Austin, Texas, has experienced rapid population growth in the past decade, with over 20,000 people moving to the city annually. The city’s vibrant culture, strong job market, and favorable climate have made it a highly desirable place to live. However, with this influx, housing costs have surged, making affordability a growing challenge for residents. One potential solution to address the city’s housing crisis is the implementation of missing middle housing.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
Missing middle housing refers to a range of housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Missing middle housing provides more density than single-family homes but falls short of the high-density urban developments that dominate Austin’s skyline. This housing option can serve a variety of residents, from young families to seniors and low-income earners, offering a more affordable alternative to Austin’s current housing stock.
Limitations of the Existing Land Development Code
Austin’s current land development code favors single-family homes and large apartment buildings, which significantly limits the construction of missing middle housing. The code requires large lot sizes for new developments and places restrictions on the number of homes that can be built on a single lot. As a result, it’s challenging for developers to build smaller, more affordable multi-unit housing, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
Impacts on Affordability
The lack of missing middle housing has intensified Austin’s affordability problem. As the population grows, so does the demand for housing, which in turn drives up prices. Many residents, especially those with lower incomes, are being priced out of the city, forced to move to the outskirts or relocate entirely.
The Missing Middle Housing in Austin: Challenges, Solutions, and the Impact of the HOME Ordinance
Austin, Texas, has experienced rapid population growth in the past decade, with over 20,000 people moving to the city annually. The city’s vibrant culture, strong job market, and favorable climate have made it a highly desirable place to live. However, with this influx, housing costs have surged, making affordability a growing challenge for residents. One potential solution to address the city’s housing crisis is the implementation of missing middle housing.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
Missing middle housing refers to a range of housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Missing middle housing provides more density than single-family homes but falls short of the high-density urban developments that dominate Austin’s skyline. This housing option can serve a variety of residents, from young families to seniors and low-income earners, offering a more affordable alternative to Austin’s current housing stock.
Limitations of the Existing Land Development Code
Austin’s current land development code favors single-family homes and large apartment buildings, which significantly limits the construction of missing middle housing. The code requires large lot sizes for new developments and places restrictions on the number of homes that can be built on a single lot. As a result, it’s challenging for developers to build smaller, more affordable multi-unit housing, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
Impacts on Affordability
The lack of missing middle housing has intensified Austin’s affordability problem. As the population grows, so does the demand for housing, which in turn drives up prices. Many residents, especially those with lower incomes, are being priced out of the city, forced to move to the outskirts or relocate entirely.
A Step in the Right Direction: The HOME Ordinance
In response to the mounting housing crisis, Austin’s City Council recently passed the HOME Ordinance. This significant piece of legislation is designed to tackle the shortage of affordable housing by easing restrictions on the construction of missing middle housing. The ordinance includes reforms to Austin’s land development code that allow for smaller lot sizes, increase the number of homes that can be built on a single lot, and streamline the permitting process for ADUs.
The passage of the HOME Ordinance marks a pivotal moment in Austin’s efforts to address housing affordability. By removing barriers to building missing middle housing, the city is taking concrete steps toward increasing the supply of affordable homes for middle-income earners.
What Else Can Be Done to Promote Density and Affordability?
While the HOME Ordinance is a positive step, more can be done to address Austin’s housing shortage. The city can provide additional financial incentives for developers to build missing middle housing, such as tax breaks, fee waivers, and density bonuses. These incentives can make it more attractive for developers to invest in affordable housing projects. Additionally, expanding public awareness about missing middle housing and its benefits can help garner broader support for these types of developments.
Conclusion
Austin’s lack of missing middle housing has created an affordability crisis that affects residents across the income spectrum. The HOME Ordinance is a significant step in addressing these challenges, providing a pathway to more affordable, sustainable housing options. However, continued efforts will be needed to ensure the city’s housing supply keeps pace with its growing population.