Bill > HB1859

This bill expands opportunities for affordable housing developments on properties owned by religious organizations by allowing cities and counties to grant increased density bonuses for such projects. Specifically, it requires that at least 50% of the development be for low-income households (those earning at or below 80% of the median family income) or at least 20% be for very low-income households (those earning at or below 50% of the median family income), with housing costs not exceeding 30% of their income. These affordability requirements must be maintained for at least 50 years through a binding obligation, even if the religious organization no longer owns the property. The bill also mandates that cities and counties develop policies to implement these provisions when requested by a religious organization, and clarifies that the religious organization or a leasing entity is responsible for all development costs. The bill defines "affordable housing development" as a structure where a specified percentage of units are set aside for low-income or very low-income households, and "religious organization" is defined by existing state law.