The Strong Towns Podcast Housing Q&A: 16 Questions on Incremental Housing Development
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Oct 30, 2025 Housing reform gets real as city leaders grapple with pressing questions. Discover how walkability can reshape neighborhoods and the importance of small incremental developers. Chuck Marohn tackles the challenges of zoning reform and high land values while highlighting the potential of DIY projects. Explore practical solutions like accessory bedrooms and backyard cottages to boost entry-level housing. Delve into strategies to normalize duplexes and navigate the tension between large developments and small units in the housing market.
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Small Units Are The Core Product
- Entry-level units include converted bedrooms with exterior access, backyard cottages, and small starter homes.
- These small units are low-cost, fast to build, and can scale housing supply quickly.
Allow Short-Term Rentals As Transitional Tools
- Encourage owner-occupant and incremental-market uses even if some units temporarily become short-term rentals.
- Use short-term rentals strategically to help early builders bridge market risk and grow the ecosystem.
Use Pre-Approved Plans To Cut Permitting Time
- Use pre-approved building plans to speed permitting and give builders certainty.
- Treat pre-approved plans and missing-middle zoning as separate but complementary strategies.
