This bill, known as the Housing Supply Frameworks Act, aims to tackle the significant housing shortage in the United States, which is estimated to be 3.85 million homes as of 2022. Congress finds that regulatory barriers at the State and local levels, such as zoning and land use regulations, are major contributors to the undersupply of housing, particularly workforce housing. While State and local governments are exploring solutions, they often lack sufficient resources, data, and models to adequately address these complex challenges.

To address this, the bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, to publish comprehensive guidelines and best practices for State and local zoning frameworks within three years. These guidelines are intended to support the production of adequate housing and create opportunities for individuals across all income levels. During development, HUD must consult a diverse task force, including planners, developers, advocates, and community members, and solicit public comments.

The guidelines will include recommendations for various reforms, such as reducing parking minimums, increasing building heights, eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units, and increasing by-right uses for multi-family housing. They will also cover streamlining review processes, encouraging transit-oriented development, reforming public engagement, and addressing impact fees. Additionally, the guidelines will provide models for State enabling legislation, a State zoning appeals process, and best practices for the disposition of land for affordable housing.

The guidelines must consider fair housing and civil rights requirements, coordination between infrastructure investments and housing planning, and a range of affordability for rental and homeownership units. Five years after publication, HUD must report to Congress on the adoption of these recommendations by states and localities and their effect on building permits. The bill also abolishes the existing Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse and authorizes $3 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement its provisions.