There has been an uptick in construction and home sales in the state of Massachusetts. A growing population often brings about corresponding legislation. Thus a housing market boom may affect building regulations, among other things. Here’s a look at how and why this may occur.
Increased Home Values
A market boom is synonymous with rising prices. The hotter the housing market gets, the more properties sell for and the more demand there is for new properties. Open spaces often get filled with new construction. Smaller or older buildings may purchased and torn down to construct larger ones. As this occurs, cities often re-evaluate zoning regulations, building regulations, and the process for reviewing and approving building permits. This allows cities to somewhat manage the type and speed of development activity.
Population Density and Municipal Services
When zoning regulations are created, a town or city’s resources are taken into account. As population grows, it can directly impact the municipal services in place. Things like water, sewage, road maintenance, transportation services, and schools are often re-evaluated to adapt to population needs. Zoning and building regulations may change to enable cities to better provide those services or to minimize the strain on systems.
Closing Thoughts on How the Housing Boom May Affect Local Building Regulations
While we can’t predict if the population of Massachusetts will continue to grow at the current rate, we can guess that the housing market boom may effect local building regulations, as it has in the past. In areas like Arlington, MA, home values and populations have increased significantly in recent years. Cities and towns must work to adapt to those changes through zoning and building code changes. It’s through such efforts that cities can continue to thrive and welcome new residents.
