Homeowners sometimes contend that their property values will be reduced if low income families are given access to their community. Others counter that this is thinly-concealed classism.

Libertarians and those advocating strict interpretations of private property rights are also typically critical of inclusionary zoning. They see government intervention into the private sphere as inefficient and unneccesary. They typically argue that exorbitant housing costs are primarily the result of government regulation in the first place.

Affordable housing advocates seek to promote the policies in order to ensure that housing is available for variety of income levels in more places. The clash between these various interests is reflected in this study published by the libertarian-leaning Reason Foundation's public policy think tank, and the response of a peer review of that research. Local govenments reflect and in some cases balance these competing interests. In California, the League of Cities has created a guide to inclusionary zoning which includes a section on the pros and cons of the policies.

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