WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today announced the creation of the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse (www.regbarriers.org), a step that is designed to create more affordable housing opportunities. The new web-based forum will offer builders and developers from around the country the ability to share ideas and solutions for overcoming state and local regulatory barriers to affordable housing.

"The Bush Administration is committed to creating 5.5 million new homeowners by the end of the decade and increasing the supply of affordable housing is the key to making the dream of homeownership a reality for more people," said Martinez who made the announcement today in Washington, DC at the Home Ownership Summit 2002. "Our hope is that by sharing development ideas from throughout the country, we will expose other communities to solutions that can assist them in increasing their affordable housing stock."

Users can search the database by state, by the published date of an entry, by entering a keyword, or by searching the 10 barrier categories:

• Administrative processes & streamlining;
• Building & housing codes;
• Fair housing & neighborhood deconcentration;
• Fees & dedications (impact fees & permit costs);
• Planning & growth restrictions;
• Redevelopment / infill;
• Rent controls;
• State & local environmental and historic preservation regulations / enforcement process;
• Tax policies; and,
• Zoning, land development, construction, and subdivision regulations

The Clearinghouse supports state and local governments, builders, community planners, non-profits, and the American public seeking information about laws, regulations, and policies affecting the development, maintenance, improvement, availability, and cost of affordable housing.

Services offered by the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse include:

• A searchable database of publications, local laws, regulations, policies, and plans that identifies problem areas and offers possible solutions based on real-world experiences;
• A toll-free number (1-800-245-2691, option 4) staffed by housing professionals familiar with regulatory barrier issues and the clearinghouse collection;
• A "listserve" wherein publications and announcements will be emailed to keep interested constituents informed;
• A submission section that enables practitioners to share their experiences in identifying - and overcoming - the regulatory barriers to affordable housing;
• An electronic newsletter that highlights successful barrier removal strategies and policies, including a brief list of sources for further information; and
• A discussion board (in development) that will facilitate information sharing in the context of an on-line community.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov.