Should the federal government grade every state and city on its zoning rules? 

Published November 3, 2025 6:00am ET



Bureaucrats in Washington would review the land-use regulations of every state and city in the United States under legislation advancing quickly to President Donald Trump’s desk.

The plan to have Uncle Sam essentially grade the zoning rules of localities is part of legislation supported by both sides of the aisle as a response to rising housing costs. That broader legislation, the ROAD to Housing Act, passed the Senate in early October as part of the annual defense bill.

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