Works in Progress Podcast Samuel Hughes on The Great Downzoning
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Jun 27, 2025 Samuel Hughes, a writer focused on urban planning and housing policy, delves into the historical shift known as The Great Downzoning. He discusses how cities once allowed more freedom for building, only to see restrictions tighten in the early 20th century. Hughes explores the repercussions of this change on suburban developments, highlighting the impacts of zoning laws and rent control. He argues for necessary reforms like upzoning to address today's housing shortages and emphasizes the need to balance urban density with community aesthetics.
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The Great Downzoning Defined
- The Great Downzoning froze suburban neighborhoods in low density through regulations since the late 19th century.
- This novel historical process stopped suburbs from growing upwards and preserved their low-density character.
Private Then Public Downzoning
- Private sector downzoning via covenants began in the 17th and 18th centuries to preserve elite suburbs.
- Public zoning by states spread later, mainly in German-speaking countries first, before wider adoption.
West End as Elite Covenanted Suburb
- The West End of London started as an elite, low-density residential area from the 17th century with strict covenants.
- Covenants restricted uses, tenants class, building types, and even finer details to preserve the area's exclusivity.