Single-Family Zoning
Definition
Zoning laws restricting areas to detached single-family homes only, prohibiting duplexes, apartments, and other housing types. Originated in 1920s as exclusionary tool and now drives housing costs up while limiting options.
Louisville Context
Louisville zones 75% of residential land for single-family only—illegal to build a duplex even on large lots. This creates: housing shortage (limiting supply), sprawl (forcing development outward), segregation (concentrating affordable housing in limited areas), and high costs (artificial scarcity). Most Louisville neighborhoods with single-family zoning contain pre-existing duplexes and apartments built before restrictive zoning.
Why It Matters
Single-family-only zoning is government deciding you can’t build a duplex on your own property or rent out a basement apartment. It restricts housing supply, drives costs up, forces sprawl, and maintains segregation. Most ‘character’ neighborhoods people love were built before these restrictions.
Dave’s Proposal
End single-family-only zoning. Allow missing middle housing (duplexes, townhomes, small apartments) throughout Louisville while maintaining neighborhood character through design standards, not arbitrary housing-type bans.