4 ms·

Housing doesn't need to be this way, but in much of the developed world we've artificially turned it into a zero-sum game with development restrictions, zoning

Housing doesn't need to be this way, but in much of the developed world we've artificially turned it into a zero-sum game with development restrictions, zoning rules, height limits, historic districts, green belts, and tons of other rules. None of those things is inherently bad on its own, and some are even a net good for society like a well managed green belt. Zoning in north america has an awful racist history and needs to be first on the chopping block. In combination all these restrictions have made adding density and housing units in areas with economic opportunity nearly impossible. Those who already own property (myself included) are participating in a system that is increasingly pulling up the ladder on those who wish to join. The housing market is one of the least free. Rules requiring bedrooms have 2 points of egress and that building have minimum fire resistance are fantastic and need to stay. Rules that do things like prevent 2, 3 and 4-plexes, mandate a whole city can't go above 4 stories, and require 1:1 parking for every adult need to get tossed out right away.

wahern 5y ago
> Rules that do things like prevent 2, 3 and 4-plexes, mandate a whole city can't go above 4 stories, and require 1:1 parking for every adult need to get tossed out right away. In places like California, simply strictly applying the existing rules would be a huge step forward. Instead, even projects that are 100% compliant with all building and zoning rules and already granted building department approval are subject to an endless and often patently illegal "community review" process. See, e.g., https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/State-gives-S-F-30-days-to-explain-why-it-16642975.php https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/State-gives-S-F-30-da... and https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Supervisor-Mar-pushes-compromise-for-contested-16647322.php https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Supervisor-Mar-pushes... Under Supreme Court precedent such ex post facto community "vetoes" are unconstitutional. The community votes by passing laws a priori, not through ad hoc, targeted manipulation of the regulatory review process. But for complex procedural and policy reasons the Supreme Court has unfortunately been too reticent to police violations of this principle. My disposition is toward federalism and local control, but in many cases the system is violating fundamental principles in our society about the creation and application of law. Principles even more basic and fundamental than property, free speech, or personal liberty rights.

wahern 5y ago

> Rules that do things like prevent 2, 3 and 4-plexes, mandate a whole city can't go above 4 stories, and require 1:1 parking for every adult need to get tossed out right away. In places like California, simply strictly applying the existing rules would be a huge step forward. Instead, even projects that are 100% compliant with all building and zoning rules and already granted building department approval are subject to an endless and often patently illegal "community review" process. See, e.g., https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/State-gives-S-F-30-days-to-explain-why-it-16642975.php https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/State-gives-S-F-30-da... and https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Supervisor-Mar-pushes-compromise-for-contested-16647322.php https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/Supervisor-Mar-pushes... Under Supreme Court precedent such ex post facto community "vetoes" are unconstitutional. The community votes by passing laws a priori, not through ad hoc, targeted manipulation of the regulatory review process. But for complex procedural and policy reasons the Supreme Court has unfortunately been too reticent to police violations of this principle. My disposition is toward federalism and local control, but in many cases the system is violating fundamental principles in our society about the creation and application of law. Principles even more basic and fundamental than property, free speech, or personal liberty rights.