Okay, so maybe this isn't an entirely definitive guide. But the intent is to make this post a kind of working post. As new ideas emerge (from my end or from your ends), I will endeavor to update it, so that maybe one day it will become a bit more definitive. I also think it's important to keep it a little crazy. Because housing affordability is clearly a tough problem to solve, so unless we start thinking differently and acting boldly, we may not get there.
Here goes.
Encourage new housing at all scales (low, mid, high)
"Upzone" all major streets and transit station areas
Allow multi-unit dwellings in low-rise neighborhoods and ensure that any applicable codes and/or policies are not creating unnecessary obstacles to building at this scale
Work to make the largest possible housing scale permissible on an as-of-right basis -- that is, remove the rezoning process wherever possible and allow builders to go right to a building permit (a lengthy rezoning process can cost millions)
Avoid the use of inclusionary zoning policies that do not provide an equal offset or subsidy (such as a density bonus)
Ensure that any development charges and levies are commensurate with the burdens created by new housing and that existing property owners are funding their fair share through property taxes
Identify the areas that are NOT seeing new housing and then create incentives to make development feasible
Search for underutilized land and other opportunities to add new housing -- no land parcel should be considered too small
Incentivize small-scale prototypes as a way to test out new ideas and foster innovation -- specifically with respect to climate change and construction productivity
Eliminate all parking minimums - no ifs, ands, or buts
Depoliticize the planning process as much as possible -- local politicians are not generally incentivized to encourage new housing
Eliminate the ability for individuals to block or significantly delay new housing
Ensure that there are enough staff to expeditiously review and process development and building permit applications -- if builders are hiring "expediters" in the hopes of moving these things along, it means something is broken
Put in place strict response and issuance timelines for building permits
Bonus city staff (and anyone else who touches housing supply) based on the number of housing units approved and permitted each year
Design smaller and more urban-friendly garbage trucks so that less space is lost in every new housing development
Reduce/eliminate complex urban design guidelines, such as Toronto's widely used 45-degree angular plane guideline
What is missing from this list? And/or what did I get wrong?
Last updated: July 25, 2022