Bill > SB1545

This bill, known as the "Yes In God's Backyard Act," allows faith-based organizations to apply to construct affordable housing projects on their own properties, aiming to address housing shortages and make housing more affordable by utilizing underused land. The act defines key terms like "affordable housing" as units for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for at least 30 years, and "ancillary uses" as supporting functions like childcare or community centers. Faith-based organizations must ensure their projects comply with building codes, nondiscrimination rules, and designate residential units as affordable housing, though a portion can be reserved for on-site staff or religious personnel. For mixed-use developments, at least 60% of the space must be residential, and ancillary uses must be accessible from an "active ground floor," meaning a public-facing or commercial area. Municipalities are required to approve or deny applications within 15 days through a "ministerial review," which is a straightforward process based on objective standards, and building permits must be issued within 60 business days, with municipalities prohibited from imposing conflicting zoning regulations or requirements beyond what would apply to similar projects built "by-right" (meaning without special permits). The bill also grants certain benefits, such as increased density, height allowances, and floor area ratios, for projects that include affordable housing, family-sized units, or preserve mature trees, and it eliminates minimum parking requirements. However, projects near heavy industrial zones or in designated environmental protection areas are ineligible, and municipalities can impose larger setbacks for sites near critical infrastructure. The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency will monitor compliance, and the Attorney General can take action against municipalities that fail to comply. The act takes effect immediately due to an declared emergency.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1545&Session=2600