Regulatory reform is widely considered an important key in the overall effort to increase the supply and affordability of housing.

 

It's estimated that building a modest house can cost as much as $500,000 today.

 

While the rising price of materials and services are also responsible for this, a significant factor is the expense and delays that are required to meet stringent requirements and regulations. This impacts projects ranging from large developments to renovations by individual homeowners.

 

Despite differences and some controversies over specifics, there is widespread consensus on the need to streamline bureaucratic hurdles and red tape for new housing and rehabilitation of existing properties.

 

Reforms are intended to address excessive or unnecessary regulations and procedures in zoning, building codes and other requirements that proponents say stifle affordable construction and more efficient land-use.

 

One statewide advocacy group is Abundant Housing Massachusetts, a coalition of local community groups and others who

support pro-housing policies.