Bill > SB2477

This bill establishes new regulations for converting office buildings to mixed-use or multifamily residential spaces in certain Texas municipalities with populations over 150,000. The legislation prohibits municipalities from imposing various restrictions on such conversions, including requiring additional traffic studies, mandating extra parking spaces, limiting residential density (capped at 36 units per acre), or demanding utility upgrades beyond minimum service needs. The bill defines mixed-use residential as developments where residential uses comprise at least 65% of total square footage, and multifamily residential as sites with three or more dwelling units. Municipalities are prevented from requiring zoning changes, imposing more restrictive building design requirements than the International Building Code, or charging impact fees except under specific circumstances. The bill also provides a mechanism for housing organizations or affected parties to take legal action against municipalities that do not comply with these provisions, with courts required to award attorney's fees to prevailing claimants. Notably, the bill applies only to buildings at least five years old and excludes conversions near heavy industrial sites or military bases. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and is designed to streamline the process of converting underutilized office spaces into residential housing.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2477