These 6 Code Reforms Will Bring More Housing to Your City
Mar 3, 2025
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Seth Zeren, a neighborhood real estate developer from Providence, Rhode Island, joins the discussion on housing challenges and code reform. He offers insights on six crucial code reforms aimed at increasing housing accessibility. Zeren highlights the importance of streamlined regulations and the need for innovative housing strategies, such as duplex conversions and ADUs. They critique outdated zoning laws and advocate for collaboration between planners and developers to enhance urban planning outcomes. Providence's unique urban landscape also serves as a backdrop to the conversation.
The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for local zoning code reforms to facilitate more effective housing development solutions in communities.
Seth Zarin shares his experiences in urban housing development, highlighting the importance of connecting with community history and residents' needs.
Streamlining the permitting process to approve housing developments swiftly can significantly enhance local government responsiveness and mitigate the housing crisis.
Deep dives
The Strongest Town Contest
A bracketed tournament called the Strongest Town Contest is currently underway, inviting residents to vote for the town that best exemplifies the Strong Towns approach. This contest features 16 contestants from various regions in North America, allowing citizens to engage in a meaningful discussion about urban development and the unique characteristics of their communities. By encouraging public participation, the contest aims to highlight towns that prioritize sustainable practices, community engagement, and local resilience. The initiative underscores the importance of grassroots involvement in shaping the future of towns across the continent.
Addressing the Housing Problem
The podcast delves into the significant housing challenges facing communities throughout North America, emphasizing the need for local solutions. It introduces three major concepts to tackle these issues: reforming the regulatory process, facilitating incremental development, and financing entry-level housing units. Each concept aims to break down the complexities of housing development, making it easier for local developers to contribute and create housing solutions. The discussion reflects the urgency of addressing the housing crisis at a more granular level, where tangible actions can yield meaningful results.
Seth Zarin's Role as an Incremental Developer
Seth Zarin, an experienced neighborhood real estate developer from Providence, Rhode Island, shares insights about his daily work and the challenges of developing homes in urban spaces. With a decade of experience in the field, Zarin discusses diverse projects, including the rehabilitation of old buildings into residential spaces and new construction for multifamily units. He highlights a recent discovery during a renovation involving a newspaper from 1892, emphasizing the cultural and historical layers present in many properties. This narrative not only illustrates the nuances of urban development but also underscores the deep connection developers have to the communities they serve.
Toolkit for Housing Readiness
The podcast introduces a toolkit designed to help cities become more 'housing ready' through a set of six recommended policies. These policies include allowing single-family homes to be converted into duplexes or triplexes without extensive regulatory barriers, and promoting the construction of backyard cottages in all residential zones. By simplifying these regulations, municipalities can unlock additional avenues for housing development, attracting incremental developers like Zarin. The discussion emphasizes that these changes can leverage existing resources and increase the overall housing supply in a way that respects community character.
The Importance of Streamlining Approval Processes
A critical focus of the conversation is the need to streamline permitting and approval processes to facilitate housing development. The suggestion is made for municipalities to adopt a goal of approving permits within a 24-hour timeframe, a stark contrast to the much longer timelines often seen elsewhere. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also encourages local governments to reassess their regulations and workflows, fostering a culture of responsiveness and accountability. By minimizing red tape, cities can accelerate housing initiatives and support developers in their projects, ultimately addressing the housing crisis more effectively.
In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck talks about housing development and zoning code reform with Seth Zeren, a neighborhood real estate developer in Providence, Rhode Island. They dive into the six code reforms recommended in “The Housing-Ready City: A Toolkit for Local Code Reform,” covering why they’re important and how they help developers, residents and cities.