For years, restrictive zoning and outdated regulations slowed down development. But now we’re seeing real reforms that actually help move projects forward — especially in my world of retail, hospitality, multifamily, and assisted living.
California:
- AB 2097 (2022): Eliminated parking minimums near transit. That cuts unnecessary costs on infill sites and makes mixed-use + multifamily projects easier to pencil.
- SB 9 (2021 HOME Act): Allows up to 4 units on single-family lots. Opens up new opportunities for small-scale multifamily and assisted living in established neighborhoods.
- SB 684 / SB 1123 (2023–2024): Streamlines small subdivisions and infill approvals. Faster entitlement = faster delivery.
Oregon:
- Middle Housing Reform (2019, implemented 2022): Effectively ended single-family-only zoning in most cities over 10,000. Duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes now permitted where they weren’t before.
- HB 2003 (2019): Requires cities to analyze housing needs and plan for production. That means local governments have to zone for the demand that exists — not the demand they wish existed.
Why it matters:
- Fewer forced parking stalls = lower project costs.
- More by-right housing = more viable sites for infill and redevelopment.
- Streamlined approvals = less risk, more velocity.
- Local governments being required to plan realistically = more alignment between policy and market demand.
Takeaway: These aren’t abstract reforms. They change the site selection math today — creating opportunities for builders like me to deliver the housing, retail, hospitality, and assisted living communities people actually need. This is a good start, let us continue with common sense governance that protects our future and allows our present
#SiteSelection #Redevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #Development #Construction #PolicyReform #Multifamily #AssistedLiving