D.C. would study the costs and rules for building housing

The Mayor would hire an independent reviewer to study housing costs and rules. Comparisons would cover D.C., ten named Maryland and Virginia communities, and similar high-cost places nationwide. The reviewer would explain its national comparisons and measure costs, permit times, and the number of homes permitted and completed where possible. The requirements would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override, a 30-day congressional review, and publication in the D.C. Register.

The reviewer would recommend changes to D.C. rules and processes to reduce building costs. The study would estimate each government requirement’s added cost or permit delay. The review would check whether burdens are unique to D.C. or much greater than in comparison places and whether public benefits justify them. The Mayor would send the study to the Council within 30 days of completion. No deadline is set for finishing the study.