Red-state lawmakers are pushing legislation to reduce regulatory barriers to building more residential housing amid cost-of-living concerns, mirroring efforts underway in blue-state legislatures.
Republican state policymakers, especially in fast-growing Sunbelt states, say population growth is forcing them to find new ways to speed up housing construction. Florida GOP lawmakers are spearheading legislation that would require local governments to allow homeowners to build “granny units” — accessory dwelling units or smaller, independent homes on the same property as a single-family residence. An Arizona Republican has sponsored a measure that would provide fast-track permitting for workforce housing projects, hoping to find common ...