Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse

It was created in response to the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 and in recognition that as much as a third of the cost of a new home is driven by state and local regulations.

RBC maintains a[1] searchable online database, which categorizes actual state and local regulatory reform strategies that support affordable housing.

Database entries are divided into the following 10 categories: administrative processes, building and housing codes, fair housing and neighborhood deconcentration, fees and dedications, planning and growth restrictions, redevelopment/infill, rent controls, state/local environment and historic rules, tax policies, and zoning and land development.

RBC’s webpage hosts a This Just In section that highlights a variety of useful and interesting database entries, and the Strategy of the Month Club, a bimonthly listserv that features new and innovative approaches to overcoming regulatory barriers.

The Clearinghouse publishes a free bimonthly e-newsletter, Breakthroughs,[2] which contains successful strategies for overcoming regulatory barriers to affordable housing.