Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to facilitate and support residential development of affordable housing by religious organizations. It seeks to minimize local government restrictions and provide financial support for such projects, thereby addressing housing affordability issues.

Main Provisions

• Permitted Developments: Religious organizations can develop affordable housing projects with up to three units in any residential zone, eight units in non-single-family residential areas, twelve units in mixed-use or commercial zones, and larger projects in high-density or central business districts.
• Zoning and Density Requirements: Cities must allow these developments and may not impose excessive space requirements, height restrictions, or parking mandates. Density must be at least 1.25 times the existing permitted density.
• Dimensional Requirements: Specific lot sizes and building heights are stipulated for cities based on class, with reduced minimum requirements for livable space.
• Administrative Process: Cities must approve developments through an administrative process without public hearings. Religious organizations might need to hold up to two neighborhood meetings for community input.
• Legal Protections: Religious organizations can challenge local restrictions that impose a substantial burden on their projects, mandating a city review to justify or remove such restrictions.
• Private Remedies: Religious organizations can seek damages or injunctive relief in district court if their rights under this bill are violated.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill mandates that local governments reduce regulatory burdens on religious organizations developing affordable housing.
• Establishes clear administrative procedures, removing the need for public hearings and streamlining decision-making processes for project approvals.
• Provides grounds for religious organizations to legally challenge and suspend non-compliant local zoning rules.

Relevant Terms

• Affordable housing
• Religious organizations
• Zoning restrictions
• Administrative approvals
• Substantial burden
• Civil remedies