This article was originally published on ReZone, now part of Shovels. ReZone AI tracks real estate-related city decisions nationwide.
- Upzoning for Housing in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids upzoned a large stretch—30 acres—of their riverfront from light industrial to allow for multifamily development. Under the new regime, buildings can go up to 10 stories by-right or 20 stories with special approval. City leaders also teased that they are “expected to consider several more zoning changes aimed at creating more affordable housing” in March 2024.
Why it matters: This is part of a broader pattern of Rust Best cities reclaiming their waterfronts from industrial use for housing, retail, recreation, and walkability.
- Development Fee Waiver in SoMa, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is in the process of extending Caltrain from its current terminus at 4th and King to the new Transbay Transit Center closer to downtown. As part of that construction process, the City is looking to encourage housing construction along the new transit corridor. Therefore, they are waiving some fees for new projects.
Why it matters: Despite high rents, San Francisco has seen a dramatic decline in new permits and multifamily starts. This is a step—albeit a small one—to encourage more new housing construction in the city.
- Upzoning in Cleveland, OH
Seeking to spark development on the City’s west side, Cleveland is rezoning a large area bordering a rapid transit line, removing legacy industrial zoning and height restrictions to allow walkable multifamily development.
Why it matters: Like many post-industrial cities, Cleveland is over-zoned for industrial use and lacks appropriate zoning for high-density, walkable neighborhoods outside of the urban core. This is a step toward encouraging that kind of development.
- Upzoning in Columbia, MO
After last month’s crackdown on STRs, Columbia, Missouri rezoned 25 acres from low density—agriculture and one-family dwellings—to multifamily and mixed use. Currently, this area is mostly forest land bordering the Columbia Mall.
Why it matters: It’s notable that this small city—halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis—chose to upzone this greenfield area to mixed-use and multifamily rather than simply embrace more single-family development.
—The Rezone Team