Impact of urban planning and land use policies on housing affordability in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/mjrdp.vol15no1.174Keywords:
Urban planning, Land use policy, Housing affordability, Urban development, Planning regulationsAbstract
This study examined the impact of urban planning and land use policies on housing affordability in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of urban planning regulations on housing affordability, assess how land use policies influence the cost and availability of housing, and evaluate the relationship between land development patterns and access to affordable housing in Calabar Metropolis. The study adopted a survey research design. The findings showed that increased land costs accounted for 20.3 percent of the major planning regulation factors affecting housing affordability, while increased development costs represented 18.8 percent. Lengthy permitting and approval processes were identified by 22.1 percent of respondents as the most significant factor delaying housing development. Urban growth boundaries accounted for 20.3 percent of land use policies affecting housing costs, while single family zoning restrictions represented 20.3 percent of policies limiting the availability of affordable housing. High density development (18.8 percent) and mixed-use development (18.0 percent) were identified as development patterns that improve access to affordable housing. Proximity to services that reduces transportation costs accounted for 20.3 percent of responses. It concludes that restrictive planning regulations and land use policies contribute significantly to housing affordability challenges. It recommends policy reforms that simplify planning procedures, promote flexible land use policies, and encourage high density housing development.Downloads
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