Define Process

Streamline Permitting
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Action

Streamline permitting process for residential development projects. Align multiple departments within a city responsible for approving a particular development project. An expedited permitted process reduces developer cost at low or no cost to the local jurisdiction.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City, County

Public Property Sales
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Action

Sell public properties at minimal cost to developers with the stipulation that affordable housing options are to be constructed on the lot within a specified time period.  Texas Local Government Code Chapter 373, Community Development in Municipalities, allows for public property sales.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City, County

Site Development Regulations

Building Line/Lot Size Modification
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Action

Accommodate varying housing types by reducing requirements for residential lot size and setbacks. Less land is required for the development of residential units, thus reducing the initial costs for a developer.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City

Parking Reductions
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Action

Reduce minimum number of parking spaces to maximize space for alternative uses both in the private and public realm.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City

Parking Exemption
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Action

Grant parking exemptions and increase flexibility in adaptive reuse of existing structures by eliminating the need to demolish a structure to create a parking lot. Access to transit and community preference should be considered.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City

Provide Owner/Developer Regulation Flexibility

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
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Action

Allow ADU on same property as single-family residential dwellings. As small houses or apartments that exist on the same property as single-family homes, this traditional home type is re-emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that meets the needs of older adults and young families.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City, County

Density Bonus Ordinance
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Action

Allow developers to build additional units in exchange for a community benefit, such as affordable housing. Tool may be paired with market rate or workforce housing to incentivize developer profit.

Created By

City, County

Implement In

City

Adaptive Reuse: Conversion
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Action:

Promote adaptive reuse of historic properties. Historic buildings represent millions of dollars of infrastructure investment. Keeping properties in service ensures that they will contribute to city revenues which can then be used to protect the community’s investment in the infrastructure of older neighborhoods.

Created By:

City, County, Developer

Implement In:

City, County

Master Planned Development of Public Property
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Action

Identify public-private partnership opportunities where a developer agrees to build a mixed-use and/or mixed-income development, following certain stipulations laid out by the City such as tax exemptions, subsidized infrastructure improvements, or streamlined or waived permits. Developers may then direct the resources saved into creating affordable housing units.

Created By

City, Developer, Non-Profit

Implement In

City, County

Examples

Chicago, IL

Determine Boundary Specific Regulation

Mixed-Use Zones
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Action

Refine land use development and associated developer expectation with zones, or boundaries which indicate a standard set of land use regulation practices for a certain area. Zoning regulates density and parking requirements, allotted and/or prohibited land uses, facade requirements as often seen in historic districts, or mixed use requirements as often seen in downtown business districts or revitalization districts. Mixed-use zones intend to standardized development practices reflecting community preference and maintain area character regardless of existing or future development pressures.

Created By

City

Implement In

City

Housing Specific Zones
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Action

Identify if zones are needed to plan for different housing types appropriate within a community. Housing types may vary based on density requirements, and zones provide an opportunity for local governments to plan associated infrastructure to accommodate a certain type and/or blend of housing types.

Created By

City

Implement In

City

Form-Based Code
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Action

Provide predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle for land use development. Form-based codes are adopted into city as regulations, and provide an alternative to conventional zoning. Regardless of use, the form of the building remains the same ensure consistency in the overall look and feel of a community.

Created By

City

Implement In

City