Bill > HB313

This bill creates a new grant program through the Ohio Department of Development to incentivize townships and municipal corporations to adopt pro-housing policies that increase housing availability and affordability. Municipalities can apply for grants by implementing at least three pro-housing policies, which include reducing parking requirements, allowing multi-unit dwellings, repealing minimum lot sizes, subsidizing housing infrastructure, expediting permit processes, and supporting accessory dwelling units. Grants will be awarded annually to the first fifty qualifying municipalities, with no single municipality receiving more than 15% of available funds. At least 25% of funds will be reserved for municipalities implementing six or more pro-housing policies. Recipients must use at least half of the grant funds for specific housing-related purposes such as providing capital for housing development, supporting first-time homebuyers, funding home repairs for low-income homeowners, and protecting tenants. The bill appropriates $50 million from the General Revenue Fund for this Housing Accelerator program in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with unspent funds to be reappropriated. Municipalities that improperly use grant funds will be ineligible for future grants for five years.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb313