State Senator Jonathan Lindsey has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to address Michigan’s shortage of affordable housing. At a recent press conference in Lansing, the legislators outlined new proposals aimed at lowering housing costs and reducing regulatory barriers that impact home availability.
“It’s such a common phrase in Lansing these days, but it’s a very real issue, that costs are simply too high for most families — and it’s especially felt when trying to find housing,” said Lindsey, R-Coldwater. “This is partially a government-induced problem from overregulation, complicated zoning and red tape. We have a group of people with a very common, very agreeable goal that are working on eliminating these barriers and producing meaningful changes.”
The proposed reforms target regulation costs, which lawmakers say can add up to about $94,000 to the price of constructing a new home. The legislative package seeks to eliminate complex zoning rules and other restrictions seen as obstacles to increasing housing supply.
“I’m very much supportive of reining in regulatory burdens and red tape across all of state government,” Lindsey said. “This isn’t the only area where government regulations are stifling growth, but housing is one of the more glaring examples and is one that we should all agree on. We cannot grow as a state if people have nowhere to live.”
Key elements of the proposals include removing burdensome zoning requirements, reducing minimum parking space mandates, encouraging efficient land use in new developments, and lowering minimum square footage rules so smaller starter homes can be built.
Additionally, the bills propose streamlining local approval processes by setting standards for municipal governments when reviewing development requests. This includes introducing a 60-day deadline for decisions on development applications and mandating site plan approval if all requirements are met.
“I was grateful to be involved with the press conference and plan to be a very active partner in getting support for these bills in the Senate,” Lindsey said.
