Bill > HR2840

This bill aims to address the national housing shortage by directing the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop comprehensive guidelines and best practices for state and local zoning frameworks within three years. The bill recognizes the significant housing supply shortage of approximately 3.85 million homes and identifies various barriers to housing development, including regulatory obstacles at state and local levels. The guidelines will cover a wide range of topics such as reducing parking minimums, increasing building height allowances, eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units, streamlining development review processes, and promoting transit-oriented development. The Assistant Secretary must consult with a diverse task force including planners, housing advocates, developers, community members, and researchers to draft these guidelines. The bill requires public comment and will produce recommendations that balance housing needs across different income levels and community types. After publication, HUD will report to Congress within five years on how states and localities have adopted these recommendations. The bill also abolishes the existing Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse and authorizes $3 million in funding annually from 2026 to 2030 to support the initiative's implementation. Importantly, the guidelines are designed to be advisory and respectful of local government autonomy while providing supportive resources to address housing supply challenges.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2840/all-info