Reforming State Housing Permits

Delays and uncertainty in the approval process for proposed housing developments reduce overall housing production. The resulting cost increases are passed on to consumers. Even as state and local governments pursue land use reforms, many projects are mired in procedural swamps.

Housing Streamlining

Because each state has different permitting bottlenecks, the Mercatus Center has initiated a series of Policy Briefs on state-specific reforms. For each state, we’ve partnered with a local land use expert to conduct dozens of interviews with developers, lawyers, government officials, and scholars from different geographic areas. 

The resulting recommendations provide a roadmap for policymakers eager to increase the housing supply. By reducing uncertainty and removing roadblocks in the permitting process, policymakers can provide more housing opportunities in their communities.

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Connecticut

Charles Gardner

Environmental regulations and vague statutes stand in the way of housing production in the Constitution State

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Florida

Charles Gardner and Jacob T. Cremer

Standardized procedures and by-right approvals can increase housing in Florida

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Maryland

Salim Furth and Tom Coale

Reforming public participation and robust housing tracking can reduce the shortage of housing in Maryland

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Massachusetts

Salim Furth and Andrew Mikula

Site plan review and development rights stand in the way of housing production in the Bay State

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Tennessee

Charles Gardner and George Dean

The Volunteer State can meet housing demand by clarifying its appeals process

Policy Brief

How to Streamline Housing Permitting in Virginia

Salim Furth, Lyle Solla-Yates, and Charles Gardner

Reforming the proffer system will help build more housing in the Old Dominion

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Media and Government Relations
Contact Us

Mercatus scholars regularly brief staff at the federal, state, and local levels. To schedule a meeting, please email Jessica Paska.

If you'd like to connect with a scholar for a news story, please email our media team at [email protected] or call (703) 993-4881.