Single-family zoning is another local government policy that is absolutely intended to constrain development, not improve safety.
I am in favor of finding ways to encourage more housing, but what you're calling for is essentially to invite favela housing in the developed world.
Also, the reason why Berlin hasn't had the same pressure is because it is one of the few cities in the developed world that has actually shrunk over a multi-decade period. It is very easy to limit population density when there is no pressure on housing. And, ofc, the historical division of the city meant that it had to develop more than one centre. These factors aside, afaik, the development of Berlin hasn't been exceptional...they built suburbs when there was pressure on housing in the early 20th century, built public transport, those suburbs eventually integrated into the city...very few cities have grown through greater intensity in the centre because cost is prohibitive, regardless of regulations.
Nothing to do with regulations, everything to do with historical circumstance (also, the guy you replying to is quite correct...if you actually look at housing regulations in the US, they have been a tool for racial/economic segregation...being real, that is why the limit on multi-family housing exists, the US has very low population density, saying they will become Delhi if they reduce regulations is hysterical).
> it's not as if building regulations have been developed for fun, it's largely in response to safety issues and so on.
But they're not. As you (now) say, they're for reducing development. The original statement about safety was substantially incorrect.
Parking requirements are about local traffic management as well. Set backs are about ensuring natural light. Some local regulation is about NIMBYism or HOAism, that sort of thing is where reform might be better addressed.
Mandating these things is some of that "local regulation tied into NIMBYism" you mention.
Developers will always attempt to skimp on quality to save/make more money. Even people building their own home will sometimes try to avoid compliance. That's why the regulations are there.
