The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently launched the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse, www.regbarriers.org, in an effort to create more affordable housing opportunities. The Web-based forum offers builders and developers from around the country the ability to share ideas and solutions for overcoming state and local regulatory barriers to affordable housing.
Users can search the database by state, by the published date of an entry, by entering a keyword, or by searching the 10 barrier categories:
• administrative processes and streamlining
• building and housing codes
• fair housing and neighborhood de-concentration
• fees and dedications (impact fees and permit costs)
• planning and growth restrictions
• redevelopment or “infill”
• rent controls
• state, local environmental and historic preservation regulations and enforcement process
• tax policies, and
• zoning, land development, construction, and subdivision regulations.
The clearinghouse supports state and local governments, builders, and other organizations seeking information about laws, regulations and policies affecting the development, maintenance, improvement, availability and cost of affordable housing.
Services offered by the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse include:
• a searchable database of publications, local laws, regulations, policies, and plans that identifies problem areas and offers possible solutions based on real-world experiences
• a toll-free number (800-245-2691, option 4) staffed by housing professionals familiar with regulatory barrier issues and the clearinghouse collection
• a listserve wherein publications and announcements will be e-mailed to keep interested constituents informed
• a submission section that enables practitioners to share their experiences in identifying — and overcoming — the regulatory barriers to affordable housing
• an electronic newsletter that highlights successful barrier-removal strategies and policies, including a brief list of sources for further information and
• a discussion board (in development) that will facilitate information sharing in the context of an on-line community.
(More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov.)
