Unbundling Zoning Analysis and Proposals

This technical report investigates the arguments surrounding the abolition of zoning regulations. It outlines the contention that local governments can effectively manage land use without the rigid separation of permitted uses that zoning enforces. The report discusses the potential harms associated with zoning, including its impact on housing costs and economic growth, while also addressing counterarguments from zoning defenders who argue for the necessity of zoning in preserving neighborhood integrity. The paper presents the concept of 'unbundling' zoning, proposing functional and spatial adjustments to zoning practices. It examines alternatives to traditional zoning, such as private land-use governance, and critiques the existing zoning framework by referencing recent literature and ongoing debates within urban planning. The report concludes with recommendations for reforming zoning practices to enhance flexibility and adaptability in land-use governance, thereby promoting better outcomes for communities.