Source: Independent Institute
by Christopher J Calton
“In recent years, a growing number of states have begun to allow residential construction in commercial zones in an effort to lower rising housing costs. Since 2023, six states — California, Florida, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Texas — have passed laws requiring local governments to permit multifamily and mixed-use developments in commercial zones (and in some cases, industrial zones). Other states have adopted more modest reforms to allow commercial-to-residential conversions. The trend encouraging residential construction in nonresidential zones resembles an early model of zoning known as ‘hierarchical zoning.’ With the country facing rising housing costs and an unprecedented shortage of multifamily homes, it may be time to bring hierarchical zoning back to America’s cities.” [editor’s note: Better yet, ELIMINATE zoning! – TLK] (04/13/26)
https://www.independent.org/article/2026/04/13/hierarchical-zoning/