Forget Zillow. Vermonters are ... Note
Fast Company

Forget Zillow. Vermonters are fighting the housing crisis with catalogs

One state is proactively approving home designs in advance to accelerate housing construction. Vermont is launching "802 Homes," a catalog of 10 free, pre-approved home blueprints early next year. These designs will expedite the zoning process, addressing the national shortage of 10 million homes, particularly starter homes. Vermont's initiative is among the first statewide programs of its kind, with other local governments also adopting similar approaches to reduce costs and delays. Approximately 40 U.S. jurisdictions currently utilize pre-approved building plan programs, demonstrating their effectiveness. Vermont's designs prioritize affordability, versatility, and align with the "missing middle" housing needs, while maintaining a distinct Vermont aesthetic. The catalog includes diverse housing types, from single-family homes to multifamily units, featuring traditional Vermont architectural elements. These homes are adaptable for both off-site prefab and traditional on-site construction methods. The program aims to deliver quality, affordable housing more rapidly, drawing inspiration from historical catalog home sales but tailored to modern needs. This statewide approach, if successful, could significantly address the ongoing housing crisis.
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