By the Numbers: Housing allowances

20

The number of states that have adopted laws in the past year meant to boost the supply of housing, according to a recent Mercatus Center report. With housing stocks stretched thin, local governments are experimenting with policies that loosen building codes, permit multiple dwellings per lot, and remove parking minimums that add to construction costs.

5

The number of states that moved toward allowing a single staircase in apartments of up to six floors. Most U.S. building codes require a second staircase for buildings over three stories.

1

The number of accessory dwelling units (e.g., granny flats or garage apartments) allowed per single-family home in some Colorado cities, under a May 2024 law signed by Gov. Jared Polis.

$200

The increase in monthly rent costs resulting from each additional parking space required by building codes, according to city officials in Austin, Texas, who last year repealed parking minimums.