Unlocking Small Multifamily Housing through Building Code Reform
A research report that uncovers how the current building code came to regulate small multifamily housing the same as much larger buildings, the cost implications of that approach, and reforms that could make a difference.
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Published by Boston Indicators
108 pages
2026
Our report dives into the barriers that the building code pose to creating more livable and affordable missing middle housing. Reforming its requirements, specifically for smaller buildings, is key to unlocking the potential of new upzoning initiatives in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and around the country.
It found that code requirements add up to 1/3 of total construction costs for small multifamily buildings. It also found that the code is a greater determinate than zoning in shaping the typologies and form of new multifamily housing. Many more insights are inside, including insights into the history of how the code developed, its impact on practice today, and how we might unlock more livable and walkable communities.
Research supported by the Boston Foundation
Published by Boston Indicators
Editorial Support & Research from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Read the Executive Summary
Full Report PDF
Coverage in the Media
It found that code requirements add up to 1/3 of total construction costs for small multifamily buildings. It also found that the code is a greater determinate than zoning in shaping the typologies and form of new multifamily housing. Many more insights are inside, including insights into the history of how the code developed, its impact on practice today, and how we might unlock more livable and walkable communities.
Research supported by the Boston Foundation
Published by Boston Indicators
Editorial Support & Research from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Read the Executive Summary
Full Report PDF
Coverage in the Media