plans submitted will not be legally binding concerning grant usage.
• The approval or rejection of these plans will not imply approval of their contents or methodologies.
• Information shared cannot be used for enforcement actions against the recipients.

Effective Date

The requirements outlined will take effect one year after the bill's enactment and will apply to relevant grant recipients at that time and onwards.

Relevant Companies

None found.