The time it takes to get a building approved is probably somewhat similar or worse than it is in say the Bay Area. And I'm not sure that the 40 people who've liked to live in that apartment building and enjoy the amenities we're talking about some of the public goods should be entitled to live there. Most of the evidence is that contemporary zoning is too strict relative to a goal of maximizing land value. It would help do all the things that I talked about and competitive local governments.
Economic historian Judge Glock talks to EconTalk host Russ Roberts about zoning and the housing market. Glock argues the impact on zoning on housing affordability is small and that we should learn to love property taxes as long as they're administered properly. The conversation includes a discussion of the environmental impact of urban sprawl--Glock argues sprawl has certain environmental benefits.