Transit-oriented housing overlay districts; definitions, ordinances, report, sunset.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify which localities must establish the transit-oriented housing overlay districts.

Transit-Oriented Housing Overlay Districts

This bill requires certain localities to establish special housing zones near major public transit stops with specific building rules.

What This Bill Does

• Requires local governments to set up 'transit-oriented housing overlay districts' around qualifying areas within their boundaries, as defined in the bill.
• Within one-quarter mile of a major transit stop, buildings must be at least six stories tall and have an average density of 30 units per acre.
• Between one-quarter and one mile from a major transit stop, localities must allow two units per lot and four units on corner lots.
• Applications for housing developments in these zones are approved ministerially by the zoning administrator or other designated official without requiring public hearings.
• Certain areas within a locality can be excluded from the rules of this bill.

Who It Names or Affects

• Local governments that have major transit stops within their boundaries
• Developers and builders who want to build near transit stops

Terms To Know

transit-oriented housing overlay districts

Special zoning areas around public transportation stops where certain building rules apply.

major transit stop

A significant location on a public transportation route, such as a train station or bus hub.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify which localities must create these districts.
• Some areas within the localities can be excluded from the rules of this bill.
• This law will end on September 1, 2030 (it 'sunsets').

Official Summary Text

Transit-oriented housing overlay districts.
Requires certain localities to establish one or more transit-oriented housing overlay districts covering qualifying areas, as defined in the bill, within their boundaries. The bill provides that within such overlay districts, the locality shall permit, by right, a minimum height of six stories and a minimum average density of 30 units per acre within one-quarter of a mile of a major transit stop and allow two units per lot and four units per corner lot between one-quarter of a mile and one mile from a such a stop. The bill further provides that applications for such housing development shall be approved ministerially by the zoning administrator or other designated official and that no public hearing is required for approval. The bill allows certain areas within a locality to be excluded from its provisions and sunsets on September 1, 2030. The bill has a delayed effective date of September 1, 2027.

Current Bill Text

SB 717

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1. Line 38, engrossed, after
preclude

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at least 10 dwelling units per lot or

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2. Line 44, engrossed, after
service;

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and

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3. Line 45, engrossed, after
4.

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Any
existing land use applications or permits approved by the locality prior to September 1, 2027; and

5.

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4. After line 49, engrossed

insert

G. Nothing in this section shall apply to a locality that adopted an ordinance that substantially complies with the requirements of this section prior to January 1, 2026.

H. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict a locality's authority to adopt an ordinance that substantially complies with the requirements of this section prior to September 1, 2027.

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5. At the beginning of line 50, engrossed

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G

insert

I

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6. Line 51, engrossed, after
ordinance

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,
to be included with the local housing policy report required pursuant to §
36-139.9

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7. At the beginning of line 53, engrossed

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H

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J