Bill > H1175

This bill establishes a process for landowners of "constrained agricultural parcels" – which are defined as large, undeveloped, and actively farmed properties adjacent to existing development or protected lands – to seek amendments to their local government's comprehensive plan. The bill mandates a timeline for local governments and landowners to agree on a schedule for negotiations and requires them to negotiate in good faith for 180 days to reach an agreement on whether proposed land uses, densities, and intensities are consistent with the surrounding developed areas. If an amendment is consistent with these surrounding areas, it is presumed not to be "urban sprawl," which refers to the outward expansion of development into undeveloped areas, a presumption that can be overcome with strong evidence. Regardless of consensus, the local government must send the proposed amendment to the state land planning agency for review, and if the local government fails to do so within the timeframe, the landowner can submit it directly. The bill also limits a local government's ability to impose development restrictions that contradict these surrounding uses, with exceptions for protections related to military operations.