SOLUTIONS TO TACKLE THE HOUSING SHORTAGE: CONSTRUCTION | DESIGN | POLICIES
The demand for rental housing continues to outpace supply across the U.S., driving up costs and limiting options for residents. To address this crisis, industry leaders are embracing innovative design, construction, and policy solutions to create more efficient, affordable, and sustainable housing.
ACTIONS
?? Adaptive Reuse & Modular Construction – Converting underutilized buildings and using prefab construction speeds up development and reduces costs.
?? Zoning & Policy Reforms – Cities are revisiting zoning laws to allow for higher-density housing, ADUs, mixed-use developments, and office-to-residential conversions.
?? Smart Space Utilization – Designing more efficient units and integrating shared amenities helps maximize available space without sacrificing quality.
?? Sustainable Building Practices – Green construction methods lower costs, and create healthier, energy-efficient living environments.
RETHINKING PARKING POLICIES TO HELP SOLVE THE HOUSING SHORTAGE
As cities across the U.S. struggle with housing shortages, outdated parking requirements and local municipal restrictions are adding unnecessary barriers to new developments—especially in dense urban areas.
HERE'S WHY IT'S TIME FOR A SHIFT - PARKING STATUS & SOLUTIONS:
?? High Costs & Reduced Housing Supply:
Mandated parking minimums drive up construction costs, often making projects financially unfeasible or reducing the number of housing units built.
?? Underutilized Space:
Many cities are finding that traditional parking ratios result in empty spaces, wasting valuable land that could be used for housing or community amenities.
?? Smarter Zoning Policies:
Cities are eliminating or reducing parking minimums. There shouldn't be "slash and burn" regulations that just eliminate parking for the sake of it. Policies and building departments should allow developers to prioritize housing and their tenants' needs by encouraging them to incorporate Smart Parking Solutions, have walkable communities, and proximity to public transportation.
?? Removing Restrictions for Automated Parking Systems & Stackers:
Provides developers with a workable solution for their tenants parking needs. Architects can incorporate this amenity while utilizing saved space for higher uses for their projects. This creates more livable, people-focused communities.
??? People have cars and they want to be able to park them.
Compact #automated parking #systems & #stackers help to reduce construction costs, optimize space, reduce the parking area footprint, improve the overall project development, and maintain convenience for residents.
KLAUS Multiparking America Inc. provides turnkey installations for a range of mechanical and automatic parking systems. Their state-of-the-art solutions maximize space utilization, enhance urban & suburban living, and add project value. Visit: https://us.multiparking.com/
Creative, practical solutions like modular construction and adaptive reuse are key to tackling the housing crisis. Rethinking outdated parking policies and embracing automated systems can help maximize space without sacrificing convenience. It’s time for cities to prioritize smarter, people-first development!?