Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland

Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy and James Allan Jones

No 12, Working Papers from University of Auckland, Economic Policy Center (EPC)

Abstract: In 2016, Auckland implemented a large-scale zoning reform to encourage medium density infill housing. This paper describes the institutional processes preceding the reform, quantifies the changes in land use across the metropolitan area, and documents subsequent changes in residential housing starts. We show that approximately three-quarters of residential land was upzoned, predominantly in areas close to transportation network access, and between five and twenty-five kilometres of the central business district (CBD). Six years on from the reform, housing starts have increased; are located closer to the CBD, employment locations, and transportation network access points, and; are predominantly infill and attached housing. Spatial decompositions show that these patterns are exclusively driven by changes in housing starts in upzoned areas.

Keywords: Upzoning; Land Use Regulations; Redevelopment; Urban Development; Housing Starts; Infill Housing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R14 R31 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-12
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https://www.auckland.ac.nz/assets/business/012WP.pdf

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Journal Article: Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland (2025)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cyc:wpaper:012

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