The Digital Press

Height restrictions in many U.S. cities increase construction costs and limit housing supply, driving up prices and reducing available housing. A study by Eriksen and Orlando shows sharp cost jumps at certain story heights that influence developers' building choices.

Why it matters: Height limits restrict taller, more cost-efficient housing, causing significant housing shortages and higher rents.

The big picture: Developers prefer taller buildings in expensive areas, but restrictions push them to build shorter, less efficient structures.

Stunning stat: A 4-story height limit can reduce housing square footage by up to 300% where 12-story buildings are otherwise preferred.

Commenters say: Most agree height limits artificially inflate prices, emphasizing the need to reform zoning to increase housing availability.