H.R.2840 - Housing Supply Frameworks Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2840, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act, directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish guidelines and best practices for state and local zoning frameworks. This is aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability. The bill also abolishes the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to reduce regulatory barriers to housing development by providing models for updated state enabling legislation and local zoning regulations. This could lead to increased housing construction, reduced housing costs, and greater housing opportunities across income levels. The guidelines will address issues such as parking minimums, building heights, accessory dwelling units, and transit-oriented development.
Potential Benefits
- Increased housing supply, potentially leading to lower housing costs.
- Greater housing opportunities for individuals at all income levels.
- Streamlined zoning and development processes, reducing uncertainty for developers.
- Encouragement of transit-oriented development, promoting sustainable communities.
- Support for state and local governments in reforming regulatory barriers to housing.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences from standardized zoning guidelines that may not fit all communities.
- Possible resistance from local communities concerned about changes to zoning regulations.
- The effectiveness of the guidelines depends on voluntary adoption by states and localities.
- Increased density could strain existing infrastructure in some areas.
- The Act's reliance on federal guidelines might be seen as an overreach into local control.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's focus on housing and land use regulations primarily falls under the purview of state and local governments. However, the federal government's role in providing guidance and financial support can be justified under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act also addresses potential restrictions on housing opportunities based on economic status, which could be argued to align with the principles of equal protection, although this is not explicitly mentioned in the 14th amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).