• Statewide code reform is a good idea

    Although zoning was adopted locally, state legislation is helping to revise community land-use codes for the 21st Century.
    Many states—Oregon, California, Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont—have either adopted or are moving forward with legislation that loosens the restrictions on “missing middle housing”—defined as small multifamily units that are similar in scale and compatible alongside single-family dwellings. State...Read more

  • Golden State joins code reform movement

    Enabling missing middle housing and compact neighborhoods are at the heart of land-use reforms in many states and cities.
    California is the latest state to move forward with legislation that will promote more “missing middle housing” on what are now single-family lots throughout the state. The missing middle consists of various low-rise multifamily dwellings that are compatible with, and resemble, single-family homes...Read more

  • CNU takes code reform to New Hampshire

    Following a recent code reform partnership with the State of Vermont culminating in a report and legislative initiatives , CNU has embarked on a similar project in New Hampshire, working with the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. The first stakeholder meeting took place in early August. New...Read more

  • State moves forward with zoning reform

    A bill moving through Vermont legislature adopts key zoning reform measures for walkable communities, even as the state recently completed a report with CNU on incremental changes to land use laws.
    Like many states, Vermont has many communities with outdated zoning that worsen housing affordability problems. The median price of a house in Vermont has risen rapidly since 2016 and now is $261,000, according to Zillow. The state recently worked with CNU on a how-to guide on zoning reform ...Read more