Bill > SB844

This bill modifies Texas local government code procedures related to zoning changes, introducing several key provisions. It defines a "proposed comprehensive zoning change" as a municipal proposal that allows more residential development uniformly across districts, adopts a new zoning code, or creates a zoning overlay along major roadways. The bill requires municipalities to publish zoning hearing notices not only in a newspaper but also on their website, if they have one. For non-comprehensive zoning changes, the bill establishes new protest procedures where property owners can challenge proposed changes by submitting written protests signed by specific percentages of landowners. Depending on the type of protest, the zoning change would require either a three-fourths or simple majority vote to pass. The bill also creates a presumption of validity for zoning changes that increase residential development, meaning such changes become legally conclusive if no challenge is filed within 60 days of their effective date. These modifications aim to increase transparency in local zoning processes and provide clearer guidelines for how municipalities can modify zoning regulations. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to zoning proposals made on or after that date.