Zoning Alternatives to Penalizing Homelessness

Summary

The report discusses zoning alternatives to penalizing homelessness, including allowing uses by-right in specific zones, authorizing accessory or ancillary uses, developing special overlay districts, and providing planned unit development options. It highlights the importance of considering the role of planning processes and policies in contributing to the homelessness crisis and how zoning can help prevent unsheltered homelessness in the future and curb criminalization. The report also emphasizes the need for planners and officials to consider their ethics, values, and commitment to equity when addressing homelessness.

Details

Subject

Zoning Alternatives to Penalizing Homelessness

Summary

The report discusses zoning alternatives to penalizing homelessness, including allowing uses by-right in specific zones, authorizing accessory or ancillary uses, developing special overlay districts, and providing planned unit development options. It highlights the importance of considering the role of planning processes and policies in contributing to the homelessness crisis and how zoning can help prevent unsheltered homelessness in the future and curb criminalization. The report also emphasizes the need for planners and officials to consider their ethics, values, and commitment to equity when addressing homelessness.

Report Date

2026-01-01

Report Type

study

Report Title

Zoning Alternatives to Penalizing Homelessness

Authoring Body

American Planning Association

Reporting Period

2024-2026