S.Amdt. 4329

SA 4329, also known as the Housing Supply Frameworks Act, aims to address the housing supply shortage in the United States by providing Federal support and guidance to State and local governments to help them reform regulatory barriers, such as zoning and land use regulations.

The amendment proposes to add the following to the bill:

• Guidelines and Best Practices: The Assistant Secretary must publish guidelines to support the production of adequate housing. These guidelines will cover state and local zoning frameworks and include recommendations such as:

  • Reducing or eliminating parking minimums.
  • Increasing building heights and maximum floor area ratios.
  • Eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units.
  • Increasing "by-right" uses for duplex, triplex, or quadplex buildings.
  • Streamlining review processes and reducing regulatory obstacles for various housing types and sizes.
  • Promoting transit-oriented development.
  • Creating models for community benefit agreements and preserving affordability to prevent displacement.

• Consultation and Development: The Assistant Secretary must develop these guidelines over a two-year period, utilizing a task force that includes architects, developers, community members, public housing authorities, State officials, and academic researchers, as well as taking public comments.

• Accountability and Reporting:

  • The Assistant Secretary must submit an initial report to Congress five years after the guidelines are published, followed by biennial monitoring reports to track which States and localities adopted the recommendations.
  • The Comptroller General must submit a report within 18 months investigating barriers to housing supply, including shortages for seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities.

• Regulatory Changes: The amendment abolishes the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992.

• Limitations: The amendment specifies that the Department of Housing and Urban Development cannot take adverse action against any State or locality that chooses not to adopt these guidelines.