PUDs: A tool for lower cost housing development?

A Planned Unit Development is a zoning tool that allows for greater flexibility in land use planning that is managed through an application process. By combining various land uses and densities within a single development, PUDs can provide a unique opportunity to create affordable housing.

How PUDs work
Traditional zoning often restricts land use to specific categories, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. This can limit the potential for innovative development and make it difficult to create local worker housing. PUDs, on the other hand, allow for a mix of uses within a single development, such as residential units, retail spaces, and open green spaces. This flexibility can lead to more efficient land use, reduced development costs, and increased affordability.

Benefits of PUDs for housing
• Mixed density: By allowing for higher densities, PUDs can help to reduce the overall cost per unit. This is because the cost of infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, can be spread across a larger number of units.
• Shared amenities: PUDs often include shared amenities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, open space and shared community buildings. These amenities can help to reduce the overall cost of living for residents.
• Innovative design: PUDs can encourage innovative design and development techniques. This can lead to more efficient use of space and reduced construction costs.
• Mixed-use development: By combining residential, commercial and other land uses, PUDs can create vibrant, walkable communities. This can reduce the need for residents to rely solely on cars, which can help to lower transportation costs and arterial traffic congestion.

Challenges and considerations
While PUDs offer an opportunity to create local worker housing, there are also some challenges to consider. One challenge is the potential for PUDs to be used to create high-end, luxury developments, that don’t aid in the local worker housing crisis. Support for strong zoning and solid agreements with development organizations is necessary if a PUD tool is to be an asset for a community workforce.
Another challenge is the need for careful planning and coordination. PUDs require careful consideration of factors such as density, land use, and infrastructure. Failure to plan effectively can lead to negative impacts on the surrounding community. There are many examples of successful PUDs that will be explored in upcoming features.
PUDs offer a valuable tool for creating local worker housing as well as vibrant, efficient, livable neighborhoods for all. By allowing for greater flexibility in land use planning, PUDs can help to reduce development costs, increase density, and create vibrant, walkable communities. However, it is important to have clear regulations, agreements and careful planning in place to ensure that PUDs can be used as a successful tool in managing housing for all.

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Kiki Miller is a Coeur d’Alene City Council member and founding member of the Housing Solutions Partnership.