Many towns and cities in Illinois face shortages of homes affordable to nurses, police officers, teachers, firefighters, secretaries, and others who provide vital community services and help drive the local economy. This shortage can hinder economic development, increase traffic congestion, and limit opportunities for hard-working residents and their children.
Unfortunately, local barriers such as restrictive zoning ordinances, long permit processes, or community opposition from a vocal minority of residents and a lack of planning can contribute to the Chicago region’s shortage of affordable housing.
A 2002 BPI survey of Chicago area developers and homebuilders identified a number of regulatory barriers that impede the development of affordable housing, including:
- Length of the approval process
- Large minimum lot size requirements
- Low density requirements
- Lack of land zoned for multi-family housing
In 2003, BPI spearheaded the effort to pass the Illinois Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, an effort to reduce the barriers that prevent the creation and preservation of affordable housing.
More Information on State Policy Initiatives:
|
