LAF codes have all the existing cities and districts on their boards. They decide, do we want a new one and they say no we don't want new competition. By most measures, San Francisco Bay Area is one of the densest in the country. But if you look at the kind of nine county Bay Area, almost 40% of that is grazing and pasture land.
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.