HB816
Zoning; by-right multifamily residential development in areas zoned for commercial use.
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Jan. 30, 2026
Senate: Referred to Committee on Local Government
Chief Patron:
Dan Helmer (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Zoning; by-right multifamily development.
Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses on at least 75 percent of all land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications, including any land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications that allow ... (More) for the by-right development and construction of single-family residential uses. The bill provides that such provisions shall not apply in underdeveloped areas that are covered by a tree canopy of at least 60 percent, impose more stringent land use requirements for such development than would otherwise be required, or require that a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit be obtained for such development. The bill also (i) stipulates that the review and approval of such development shall be done administratively by the locality's staff; (ii) requires that the zoning ordinance provisions must exempt any proposed development that converts an existing building to a multifamily residential use from any setback, height, or frontage requirements; (iii) permits the zoning ordinance provisions to require any proposed development to dedicate some or all of its ground floor space to commercial uses; and (iv) provides that any proposed residential development that dedicates a minimum of 10 percent of the total number of housing units to affordable housing may be offered application incentives by the locality. The bill also prohibits localities from approving any commercial or business use on a property adjacent to the approved multifamily residential development that is different from the use that had been established at the time the multifamily residential development was approved. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/13/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103929D
- 01/13/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- 01/20/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact statement From CLG (1/20/2026 3:14 pm)
- 01/20/2026 - House: Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #2
- 01/21/2026 - House: Placed on Counties, Cities and Towns Agenda
- 01/22/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 01/22/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 1-N)
- 01/22/2026 - House: Placed on Counties, Cities and Towns Agenda
- 01/23/2026 - House: House committee offered
- 01/23/2026 - House: Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with amendment(s) (14-Y 6-N)
- 01/27/2026 - House: Read first time
- 01/28/2026 - House: Read second time
- 01/28/2026 - House: committee amendments agreed to
- 01/28/2026 - House: Engrossed by House as amended
- 01/29/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (64-Y 35-N 0-A) Close Floor Vote
- 01/30/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- 01/30/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on Local Government
