Bill > HB4398

This bill addresses municipal permitting requirements for affordable housing projects in Texas cities with populations over 100,000. Specifically, the bill requires these municipalities to expedite the building permit review process for affordable housing projects, which are defined as developments that have received low income housing tax credits. Under this legislation, municipalities must review and respond to building permit applications for such projects in half the time normally allotted for residential building permit applications. If a municipality already has an accelerated permit review process, affordable housing projects must be allowed to use that process. The bill is careful to note that it only applies to the building permit process and does not affect municipal zoning regulations. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to building permit applications submitted on or after that date. The goal appears to be streamlining and accelerating the permit process for affordable housing developments to potentially increase the speed and ease of creating low-income housing in larger Texas cities.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4398