Exploring variations in local land use regulations in the US: What matters and at what level?

Abstract

While the geography of land use control is shaped by various forces operating at multiple levels, how land use is regulated in the U.S. has been examined with a narrow focus on either intraregional variation (within a single region) or aggregate differences between regions. This article presents an investigation of the geographical distribution of land use control with explicit consideration of both local and regional factors. Using data from two nation-wide surveys and other sources of information, it shows that substantial variation exists not only between regions but also within regions, calling for more attention to what matters and at what level. It is also found that the multilevel determinants of land use regulations are not uniform across regulation types. While low-density zoning is largely determined by local factors with limited interregional variation, a higher level of heterogeneity between regions is detected for impact fees and affordable housing requirements.