H.R. 2840: Housing Supply Frameworks Act

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act aims to address the shortage of housing in the United States by providing guidelines and best practices for state and local zoning frameworks. As of 2022, there was an estimated shortage of 3,850,000 homes, largely due to rising construction costs, labor shortages, supply chain issues, and strict regulatory barriers. This legislation recognizes the need for reform in zoning and land-use regulations, which have been identified as significant obstacles to housing development.

Key Provisions

• Guidelines Development: The bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, to publish documents outlining guidelines and best practices. This must be done within three years of the bill's enactment.
• Public Involvement: During a two-year consultation period, the Assistant Secretary will seek public feedback on the draft guidelines published in the Federal Register and will establish a task force that includes diverse stakeholders such as planners, housing advocates, developers, and community members.
• Best Practices: The guidelines will recommend changes to zoning frameworks, including:
  • Eliminating parking minimums and reducing restrictions on building height and lot size.
  • Increasing housing types, such as duplexes and triplexes, and allowing accessory dwelling units.
  • Improving the review process for housing development proposals to reduce uncertainty and streamline approvals.
  • Encouraging transit-oriented development and using public land for affordable housing.
  • Reforming public engagement processes to ensure accessibility and responsiveness to community needs.
• Monitoring and Reporting: After the guidelines are published, the Assistant Secretary is required to report to Congress within five years on state and local adoption of the recommendations.
• Abolishing Existing Barriers: The act also abolishes the existing Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse, which had been established to identify barriers to affordable housing development.
• Funding Authorization: It authorizes $3 million in appropriations to carry out the provisions of this act for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030.

Overall Goals

The primary aim of the Housing Supply Frameworks Act is to create a conducive environment for the production of adequate and affordable housing across various income levels. It seeks to do this while considering the unique sociocultural and economic contexts of local communities. By reforming zoning and land-use practices, the legislation aims to promote housing opportunities that align with community needs and reduce the barriers that hinder housing development.

Relevant Companies

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