Mercatus Center

Research center at George Mason University

Appears in 1 story · Last updated Nov 8, 2026

Stories

One-third of US states pass housing reforms in 2026

Rule Changes

Published a 2026 menu of state housing reforms

Twenty-two US states now let a homeowner build a small second house in the backyard without a special permit. Four states passed such laws in 2026, and three more loosened rules they already had.

Updated 2 hours ago