As expected, eight out of nine councillors supported bans on single- and two-family zones, dubbed “exclusionary zoning,” to address a housing affordability crisis.

Cambridge has enacted one of the most aggressive pro-housing zoning measures undertaken by a U.S. city in recent years: It will now allow the construction of four-story residential buildings citywide.

The Cambridge City Council Monday approved a measure that eliminates single family zoning and clears the way for increased density as the state seeks to address its housing crunch. Cambridge is the first in Massachusetts to take the step which allows four story residential buildings to be built as of right,