Housing Supply Frameworks Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
- Committees
- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 3, 2025
Bottom line
The federal government seeks to assist state and local efforts to reform zoning regulations by providing guidelines and best practices to address the national housing shortage and improve affordability.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, to publish guidelines and best practices for State and local zoning frameworks. The goal is to support the production of adequate housing to meet community needs and provide housing opportunities across all income levels. It also establishes a task force for consultation and outlines specific recommendations for zoning reforms.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill directly addresses the critical national housing shortage by providing much-needed federal guidance and resources to state and local governments. They contend that by identifying and promoting best practices for zoning reform, the bill will help reduce regulatory barriers, streamline development, and ultimately increase the supply of affordable housing for all income levels, fostering economic opportunity and reducing cost burdens.
Opponents contend
Opponents might express concerns that the bill represents an overreach of federal authority into traditionally local land use decisions, even if framed as 'guidelines.' They may argue that a 'one-size-fits-all' federal approach may not adequately account for the diverse needs and unique characteristics of individual communities, potentially leading to unintended consequences or undermining local democratic processes.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for a thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on Housing Shortage and Regulatory Barriers
This section outlines Congress's findings, stating that as of 2022, there was an estimated housing shortage of 3.85 million homes in the United States, leading to a record number of cost-burdened households. It identifies regulatory barriers at the State and local levels, such as zoning and land use regulations, as significant contributors to this undersupply, particularly for workforce housing. Congress asserts that zoning ordinances restricting housing opportunities based on economic status without substantial, legitimate, and nondiscriminatory interests are contrary to regional and national interests.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these findings establish a clear federal interest and justification for the bill's actions, highlighting the urgency of the housing crisis and the significant role of regulatory barriers in exacerbating it. This foundational section frames the problem and the necessity of the proposed solutions.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while the housing shortage is a real concern, the emphasis on regulatory barriers might oversimplify the issue or disproportionately attribute blame, potentially overlooking other contributing factors like construction costs or labor shortages. Some may also view the assertion about zoning restricting housing opportunities as an overreach into local autonomy.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between acknowledging a national housing crisis and respecting the traditional local control over land use policy, by framing local regulations as a national concern when they impede housing opportunities.
Section 4(a)
Establishment of Guidelines and Best Practices for Zoning Frameworks
This section directs the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish, within three years of enactment, documents outlining guidelines and best practices. These guidelines are intended to support the production of adequate housing to meet community needs and provide housing opportunities for individuals at every income level, specifically addressing both State and local zoning frameworks.
Section 4(b)
Stakeholder Consultation and Public Comment Process
This section mandates a robust consultation process during the two-year period following enactment for developing the guidelines. It requires the Assistant Secretary to publish draft guidelines in the Federal Register for public comment. Additionally, it establishes a task force composed of a broad range of stakeholders, including planners, architects, affordable housing advocates, community development experts, fair housing advocates, housing developers (affordable, market-rate, manufactured), community engagement experts, public housing and transit authorities, local and state officials, academic researchers, and home builders, to provide consultation on the draft guidelines.
Section 4(c)
Detailed Content Recommendations for Zoning Reforms
This section specifies the detailed content that the guidelines and best practices must include. Key recommendations cover reducing or eliminating parking minimums, increasing maximum floor area ratios and building heights, reducing minimum lot sizes and setback requirements, eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and increasing by-right uses for multi-family dwellings (duplex, triplex, quadplex). It also includes provisions for streamlining development review, reducing obstacles to diverse housing types (including manufactured housing), encouraging transit-oriented development, reforming public engagement processes, standardizing or eliminating impact fees, and mechanisms to preserve affordability and prevent displacement. Specific models for State zoning appeals processes and guidance on the disposition of government-owned land for affordable housing are also required.
Section 6
Abolishment of Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse
This section formally abolishes the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse, which was established pursuant to section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d). It also repeals the statutory section that authorized its existence.
Section 7
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030. These funds are designated to carry out the provisions of this Act, including the development of guidelines, establishment of the task force, and reporting requirements.