Governor Greg Abbott has signed three new laws aimed at addressing the housing shortage and improving affordability in Texas. The signing ceremony took place at the Texas Capitol, where Abbott was joined by several lawmakers and housing policy advocates.
“Housing affordability is one of the key issues on the minds of Texans today,” said Governor Abbott. “Thankfully, we have taken large steps to make the American dream of affording a home a reality. Thank you to all the lawmakers and housing advocates who continue working to make Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Senate Bill 15, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Gary Gates, restricts cities from requiring large lot sizes for homes built on unplatted tracts of land larger than five acres. The law also limits municipalities from imposing certain requirements such as setbacks, covered parking, more than one parking space per home, off-site parking mandates, restrictions on permeable surfaces above 30%, ceiling height minimums, maximum building bulk rules, or wall articulation standards for small lots.
Senate Bill 840, introduced by Senator Bryan Hughes and Representative Cole Hefner, permits mixed-use and multifamily developments in areas currently zoned for office, retail, or warehouse use. This change opens new areas for immediate residential development in large cities. The bill also removes some fees and requirements previously imposed by cities that could increase costs or slow down development.
House Bill 24, sponsored by Representative Angelina Orr and Senator Bryan Hughes, updates the valid petition process known as the “tyrant’s veto.” The reform aims to simplify zoning changes that would allow more residential development with increased supply and density.
The full bill signing ceremony can be viewed online.
