Cities often have rules that increase sprawl and help cause the long commutes. Here are some: - Not allowing mixed residential/commercial/office - Setbacks from lot lines, especially front and side. They increase cost of roads, sewer, water, electric and increase commute times for... vague aesthetic reasons? The fire code thing is a non-issue if appropriate building techniques and materials are used. - Not allowing simple density improvements such as duplexes/triplex/quadplex or garage attic apartments.