Bill > H2347

This bill proposes significant zoning and tax policy changes to encourage multifamily housing development on land owned by religious organizations. Specifically, the bill prevents local governments from prohibiting or excessively restricting multifamily housing on religious-owned land, and establishes detailed guidelines for such developments. Under the proposed law, religious organizations can build housing "as of right" with generous density allowances - up to 30-50 units per acre depending on the percentage of affordable units included. The bill mandates reduced parking requirements, particularly for properties near public transit, and allows for up to 20% local occupancy preference and 5% of units reserved for religious organization employees. Height restrictions are flexible, allowing structures up to 4 stories or 45 feet, and local municipalities can optionally grant full property tax exemptions for these housing developments. Key terms like "religious sect or denomination" are broadly defined to include organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS or state revenue departments. The bill aims to address housing shortages by leveraging underutilized land owned by religious organizations and incentivizing affordable housing development through streamlined zoning and potential tax benefits.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2347