Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act

This bill aims to address the U.S. housing shortage (estimated at 3.89 million homes as of 2021) by helping states and local governments reduce regulatory barriers to housing construction. It requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide technical assistance, create guidelines for zoning reforms, and establish research programs focused on increasing housing supply, particularly for low- and moderate-income households. The bill includes provisions for creating pre-approved designs for affordable housing structures (like duplexes and accessory dwelling units) and digitizing zoning codes to make reform efforts more efficient. It specifically targets zoning regulations that restrict housing opportunities based on economic status, while ensuring local governments retain authority over zoning decisions. The bill authorizes $10 million annually for technical assistance and $3.5 million for zoning mapping research through fiscal year 2029.