Another story – again in the Wall Street Journal, again sparked by work from the Sightline Institute – that explores a trend initiated in Vancouver:
Cities across the U.S. and Canada are liberalizing their zoning codes to allow multiple dwellings on a single lot. Planners like these “accessory units” because they steer growth to developed land and infrastructure, reducing the cost of city services. Such housing can allow seniors to live near their children. And the dwellings are smaller and cheaper—helping cities create more affordable housing.
Few cities have gone as far as Vancouver, which has seen real-estate prices soar after an influx of domestic and foreign buyers. In many U.S. cities, citizens might not tolerate changing the rules to boost population density. But other places, including those with high real-estate prices and housing shortages, are encouraging accessory units despite resistance from some residents.
Story here. Along with a video by the reporter, Conor Dougherty.
http://members.shaw.ca/aguaflor/St.lawrence.center/st.lawrence.center.toronto.html