Governor Greg Abbott signed three housing reform bills into law on August 18 at the Texas Capitol, targeting the state’s “housing affordability” crisis with measures that ease development restrictions.
The legislation removes barriers for smaller lot sizes, opens commercial zones to residential development, and reforms zoning protest rules. Supporters say the reforms create more flexibility for developers across Texas.
“Housing affordability is one of the key issues on the minds of Texans today,” Abbott said. “Thankfully, we have taken large steps to make the American dream of affording a home a reality.”
Senate Bill 15, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt and Rep. Gary Gates, prohibits cities from mandating unreasonably large lot sizes on unplatted tracts exceeding five acres. It also bars municipalities from imposing certain requirements on small lots, including excessive setbacks, covered parking, and permeable surface mandates beyond 30%.
Senate Bill 840, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Cole Hefner, opens office, retail, and warehouse zones in large cities to residential development. It also removes fees and requirements that previously blocked housing construction in commercial areas.
House Bill 24, authored by Rep. Angelina Orr, reforms what supporters have labeled the “tyrant’s veto,” a process that allowed property owners to block zoning changes through petitions. The measure is expected to make residential rezoning easier and increase housing density.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, the 89th Legislative Session placed heavy emphasis on “housing affordability”, with lawmakers pushing reforms to reduce development barriers and expand access to attainable housing statewide.
Abbott thanked lawmakers and housing advocates for “working to make Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” He was joined by Bettencourt, Hughes, Gates, Hefner, Orr, and housing policy advocates at the ceremony.