The Trump administration announced on March 13 a new executive order aimed at reducing regulatory barriers that increase the cost of building homes in the United States. The order directs multiple federal agencies to review and revise existing requirements and programs that may delay or restrict residential development, with a focus on making housing more affordable for Americans.
The move is intended to address concerns that layers of regulation, slow permitting processes, and mandates at all levels of government have contributed to higher housing costs and limited access to homeownership. The administration said its policy is to reduce these barriers and promote housing affordability while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
Under the order, the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, along with the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, will examine rules related to stormwater management, wetlands protection, and other water-related permits. The goal is to streamline decision-making processes and reduce costs associated with construction permits under laws such as the Clean Water Act.
Other federal departments—including Commerce, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Transportation, Agriculture, Energy, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency—are instructed to consider eliminating or reforming rules that constrain residential development. This includes reviewing guidelines for economic development grants, transportation programs affecting communities, energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, and mortgage regulations impacting low-balance loans.
The executive order also calls for streamlining federal permitting requirements by providing guidance on environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and historic preservation reporting under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Additionally, HUD will develop best practices for state and local governments within 60 days to further encourage affordable housing construction by simplifying permitting processes and re-examining restrictions on manufactured or modular homes.
To boost investment in new residential construction in Opportunity Zones—areas designated for economic revitalization—the Treasury Department and HUD will evaluate ways to better align incentives such as tax credits with single-family home development. They will also assess opportunities to coordinate these incentives with existing programs like the New Markets Tax Credit.
The order specifies that it must be implemented consistent with applicable law and available funding. It clarifies that it does not create any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States.
