Bill > HB2719

This bill requires municipalities with populations of 75,000 or more to authorize and incorporate middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes) as a permitted use in specific areas by January 1, 2026, specifically on lots zoned for single-family residential use within one mile of the central business district and on at least 20% of new developments over ten contiguous acres. The bill restricts municipalities from discouraging middle housing development through overly burdensome regulations, such as limiting housing types to two floors, imposing stricter permitting processes than those for single-family homes, requiring owner occupancy, mandating commercial building codes, or requiring more than one parking space per unit. Importantly, the bill includes several exemptions for areas with limited urban services, historic districts, areas near airports, and lands with specific zoning designations. If a municipality fails to adopt these regulations by the specified date, middle housing will be automatically allowed on all single-family residential lots without limitations. The bill also provides clear definitions for terms like "middle housing," "household," and "central business district" to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation across municipalities.