Exclusionary zoning facts for kids

Exclusionary zoning is a way that towns use rules to decide what kinds of houses can be built and where. These rules are called zoning laws. They can sometimes make it hard for certain people, especially families with less money, to live in a community. It's like saying only big, expensive houses can be built, which means smaller, more affordable homes aren't allowed.

What is Exclusionary Zoning?

Exclusionary zoning refers to special rules that towns and cities create about how land can be used. These rules are called zoning laws. They decide things like how big a piece of land must be to build a house, or if apartments are allowed in certain areas.

The word "exclusionary" means keeping something or someone out. So, exclusionary zoning means using these rules to keep certain types of housing, and often certain people, out of a neighborhood or community. These kinds of rules started in the United States a long time ago, in the late 19th century. They are still used in many places today.

How Does it Work?

One common example of exclusionary zoning is a "minimum lot size" rule. This rule says that you can only build a house on a very large piece of land. If a family can only afford a small piece of land, they won't be able to build a house there because of this rule. This makes it harder for families with lower incomes to find a place to live in that community.

Rules That Exclude

Besides minimum lot sizes, other rules can also be exclusionary:

• Limiting apartments: Some areas might only allow single-family homes, meaning no apartments or townhouses can be built. Apartments are often more affordable than houses.
• Large house requirements: Rules might say houses must be a certain large size, making them more expensive to build and buy.
• No small homes: Some rules prevent the building of smaller, more affordable homes like tiny houses or duplexes.
• High parking rules: Requiring many parking spaces can make building apartments or businesses too costly.

Why Does it Matter?

Exclusionary zoning rules can have a big impact on communities and the people who live in them.

Housing Costs

These rules often make housing more expensive. When only large, costly homes can be built, there are fewer affordable places to live. This can make it very hard for families with average or lower incomes to find a home in certain areas.

Community Diversity

When housing is only for wealthy people, communities can become less diverse. People from different backgrounds, jobs, and income levels might not be able to live there. This can lead to neighborhoods where everyone is very similar.

Access to Opportunities

Living in certain areas can mean better access to good schools, jobs, parks, and public transportation. If exclusionary zoning prevents some families from living in these areas, it can limit their opportunities. It means that some people might not be able to live close to where they work or where their children can go to good schools.

Historical Reasons

Historically, some of these zoning laws were used to keep certain racial or ethnic groups out of neighborhoods. While direct racial zoning is now illegal, the effects of past and present exclusionary zoning can still lead to segregation in communities.

What Can Be Done?

Many people believe that changing exclusionary zoning laws is important for creating more fair and open communities.

Ideas for Change

• Allowing more housing types: This means letting builders create apartments, townhouses, and smaller homes in more places.
• Reducing minimum lot sizes: Making it possible to build homes on smaller pieces of land can lower costs.
• Building affordable housing: Encouraging or requiring a certain number of affordable homes in new developments.
• Updating old rules: Reviewing and changing old zoning laws that no longer fit the needs of a modern community.

By making changes to these rules, communities can become more welcoming and affordable for everyone.