By James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
The Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® (KCRAR) has released its Model Attainable Homeownership Ordinance, an adaptable framework designed to help local governments expand housing opportunity, modernize development processes and strengthen pathways to homeownership. Developed by the KCRAR Public Policy Committee, this ordinance is the second in a series of model policies created to support and advance the 2026 Local Policy Agenda.
The ordinance offers communities practical tools to increase the supply of attainable homes. It broadens housing choice by authorizing Missing Middle Housing—such as duplexes and small-scale multifamily—in areas where single-family homes are already permitted. It also allows Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across all residential zones, giving homeowners and cities a flexible way to introduce attainable housing options without disrupting neighborhood character.
To reduce barriers and create predictable processes, the ordinance establishes ministerial approval pathways for projects that meet clear, objective standards. This approach eliminates subjective design review, shortens approval timelines, and helps lower development costs—benefits that directly support homebuyers and residents.
The ordinance also equips cities with strategies to repurpose underused properties. It provides guidance for converting vacant commercial buildings into new housing, encourages the formation or expansion of land banks, and outlines a framework for responsibly returning surplus public land to productive use, including attainable and workforce housing.
Recognizing the importance of supporting local workers, the ordinance includes a voluntary Workforce Housing program that offers incentives in exchange for housing attainable to essential workers such as teachers, healthcare professionals and first responders.
Throughout, the ordinance emphasizes clarity, fairness and property rights. All standards must be objective and measurable, ensuring communities can welcome new housing without imposing unnecessary burdens on residents or developers.
With this Model Attainable Homeownership Ordinance—now the second in KCRAR’s ongoing series—KCRAR provides local governments with a ready-to-use policy blueprint that aligns with regional goals, strengthens neighborhoods and expands homeownership opportunities for households across the Kansas City region.
