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Housing affordability and environmental sustainability are at the forefront of the housing debate. A key factor influencing housing costs is both the size of residential lots and the density of housing developments. As suburban municipalities lean toward larger lot requirements and lower-density zoning, it’s critical to address these policies’ cascading effects on housing costs, infrastructure, and the environment. 

The True Cost of Larger Lot Sizes

Larger lot sizes are often viewed as desirable for privacy and space, but they come with significant trade-offs:

  1. Increased Infrastructure Costs
    Larger lots spread homes farther apart, requiring longer roads, utility lines, and sewer systems to connect each property. This drives up infrastructure costs, which are ultimately passed on to homebuyers. For municipalities, it means higher maintenance expenses over time, putting additional strain on local budgets.
  2. Urban Sprawl and Reduced Natural Land
    Larger lot sizes push development farther outward, consuming more natural land and contributing to urban sprawl. As green spaces and farmland are replaced by sprawling developments, ecosystems are disrupted, and the character of communities shifts.
  3. Environmental Impact
    Sprawling development increases reliance on cars as homes are built farther from job centers and amenities. Longer commutes lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating air pollution and climate change. Additionally, the large impermeable surfaces required for roads and driveways contribute to stormwater runoff and strain on water management systems.
  4. Higher Housing Costs and Lower Supply
    By requiring larger lots, suburban municipalities limit the number of homes that can be built in a given area. This restriction reduces housing supply, driving up prices and making it more difficult for families to find affordable homes. Lower densities also restrict opportunities for a mix of housing types, such as townhomes or duplexes, further limiting options for diverse income levels.

The Case for Smaller Lots and Higher Densities

Smaller lot sizes and greater housing density can alleviate these issues:

  • Improved Affordability: Denser developments allow more homes to be built on the same amount of land, increasing supply and reducing per-unit costs.
  • Sustainable Growth: Compact communities use land more efficiently, preserving natural areas and reducing urban sprawl.
  • Lower Infrastructure Costs: Shorter roads and utility lines reduce construction and maintenance expenses, benefiting municipalities and developers alike.
  • Environmental Benefits: Denser developments encourage walkability and shorter commutes, leading to lower emissions and healthier lifestyles.

Collaboration Between Local Governments and Developers

Solving this issue requires collaboration between municipal governments and developers. Local zoning policies, like the recent Zone-In Columbus revisions, should be re-evaluated to permit higher densities and smaller lots, particularly in suburban areas where large-lot zoning is prevalent. Developers can contribute by designing attractive, efficient housing options that meet community needs while maximizing land use.

Public-private partnerships can also play a role. Municipalities could incentivize developers to build higher-density housing by reducing permit fees, streamlining approval processes, or offering tax breaks for projects that align with smart growth principles.

The Suburban Challenge

This issue is most pressing in suburban municipalities, which often mandate large lots as part of their zoning codes. These requirements may have originated from a desire to maintain a suburban aesthetic, but they now pose a barrier to housing affordability and environmental sustainability. Reforming these codes to allow smaller lots and greater densities is essential for creating livable, inclusive communities.

Moving Forward

The BIA of Central Ohio supports smaller lot sizes and higher densities to solve housing affordability and environmental challenges. By embracing zoning reform, we can increase housing supply, reduce costs, and minimize the negative impacts of sprawl.

Developers and homebuyers alike should understand the implications of current lot size policies. Together, we can advocate for more thoughtful development practices that benefit people and the planet.

Smaller lots mean more affordable homes and a brighter, more sustainable future for central Ohio.

Note: This is part 3 of 5 of the BIA of Central Ohio’s Housing Crisis Solutions

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