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Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland

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  • Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy

    (University of Auckland, New Zealand)

  • James Allan Jones

    (University of Auckland, New Zealand)

Abstract

In 2016, Auckland implemented a widespread upzoning to encourage medium density infill housing. This article describes the institutional processes preceding the reform, quantifies the changes in land use across the metropolitan area and documents subsequent changes in residential housing starts. We show that approximately three-quarters of residential land was upzoned, predominantly in areas close to transportation network access, and between 5 and 25 km of the central business district (CBD). Six years on from the reform, housing starts have increased; are located closer to the CBD, employment locations and transportation network access points; and are predominantly infill and attached housing. Spatial decompositions show that these patterns are exclusively driven by changes in housing starts in upzoned areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy & James Allan Jones, 2025. "Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 62(12), pages 2415-2435, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:62:y:2025:i:12:p:2415-2435
    DOI: 10.1177/00420980241311521
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