The Effect of Zoning Regulations and Exclusionary Zoning in Palo Alto

Public project summary

The research addresses the alarming surge in the American housing market, attributing the issue to restrictive state and local policies hindering the development of multi-family homes. Zoning regulations, identified as a major contributor to rising housing costs, not only limit housing supply but also perpetuate discriminatory practices, particularly against lower-income and minority communities. The literature review underscores the widespread impact of zoning regulations on housing affordability, exemplified by the housing crisis in cities like Seattle. Proposed solutions include policies such as California's SB 9, aiming to increase housing units, and the removal of zoning restrictions. The research methodology involves a survey in Palo Alto, utilizing quantitative methods to analyze the correlation between zoning regulations, housing prices, and residents' opinions, with the ultimate goal of advocating for impactful policy changes on a broader scale.