A Utah City Combats Water Shortage and Rising Housing Prices

May 24, 2022  

A Utah City Combats Water Shortage and Rising Housing Prices

The In Depth section on HUD User’s Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse (RBC) takes a closer look at innovative state and local strategies, activities, and plans to mitigate the impacts of regulations on the development of affordable housing. Each In Depth article highlights a particular plan, ordinance, or strategy in the RBC database and elaborates on aspects such as the approval process, stakeholder participation, and the progress made in reducing regulatory barriers.

Coinciding with a megadrought, the influx of households moving from more expensive cities to Oakley, Utah, created a spike in housing demand. In May 2021, Oakley enacted a temporary moratorium on all new developments that would require a new connection to the city’s water system or an extension of an existing one. The city is, however, committed to lifting the moratorium as soon as a reliable water supply is secured. Moreover, city officials have adopted policies to increase the housing supply and encourage diverse housing types, including multifamily housing. In addition, the zoning code was revised to require certain developments to include affordable units.

Visit HUD User’s RBC In Depth page to learn more about Oakley’s moratorium and housing policies, as well as other plans and initiatives that state and local governments have enacted to reduce impediments to affordable housing.