MONTPELIER — Hoping to draw some attention to the rezoning process and “barriers to new housing” in Montpelier, the city has organized a design competition.

Students, architects, designers and any citizen can participate in the contest to design a building for a specific Montpelier lot.

The contest has four categories, two of which deal with “infill” lots. That refers to land between existing buildings.

The zoning ordinance being drafted will increase the density allowed in areas where housing is already built, the city said in a news release, so new building lots could be carved out of existing lots more easily.

The new zoning rules are expected, among other things, to encourage more high-density development in accordance with the city’s master plan adopted in 2010.

“We hope that the competition will inspire new housing development,” the announcement said, “and will give us invaluable feedback about current regulatory hurdles to new housing in Montpelier.”

Prizes range from $200 to $2,000 and recognition as a winner. For more information, see the contest announcement with this story at www.timesargus.com.