Urban planners play a crucial role in shaping how cities develop by using zoning and master plans to balance housing needs with transport and infrastructure requirements. This post introduces a unique methodology, developed in collaboration with YIMBY Melbourne, to measure the impact of restrictive zoning on housing supply in cities. The analysis reveals that zoning can significantly distort the value of land, restricting the construction of apartments in desirable areas. By quantifying the costs of restrictive zoning, planners can make more informed decisions about housing targets and zoning regulations. Broad-based upzoning could lead to increased housing supply and greater housing choice, albeit at the expense of some aesthetic control.
https://www.blog.jonathannolan.net/p/how-to-measure-the-impact-of-zoning