The Department of Housing and Urban Development published an interim final rule Friday removing one step from its environmental review process for large, federally supported developments.
According to the rule, environmental assessments conducted by HUD staff on projects with more than 200 dwelling units will no longer need an additional review by the field environmental clearance officer. The change goes into effect June 22 and is meant to streamline affordable housing construction.
“Currently, the review and comment requirement in [HUD’s regulations] represents an extraneous step in the environmental review process,” the rule said. “This extra step in the review process has the potential to add processing time to projects that often have tight closing deadlines.”
The rule comes as the administration and lawmakers seek ways to ease restrictions on housing construction to address rising costs.
