Developers and Housing Advocates Debate Lot Sizes and Housing Affordability
Considering the housing crisis in Dallas that has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of this decade, developers and housing advocates are having more and more conversations about how we are using space. One of these conversations we often discuss is regarding lot size for townhomes, apartments, and single-family homes. Should lot sizes be increased or decreased to make housing more affordable?
This discussion touches on issues of density, community character, sustainability, and economic feasibility. Will changing lots, change a LOT more, in a negative way? DCH explores.
Smaller Lot Sizes and Bigger Affordability
Housing advocates make the case that smaller lot sizes are a key to making housing more affordable. There are a few reasons for this. First, smaller lots accommodate more homes within a given area and increase the housing supply. The increase in supply can help alleviate housing pressure, reduce pricing, and make housing more accessible to a range of buyers. It is also an efficient use of land, where pricing is at a premium. Higher-density living is said to promote a more sustainable lifestyle by encouraging public transportation and fostering walkable communities and shared amenities.
Large Lot Sizes Larger Property Values
Those looking to keep large lot sizes have different priorities. Where density is increased there is a concern of crowding or congestions. There is also still considerable demand for the single-family home with a large lot, and property values of larger homes are retained. Is there a middle ground in lot size? There are several ways to find compromises and seek solutions. Mixed-use zoning, incentives, and growth policies are each vehicles that show promise.
Mixed-use zoning accommodates various housing types within a single neighborhood, and this approach can blend higher-density housing with single-family homes.
Incentive Programs: Governments have tools to incentivize developers to build on smaller lots and create mixed-income communities. Incentive structures can include tax breaks, grants, or relaxed zoning regulations.
Growth Policies: Adopting growth policies that strategically place importance on sustainable development, transportation options, and green spaces helps create more affordable as well as livable communities.
The debate over lot sizes does not have people seeing eye to eye, but we all agree that housing solutions are going to require a lot of talking and creative solutions. Community engagement is critical as well for determining how lots are divided and developed. Understanding community context and goals works towards solutions that can increase affordability, sustainability, and quality of life. We would love to hear from you, what solutions are you seeing?