Housing experts say Utah needs to build more starter homes

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah still ranks as one of the top ten most expensive states to buy a home in the U.S. However according to housing experts, building more starter homes could potentially combat this problem.

One of the biggest problems right now is that more than 80% of Utahns can’t afford the average new home, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

Jason Wheeler, Executive Director of the ASSIST Inc. Community Design Center, is just one expert saying we need to build smaller, more affordable starter homes. But right now it’s not as easy as putting shovels into the ground. There are barriers.

Zoning rules are one of those barriers. Wheeler said some state zoning rules make it harder to get developments going.

He also thinks making more dense, walkable communities could help.

“We need to have a framework in place that will allow us to exercise creativity for designed solutions that can improve density and, through design, lower the cost of housing.”

Steve Waldrip, senior advisor for housing strategy and innovation at the governor’s office, made a similar point. He said more dense, walkable communities with amenities around them could help.

But he also said that not everyone is on board with that idea.

“Density is a four-letter word, no matter how you spell it. In Utah and other communities, we see a lot of pushback [from homeowners] based on fear,” Waldrip said.

Waldrip also thinks lawmakers should push back on that fear.

Related:

• Competition doubles for certain housing rentals in Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City funds new, affordable senior housing community in Sugar House
• How some Utah cities are using accessory dwelling units to combat high housing prices
• New study connects housing affordability with health
• West side housing project looks to add more low-income apartments to Salt Lake City

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