Bill > H1159

This bill establishes "connected-city corridors" as a new type of development plan designed to foster high-technology industry and innovation through local government-led initiatives. These corridors aim to promote cleaner environments, limit urban sprawl by encouraging diverse and interconnected communities with various housing options, protect natural areas, ensure efficient resource use, and create jobs by supporting alternative transportation networks. Amendments to these connected-city corridor plans will be reviewed and approved solely by local governments, and developments within these designated geographic boundaries will be exempt from the state's Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review process, which is a state-level assessment of a project's potential impact on surrounding areas. Additionally, the bill clarifies that community development districts, which are special districts created to provide a range of public improvements and services, can be established within these corridors regardless of their size, and it outlines a process for affected individuals to challenge the compliance of these plan amendments through the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).