Are Zoning District Borders Color Lines? How Lot Size Requirements Alter Neighborhood Racial Composition (with Been)
Joint with Vicki Been (NYU)
Abstract
We study how minimum lot size (MLS) requirements affected the racial composition of
neighborhoods since 1980. We generate a new database of the borders within local
governments where we predict changes in lot size requirements. Applying dynamic
border discontinuity designs over the national database, we produce causal estimates
that vary over the regulations' particular characteristics. Data-driven clustering
identifies which of the regulations most impact racial diversity: MLS requirements
that are at least 5000 square feet larger than prevailing density patterns nearby,
lowering allowed density by 3 units/acre. Our results show that those requirements
persistently stymied racial integration over the following decades.