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> The problem with encouraging builders to go hard with few restrictions is you end up with a low-density urban sprawl Low-density sprawl is a result of local

> The problem with encouraging builders to go hard with few restrictions is you end up with a low-density urban sprawl Low-density sprawl is a result of local governments banning medium and high density building, not the free market. 80% of Austin is still single family homes despite a massive influx to the area. This is not because single-family homes are the most profitable to build, but because they are the only thing that you can legally build.

SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
So you are of the belief that, if it weren't for the regulations, the suburbs would be full of high density housing?
- ZoomerCretin 4y ago
  ...yes? If I can buy four adjacent $1,000,000 homes and put up a mid-rise with 25 units at $400,000/each, I've just made $9,000,000 minus construction expenses.
  - SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
    Then why aren't they taking the time and energy to get those areas rezoned? It's possible, and I'm sure it's less expensive than the potential profit, especially if they choose an area far enough out that there are few neighbors to complain.
    - ZoomerCretin 4y ago
      >Then why aren't they taking the time and energy to get those areas rezoned? Because of well-organized opposition from busy body homeowners. City governments aren't captured by business-interests the way state governments and the federal government are. >especially if they choose an area far enough out that there are few neighbors to complain. There are always enough people to complain about anything to kill it. A lot of people oppose anything new in their city entirely- not just in their neighborhood.
    - philistine 4y ago
      Why do you think those areas are restrictive with their zoning? Because people wrongfully want it that way. A developper is focused on making people and equipment work, not on being a provider of good zoning laws, and so won't fight against those tides.

SketchySeaBeast 4y ago

So you are of the belief that, if it weren't for the regulations, the suburbs would be full of high density housing?

ZoomerCretin 4y ago
...yes? If I can buy four adjacent $1,000,000 homes and put up a mid-rise with 25 units at $400,000/each, I've just made $9,000,000 minus construction expenses.
- SketchySeaBeast 4y ago
  Then why aren't they taking the time and energy to get those areas rezoned? It's possible, and I'm sure it's less expensive than the potential profit, especially if they choose an area far enough out that there are few neighbors to complain.
  - ZoomerCretin 4y ago
    >Then why aren't they taking the time and energy to get those areas rezoned? Because of well-organized opposition from busy body homeowners. City governments aren't captured by business-interests the way state governments and the federal government are. >especially if they choose an area far enough out that there are few neighbors to complain. There are always enough people to complain about anything to kill it. A lot of people oppose anything new in their city entirely- not just in their neighborhood.
  - philistine 4y ago
    Why do you think those areas are restrictive with their zoning? Because people wrongfully want it that way. A developper is focused on making people and equipment work, not on being a provider of good zoning laws, and so won't fight against those tides.