From Exclusive to Inclusive: The evolving single-family zone

From Exclusive to Inclusive: The evolving single-family zone

Since its creation, zoning has been used to create separation – separation of land uses, separation of activities, separation of individuals. This separation has had many benefits for communities, including public health, economic development, and environmental protection, but it has also resulted in patterns of development that exclude some uses and individuals from areas of our communities. Today, many Michigan communities are more racially and economically segregated than at any point in their history. This 1.5-hour webinar for elected and appointed officials, land-use decision makers, and interested residents will explore this history of zoning as a tool for exclusion and introduce tools for creating more inclusive zoning.

Mixed-use development patterns are being applied more frequently in communities to provide variety in housing types and to reinvigorate downtowns. However, the single-family residential zoning district remains a pocket of exclusivity. These exclusive single-family neighborhoods have created challenges for communities in providing housing variety that is affordable for the entire range of community socio-economic levels. Given needs in communities for diversity of housing options, both in type and cost, these single-family residential zones may be areas of opportunity for innovative and inclusive land use strategies.

The webinar will cover:

• History of zoning as a tool of exclusion
• The current state of housing availability and affordability
• Strategies for creating more inclusive zoning including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other modifications to density and dwelling size standards
• Mixed-residential use and design considerations

If you have not yet completed the evaluation, please do so now: https://bit.ly/3Hoo5Lf

MCPs can report their continuing education at: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_393KXRfUlcERw46