Bill > A06283

This bill introduces the "Sustainable Affordable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act," which significantly modifies environmental review requirements for new residential housing developments. The legislation creates exemptions and limited review processes for multiple dwelling construction projects that meet specific criteria, such as being located in urban areas, on previously disturbed land, and qualifying as affordable housing. The bill establishes different thresholds for residential unit numbers based on municipal population size, allowing automatic environmental review exemptions for projects ranging from fewer than 10 to 1,000 units depending on the locality. To qualify for these exemptions, proposed developments must undergo various assessments, including environmental site evaluations, testing for hazardous materials, certifications from environmental professionals, and meet specific building standards like LEED certification or energy efficiency requirements. The bill also includes provisions to prevent disproportionate environmental impacts in disadvantaged communities and limits certain types of environmental review considerations, such as assessments of neighborhood character or building shadows. Additionally, the legislation requires developers to publicly share project certifications and environmental testing results, and grants the commissioner of environmental conservation authority to create implementing regulations in consultation with housing authorities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6283