Opinion: El Paso Needs Zoning Reform to Solve Housing Crisis and Stop Sprawl

Addressing the Housing Crisis Through Zoning Reform

El Paso is at a critical juncture in its development. The city has two clear paths: one that embraces thoughtful, sustainable growth and another that continues to expand outward, potentially weakening the core of the city. To ensure a thriving future for all residents, it’s essential to update outdated zoning laws that hinder progress and exacerbate the housing crisis.

One immediate step is to revise the city's zoning code by eliminating unnecessary parking mandates in specific areas and allowing more flexible housing options like accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These changes are set to be considered by the City Council during their meeting on Tuesday, August 19. This decision could have a significant impact on how El Paso grows and evolves.

The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. There is a shortage of 18,000 housing units in the city, and over 100,000 people are waiting for assistance from the Housing Authority. These numbers represent real people—families, seniors, and young individuals—who are struggling to find a place to call home within their own community. It is irresponsible to maintain outdated regulations that increase costs and limit the ability to build new housing.

The first proposed reform involves removing minimum off-street parking requirements in neighborhoods surrounding Downtown. Currently, every new construction project, whether it's an apartment complex, restaurant, or small shop, must include a certain number of parking spaces. These rules were created in an era when space was abundant and housing was affordable. Today, however, the situation is vastly different.

Parking spaces are costly to build, and when the law requires them even when they aren't needed, these expenses are often passed on to tenants or customers. This can make certain types of developments financially unfeasible. By reducing these mandates in the urban core, we can lower housing costs and allow businesses and housing to grow in a way that aligns with neighborhood needs.

This change does not eliminate off-street parking entirely; instead, it gives property owners the flexibility to decide whether they need parking spaces. If they or their tenants require parking, they can build accordingly. The market, rather than city regulations, would drive these decisions.

Another key reform is legalizing ADUs across the city and making it easier to construct them. These units, also known as casitas, offer families additional living space for aging parents, returning adult children, or renters who need affordable housing close to schools or work. They provide a practical and modest way to add housing without altering the character of a neighborhood.

Historically, ADUs were common in El Paso before zoning restrictions made them difficult to build. Many older neighborhoods still have these units, demonstrating their viability. Restoring this option can help meet current housing demands in a non-invasive manner, avoiding the need for large-scale developments that concentrate people and vehicles in one area.

The alternative to these reforms is continued sprawl, which drains the city’s resources and weakens its cohesion. Sprawl pulls residents, businesses, and tax dollars to the city's edges, leaving fewer resources for infrastructure and services in the core neighborhoods. As the city expands geographically, the cost of maintaining new infrastructure will continue to rise, further eroding affordability.

Other cities in Texas and across the country have already recognized the need for such changes. In 2023, Austin eliminated most parking minimums, and Dallas recently followed suit. San Antonio and Houston have also rolled back similar requirements in their urban cores. Nationally, over 50 U.S. cities, including Berkeley, Minneapolis, and San Jose, have taken similar steps to promote affordability and livability.

While these reforms won’t solve the housing crisis overnight, they are a necessary step toward creating a more affordable and resilient El Paso. Some may fear that these changes will drastically alter existing neighborhoods, but experience from other cities shows that such policies typically lead to smarter, more sustainable growth rather than rapid, radical change.

It’s time for El Paso to take action on a housing crisis that is already affecting thousands of residents. By reforming zoning laws, the city can foster growth that supports its core neighborhoods and ensures a more equitable future for all. If you have thoughts to share, you can email your comments to District8@elpasotexas.gov or CityClerk@elpasotexas.gov to be included in the official record.