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Housing Choice Task Force

The Housing Choice Task Force released the final report and executive summary.

In December, 2024, the APA-NC Executive Committee authorized a Housing Choice Task Force, to be chaired by Raleigh Planning and Development Director Patrick (Pat) Young, to work to:

  1. Identify impediments to and opportunities for housing choice in North Carolina, including an assessment of local zoning reform efforts; and
  2. Assess best practices from Statewide Zoning Reform efforts across the Country, including engagement with National APA who has been heavily involved in this issue; and
  3. Work with the APA-NC Executive Committee and membership to get feedback on support for housing choice and zoning reform efforts; and
  4. Coordinate with the APA-NC Legislative Committee to recommend actions to increase housing choice, if supported by the APA-NC Executive Committee; and
  5. Work with the APA-NC Executive Committee to produce a report and recommendations including all of the above, along with any other agreed-to policy recommendations.

Two subcommittees were formed.

Subcommittee 1: Identify impediments to and opportunities for housing choice in North Carolina, including an assessment of local zoning reform efforts (focus on engagement with peer organizations and on identifying impediments and opportunities)

Subcommittee 2: Access best practices from local and Statewide Zoning Reform efforts across the Country, including engagement with National APA who has been heavily involved in this issue (focus on local and national examples/best practices and possible recommended policies/actions)

Based on input from planners and other stakeholders across the state, the Housing Choice Task Force recommends a number of state and local initiatives to address housing needs. The following state level actions are recommended:

  • Increased support for affordable housing, through direct State action (e.g.: grants, housing trust funds, or tax credit programs) or through allowing local government to impose carefully constructed impact fees on new development.
  • Allow multi-family housing development, at a minimum of 6 units an acre, anywhere commercial development is allowed Statewide where public water and sewer utilities exist.
  • Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) anywhere single-family housing is allowed Statewide and water and sewer utilities exist.
  • Review infrastructure and building code standards at the state level and consider revisions that remove barriers to housing while maintaining safety.

The following local actions are recommended:

  • Asses local housing needs and priorities, to provide a factual basis for support for further action on housing needs. Understanding the needs of the local community can be key to determining actions that best fit that specific locality.
  • Review and enact process improvements, including authorization for more administrative approvals, which can make assessments more consistent and reduce time spent in the approvals process.
  • Make changes to local ordinances to support more housing types in residential districts, including ADUs and missing middle housing.
  • Review infrastructure and engineering standards for efficiencies and opportunities to reduce upfront construction and ongoing maintenance costs.
  • Explore public private partnerships and local funding initiatives for both infrastructure and housing.

These recommendations are under review by the APA-NC Executive Committee and will be considered for inclusion into a future APA-NC Legislative Platform. APA-NC members stand ready to work with other stakeholders to refine details of state and local actions to address housing issues across the state.

About Housing Choice and Zoning Reform

Over the past several years, 25 states across the U.S. [source: map on in this article, plus efforts in Nebraska and Hawaii, 25 states], including North Carolina, have adopted or considered statewide zoning reform efforts to promote Housing Choice. These efforts support greater housing affordability and availability in our communities.

“Housing choice” refers to the ample availability of a wide range of housing types across all communities, to ensure that individuals and families can select housing that best suits their needs, income and circumstances. Housing choice contributes to community stability, improved quality of life, access to better neighborhoods with greater opportunities, and ultimately, increased economic mobility, particularly for low-income populations.

“Zoning reform” focuses on statewide changes to local zoning ordinances that increase housing choice. Examples include allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or duplexes anywhere single-family structures are allowed, creating incentives for greater density near transit service and reducing or eliminating parking minimums.

Please contact Pat Young , Jake Petrosky, or Alyssa Halle-Schramm if you have any questions.